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• Kolaktta: Shri Firhad Hakim urges CII to work hand in hand with Government to improve infrastructure scenario of state. India has emerged as the largest Infrastructure PPP Destination in the world ahead of China: says Mr, Vinayak Chatterjee, Chairman, Feedback Infrastructure Services. Confederation of Indian Industry organized Infra East which addressed certain concerns and issues in the Indian infrastructure domain today in Kolkata.

• Shri Firhad Hakim, Hon’ble Minister of Urban Development & Municipal Affairs, Government of West Bengal in his inaugural speech clearly denoted that Government is keen on working in corroboration with industry to augment the growth of infrastructure in the state. The Urban Development department has issues of development of urban infrastructure and slum development high on its agenda. The Government is charting up significant investment initiatives and evolving policies on rejuvination of slum areas. An estimated amount of about Rs 1200 crores is to be spent initially for this purpose. Shri Hakim opined that unless common man can be provided with purchasing power comprehensive growth is not possible. Shri Hakim inaugurated the Infra East by gracing the lamplighting ceremony. Mr. Biswadip Gupta, Past Chairman CII ER & Jt. Managing Director, JSW Bengal, emphasized that the creation of infrastructure as a business model and as a tool to growth from user perspective must be given attention. From an investor’s point of view he highlighted some major practical hindrances such as unavailability of people to stay and work in distant areas.

•  Along with development of infrastructure proper investment planning is to be set up in the state. According to Mr. Gupta, our potential and resources must be channelized to build up a strong infrastructure for a progressive future. Mr. Prasoon Mukherjee, Chairman, USEL Group, stated that the required urban investment in the period between 2012 to 2031 would rise to about Rs. 39.2lac crores since urban population is slated to rise to 600million by 2030. Financing and financial investments are to be well-planned. He talked of certain steps taken by centre for the improvement of infrastructure. There are some priorities that need to be included in the transformation agenda. Firstly stress to be put on improved urban planning where growth of tier I and tier II cities to be given emphasis. Secondly, environmentally sustainable modern urban framework needs to be achieved at par with global standards. Thirdly, establishing accountability must be implemented. And lastly, delays due to litigations, land issues etc. have to be mitigated. Mr. Vinayak Chatterjee, Chairman, Feedback Infrastructure Services emphatically said that infrastructure investment in the 12th Five Year Plan 2012-2017 is likely to touch a dream figure of 10% of GDP. Within a span of 15 years the investment growth has accelerated from 2% to 10% which is a commendable growth quotient for this sector.

• PPP growth has been unexpected from a 25% mark to 50% within ten years. However, huge potential still lies in front of us. Some negative aspects also exist. Rural areas require more attention. The states need to gain momentum since much of the things are often passed off as federal subjects. With the given trend line for infrastructure, this sector is an area to look for, believes Mr. Chatterjee. Mr. R.K.Agrawal, Deputy Chairman CII ER & Advisor, S.R. Batliboi Consultants and Mr. Santosh Mahapatra, Chairman CII Infrastructure & SCM Sub-Committee & CEO, Dhamra Port also addressed the gathering.

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