New Delhi, Dec. 13: Mass Rapid Transport System needs effective public private partnerships to modernize intra-city mobility, said Gajendra Haldea, Advisor, Infrastructure, Planning Commission. Speaking at the " National Seminar on Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS) " organized here on Thursday.

Haldea said: “Despite logging a growth rate of more than nine percent, the government cannot fund infrastructure needs because of resource constraints. Only Public private partnerships can create metros in big cities. The private sector should come forward to fund public projects. ”

“Considering the fast pace of urbanization, we need modern and efficient MRTS. Though Delhi Metro has been funded by the state and central governments as equal partners, we need public private partnerships to replicate the success story in other cities, ” he added.

“India needs investment of 550 billion dollars in infrastructure. The government can chip in only 30 percent of this amount, the rest should come from the private sector. The government is constrained as it has to meet massive investment needs in the social sector, ” Haldea said.

He urged private players in infrastructure projects not to over charge. He suggested cost-cutting and efficient running of projects for the benefit of users to achieve long-term goals.

“India has a great pool of engineering resources to undertake cheaper and faster projects. Now we need good financial engineering, ” he said.

Haldea was all praise for Delhi Metro, which he said should serve as an example for other cities. He suggested the commissioning of a case study on Delhi Metro to decipher the factors responsible for its phenomenal execution.

“Delhi Metro has served as an outstanding example of how to set up a Metro. DMRC can compete with the best in the world. The organizational structure was the driving force behind its success, ” Haldea said.

Delivering a keynote address, Satish Kumar, Director, Electrical, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, said, “MRTS is important to protect resources and environment. We need to switch over to MRTS from conventional mode of transportation. The time-bound execution of Delhi Metro has been its hallmark. Delhi Metro should serve as a benchmark for other Metros. We should maintain global standards with minimum hardship to people. ”

Kumar said the social benefit of MRTS can not be ruled out. This mode of transport can be reliable, energy-efficient, convenient and punctual. Rajeev Jyoti, Chairman, Rail Equipment Division, underlined the legal obstacles facing MRTS. He called for the involvement of legal experts and financial engineers from global players entering the market to praticipate and overcome any contentious issues at this stage. (ANI)