Infrastructure sector, not only is the backbone of an economy, but also plays a vital role in India’s social and cultural segments. It contributes significantly to the growth of gross domestic product (GDP), while creating opportunities for employment and investment.
Infrastructure in India will require US$ 1.7 trillion investment in the next 10-years, according to investment banking company Goldman Sachs. With a view to streamlining and simplifying the appraisal and approval process for public private partnership (PPP) projects, a Public Private Partnership Appraisal Committee (PPPAC) has been constituted under the chairmanship of Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs and Secretaries of Planning Commission, Department of Expenditure, Department of Legal Affairs and the concerned Administrative Department as its members.
Global private equity (PE) funds looking for high return on investments are going to target Indian infrastructure companies in the coming years, says a report by research agency Preqin. The Preqin report says 74 per cent of India-focused funds will invest in greenfield projects, 84 per cent in brownfield assets, and 42 per cent will buy out the stakes of other PE funds.
Major sections pertaining to infrastructure in India include roads, ports, aviation, energy and railways.
Aviation in India
The aviation industry in India is one of the major economic drivers for prosperity, development and employment in the country. The rapidly expanding aviation sector in India handles about 2.5 billion passengers across the world in a year; moves 45 million tonnes (MT) of cargo through 920 airlines, using 4,200 airports and deploys 27,000 aircraft. Today, 87 foreign airlines fly to and from India and five Indian carriers fly to and fro from 40 countries.
India is the 9th largest aviation market in the world as per a report, Indian Aerospace Industry Analysis, published by research firm RNCOS. The Indian Aviation sector grew around 13.6 per cent year-on-year in FY 2010, which was amongst the highest globally.
India is expected to be amongst the top five nations in the world in the next 10 years in the aviation sector. On the sidelines of the International Civil Aviation Negotiation (ICAN) Conference, Ms Pratibha Patel, former President of India, highlighted that currently, India is the ninth largest civil aviation market in the world.
Latest Developments in Indian Aviation Sector
* The Bengaluru International Airport, along with Chatrapati Shivaji International Airport, Mumbai, has been presented with certificates in recognition of their achievements under the various levels of Airport Carbon Accreditation by Airports Council International (ACI). Bengaluru airport, which is the busiest in South India, has been given a certificate for carbon reduction. Mumbai airport on the other hand has been awarded the certificate for mapping carbon emissions
* The first ‘Made in India’ helicopter cabin is ready to take off in global skies. The cabin has been manufactured by the Tata Group in Hyderabad and has been fitted in the helicopters by the US-based firm Sikorsky. In India, Sikorsky has so far supplied six ‘executive transport’ category helicopters to some of the commercial establishments in Mumbai
* The Government of India has allowed 100 per cent foreign direct investment (FDI) for green field airports, via the automatic route. Moreover, foreign investment up to 74 per cent is permissible through direct approvals while special permissions are required for 100 per cent investment
The aviation industry in India is exploring opportunities to improve connectivity and is also looking at enhancing the number of Indian carriers to various countries. Massive investments in airport infrastructure have led to world class airports which have become the symbol of India’s growth story.