Union Budget: Infrastructure will require Rs.50 lakh crore in 12th Plan, says FM

NEW DELHI: Infrastructure will require Rs.50 lakh crore in 12th Five Year Plan, half of this from the private sector, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee said while presenting the Budget 2012-13.

The Economic Survey 2011-12 said delay in infrastructure projects may affect competitiveness of the economy in long run and called for and "new models of financing" the sector whose funding requirement in the 12th Plan is estimated at around $ 1 billion.

"In view of the massive requirement of funds, all efforts need to be made to attract big-ticket long-term investors such as strategic investors, private equity funds, pension funds, and sovereign funds," the Survey said.