Government to formulate streamlined approval process for PPP projects

The Ministry of Finance has announced that a new streamlined approval process for PPP projects and monetisation of core infrastructure assets will be formulated, which will help fast-track asset monetisation by central public sector enterprises. The new policy for appraisal and approval of PPP proposals and monetisation of core infrastructure assets, including monetisation through infrastructure investment trusts, is aimed at ensuring speedy clearance of projects to facilitate the private sector’s efficiencies in financing construction and management of infrastructure. Some of the core infrastructure assets that will be covered under the asset monetisation programme are the toll roads operated by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), transmission assets of PGCIL, oil and gas pipelines of GAIL, IOCL and HPCL, and AAI airports in Tier II and Tier III cities.