MSRDC and Mumbai-Pune Expressway: A Sustainable Model for Privatising Construction of Physical Infrastructure?

Hemalata C. Dandekar, University of Michigan
Sulakshana Mahajan

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NOTE: At the time of publication, the author Hemalata Dandekar was not yet affiliated with Cal Poly.

Abstract

This case study of the Mumbai-Pune Expressway points out that delivery of infrastructure like road and highways, especially mega projects, totally through the private sector is currently difficult. In the absence of such private sector capacity to take on this responsibility, the role has been creatively shouldered by the Maharashtra government by forming and supporting a road development corporation - carved out of its public works department in its primary mission, the building of essential projects in a timely fashion. The experience of the Mumbai-Pune Expressway indicates that the public sector, freed of political intervention and outdated organisational structure and given command and authority to innovate is able to deliver needed products efficiently.