Punjab moots tie-up with Shapoorji Pallonji Group

CHANDIGARH: The Punjab government is in talks with the Shapoorji Pallonji group for a public-private partnership ( PPP) model in civic infrastructure.

Punjab deputy chief minister Sukhbir Badal on Wednesday elaborated on his proposal to hand over sewerage, water supply and roads to private players on a build-operate-maintain basis for 10 years.

Starting with the four corporation cities, private sector entry is proposed to be extended to all 140 towns over the next three years.

An official spokesperson said the delegation led by Shapoorji P Mistry had shown interest in a partnership with the Punjab Urban Development Authority.

Others have also evinced interest in the bus rapid transport system planned for Amritsar. There has also been an agreement on construction of mass housing for the economically weaker sections across the state.

Additionally, Badal has mooted partnership with the Shapoorji Pallonji group for a 10,000-MW mega solar park. "We pay Rs 6,000 crore subsidy to Powercom as part of free power given to farmers for tubewell operations. We can evolve a mechanism whereby you can supply power to farmers and be paid for the same," he told the delegation.

While Mistry said the company was keen on employing its 25 years of experience, Badal expects the state subsidy bill to start lowering once the investment cost is realised.