An integrated approach is vital for infrastructure development say experts at Kolkata Summit

"Our aim is to create the most relevant and largest forum in the East for effective platforms of infrastructure related business development discussions and bring the government together with private infrastructure players, corporate and consultants," said Deb A Mukherjee at the inaugural session.

“The smartest thing to do in a developing economy is to develop infrastructure. Good roads, ports, airports make a country reliant and relevant in terms of trade and commerce. Infrastructure is the only area that has direct correlation with a country’s GDP. Connecting infrastructure with economy needs to be our focus and to make infrastructure successful we need to focus on design and innovation," said Sudip Datta, COO, IIDC Ltd.

Anil Kumar Taneja, Director & CEO, IAMCL pointed out that India has moved from a power deficit nation to a power surplus one. However, the banking sector, which has to fund infra projects, is in troubled waters due to asset liability, mismatches and low profits.

Dr. Arup Roy Choudhury, former CMD, NTPC Ltd spoke about two basic reasons for infra projects delays. One, inadequate planning  and two, overlooking stake holder participation before a project is planned by project managers.

Prabhjit Kumar Sarkar, Senior VP, India Power Corporation Ltd said, “Economic consideration and sustenance of all the stake holders are a key element to sustainable growth."

S.P. Gon Chaudhuri, Chairman, State Solar Power Council, Government of Tripura and Chairman, International Solar Innovation Council, spoke about the viability of floating solar plants and  the problems involved. He said that the government needs to think of good storage schemes.

Other key participants included Dhruv Bhalla (Head-International Business, Srei Infrastructure Finance Limited), Rakesh Kumar (General Manager, IIFCL), S.A. Rahman (Senior General Manager, Container Corporation of India Ltd), Vikas Varshneya (Director, EMT Megatherm Pvt. Ltd).

Even though governments are making an effort to popularise alternative energy and clean energy, aiming for infrastructure development, drawbacks and lapses are hindering progress.

Private players are wary of investing in long-term projects that require a significant amount of funding.

Governments often lack a visionary approach while considering infrastructural plans, fail to use resources judiciously or make efficient use of technology.

According to most participants, an integrated approach towards resource development and management seems to be the need of the hour to upgrade the present level of infrastructure development.