New Delhi: The Delhi government is set to scale up the adoption of the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model to fast-track the execution of large infrastructure projects, official sources said on Thursday. The move comes as the administration seeks to overcome funding hurdles and avoid cost overruns that have hampered several public projects in recent years.
The decision was taken at a recent high-level review meeting chaired by Delhi Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Parvesh Verma. During the meeting, officials were directed to draft infrastructure project proposals that align with the PPP model to attract private investment.
“Funding constraints have caused delays and escalated costs in multiple government projects. Adopting the PPP model can help us complete projects efficiently and on time,” said a senior government official.
दिल्ली सचिवालय में आज PWD विभाग की समीक्षा बैठक हुई जिसमें चल रहे सभी महत्वपूर्ण प्रोजेक्ट्स की प्रगति का मूल्यांकन किया गया।
— Parvesh Sahib Singh (@p_sahibsingh) July 9, 2025
बैठक में अधिकारियों को समयबद्ध तरीके से कार्य पूर्ण करने, कार्य की गुणवत्ता में किसी भी प्रकार की लापरवाही न बरतने, ज़मीनी स्तर पर निगरानी बढ़ाने और… pic.twitter.com/eRxNJTh8v4
Under the PPP model, private firms invest in public infrastructure in return for future revenue, typically through commercial use or toll-based recovery. To enhance investor interest, the government is also exploring the addition of commercial elements—such as advertising rights—within public infrastructure.
Recent pilot initiatives reflect this shift. In the water sector, the government has launched schemes for private companies to adopt small sewage treatment plants (STPs) built along drains, in exchange for advertising rights. Similarly, the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) is installing water coolers at bus shelters using the PPP model, where companies can advertise on the coolers they operate.
PWD had earlier introduced an ‘adopt-a-flyover’ policy, offering private companies the opportunity to maintain flyovers in exchange for branding space.
As the primary agency responsible for constructing and maintaining roads, bridges, and government buildings across the city, the PWD will spearhead the expansion of the PPP model. Currently, officials are identifying suitable projects across the city’s 1,400-km road network (roads 60 feet wide and above) for PPP implementation.
The move is part of a broader strategy to modernize Delhi’s infrastructure while reducing the financial burden on the public exchequer.
