Accord for 41 PPP projects signed.

The agreements for 41 projects worth Rs. 1,702 crore to be taken up in the public private partnership (PPP) mode in 28 municipalities and three development authorities across the State were inked under the Partner Kerala Mission recently.

The projects inked in the presence of Chief Minister Oommen Chandy and Minister for Urban Affairs Manjalamkuzhi Ali range from convention centre, commercial complex, parking plaza, bus bay, warehouse, bus terminal, bus stand, public park, electric crematorium, infotainment park, market, cinema hall, ayurveda hospital-cum-resort, and infotainment park to modern slaughterhouse.

The projects were shortlisted from 106 projects identified at the Partner Kerala Summit held last year and after feasibility study. At a function at the Mascot convention centre, the first agreement was signed between Adoor municipal chairperson Oommen Thomas and CEO of the mission E.K. Prakash for a convention centre and market.

Under the Partner Kerala Mission, local bodies and development authorities will have to make available freehold land for the PPP projects. The ownership of the land will continue to be with the local bodies and the developer will get only the right of entry. The local bodies will get the freedom to levy charges. Revenue generation and improvement of infrastructure will be major outcome.

Mr. Ali said over 50 per cent of the people were living in cities and the local bodies were struggling to cater to the needs and aspirations of the people.


THE HINDU