Odisha Govt Notifies New PPP Policy

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Government has notified a new Public Private Partnership (PPP) Policy, 2023 to woo private investment in the construction of public infrastructure.

The PPP Policy 2023, which has been notified by the Finance Department, will create a conducive environment to utilize the efficiencies, innovativeness, and flexibility of the private sector to provide better infrastructure and services at an optimal cost putting emphasis on social infrastructure.

It will be applicable to all infrastructure projects including roads, bridges, ports, railways, airports, irrigation, helipads, industrial parks, logistic hubs, water supply, power, tourism, sports, healthcare, education, and inland waterways implemented through the PPP route.

The State Government has also made a provision for levying user fees to boost the commercial viability of the projects and the amenability of private sector participation.

According to the policy, PPP projects requiring a minimum investment of Rs 500 crore would be approved by a High-Level Clearance Authority (HLCA). Empowered Committee on Infrastructure (ECI) will have the authority to approve projects of a value ranging from Rs 10 crore to Rs 500 crore.

Directorate of PPP would provide assistance to the ECI and nodal agencies for PPP projects in the state and will also have the authority to approve projects up to Rs. 10 crore.

A district PPP committee, headed by the District Collector and with representation them key administrative agencies at the district level and prominent Industry Associations, will coordinate and facilitate the implementation of infrastructure projects on PPP route.

The policy includes a range of government incentives and assistance under Viability Gap Funding (VGF) and Odisha Infrastructure Development Fund (OIDF) in order to boost the viability of PPP projects.