Six infrastructure projects in Delhi and Gujarat figure among the 100 most innovative infrastructure investments in the world. KPMG International’s Infrastructure 100: World Markets Report has selected six Indian projects. These are Delhi Metro, Yamuna Expressway and Interceptor Sewage System (the three are in Delhi), Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT), Mundra Ultra Mega Power Project and Narmada Canal Solar Project (the three are in Gujarat).

A global panel of industry experts identified 100 of the world’s most innovative and impactful infrastructure projects, showing how governments are coming together with the private sector to overcome funding constraints to finance and build projects that can improve quality of life — both solving immediate needs and planning for future societal demands.

INDIAN STARS Delhi Metro

Yamuna Expressway

interceptor Sewage System in Delhi

Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT)

Mundra Ultra Mega Power Project

Narmada Canal Solar Project in Gujarat

The report looked at infrastructure based on the dynamics of four key markets: Mature international markets (such as Canada, Australia, the UK), economic powerhouses (including the US and BRICS countries), smaller established markets (such as Chile, Sweden, New Zealand and South Korea) and emerging markets. The panel of independent industry experts evaluated over 400 diverse and compelling projects to ultimately select the 100, based on scale, feasibility, complexity, innovation and impact.

With a total estimated value of $1.73 trillion, the 100 projects illustrate a range of infrastructure investment, some with a potentially transformative impact that could change the face of nations, said an official statement.

The report also brings to light affordability concerns and the need for governments to make difficult choices about where to spend with funding in short supply. “Each country has its own approach to developing and funding infrastructure, yet all share the universal challenge of creating the right conditions to attract investment so desperately needed,” says James Stewart, KPMG’s chairman of global infrastructure. “Private capital continues to play a critical role, but investors need economic and political stability before committing. Consistency and sustainability are a key to setting policy, the right regulatory environment and establishing a steady deal flow through project pipelines.”





Speaking from the Indian infrastructure sector perspective, Arvind Mahajan, head of government and infrastructure, KPMG in India, says, “India’s infrastructure sector story has been a roller-coaster ride. While the past few years have seen a decline in interest around the infrastructure sector, the new government is taking a number of measures to revive investment. We believe this could lead to a re-rating of Indian infrastructure.”The report illustrates the critical role of private investment in meeting the infrastructure challenge, with different investment dynamics in each market category.

The report strikes a note of caution over the limited supply of specialist talent that can pose a big threat to the momentum of infrastructure development. It also touches on new technology and questions when it will have a meaningful impact on the infrastructure industry in the same way it has transformed other sectors.

However, the report also acknowledges the continued ability of the sector to innovate, with trends such as capital recycling and asset management helping to make better use of budgets and generate vital funds for further investment.