At 4.87 million km, India has the second largest road network in the world. Transporting over 60 per cent of the country´s goods and serving 85 per cent of total passenger traffic, it is little wonder the Modi Government has accorded the highest priority to developing roads and highways.

In a candid conversation with Infrastructure Today, I Jeyakumar, Chairman, Mormugao Port Trust, puts forth the challenges faced by ports and his views on the way ahead.

Indian Railways has been a victim of years of chronic underinvestment. Though ushering in the PPP mode and 100 per cent FDI for the sector are being perceived as a panacea, there are miles to cover before things get rolling.

A stronger thrust on PPP projects, greater FDI and steady government support can help Indian Railways, one of the world´s largest rail networks, emerge from the rut.

Braving several take-off woes, the aviation industry seems to have found relatively firm grounding. Privatisation has gripped the industry in a big way. Nevertheless, certain ground realities need to be effectively handled for a safer landing.

Sunil Srivastava, Managing Director, Balaji Railroad Systems Ltd, comments on the dismal state of the Indian Railways, delayed projects, and the government´s role in improving the sector.

Government-owned infrastructure financier, The India Infrastructure Finance Company Limited (IIFCL) announced the issuance of India´s first infrastructure bond, credit-enhanced by it.

India is putting in place measures to fast-track economic growth. Core industries like steel will play a substantial part in this growth if the next decade has to really belong to India.

In a move that could help consolidation, the government, just this September, approved rules for spectrum trading, allowing companies to buy and sell spectrum among themselves.