NITI Aayog may prepare a blueprint to push India’s private capex

New Delhi: The NITI Aayog could prepare a blueprint for interventions needed to boost private sector investment in infrastructure creation, after a recent government survey suggested a likely dip of 25% in private sector capital expenditure in this financial year, said officials. While the Centre has been pushing for an increase in capex, the private sector has been lagging in this regard.

A senior government official told ET the idea is to look at issues related to regulatory compliances, high cost of finance, inadequate availability of skilled manpower and further improvement in ease of doing business to instil confidence among the private sector to enhance capex.

The Aayog will soon kick-start a series of consultations with leading companies as well as industry bodies from key infrastructure sectors including roads, railways, ports, aviation, energy, housing and manufacturing. Besides, consultations will be held with stakeholder ministries to address the challenges being faced by the private sector to enable it to invest in infrastructure creation.

With government finances likely to be under pressure this year due to geopolitical uncertainties, it is all the more important for the private sector to come forward, according to the official.