Maharashtra has excellent highways and motorways, but district and taluka-level roads are still in poor condition. The Maharashtra State Infrastructure Development Corporation (MSIDC) has started an ambitious 6,000-kilometer road project for Rs 37,000 crore in order to remedy this gap. Brijesh Dixit, managing director of MSIDC, described the company’s long-term economic impact and strategic approach to major infrastructure projects in an interview.
MSIDC’s core objective is to enhance government resources for infrastructure projects by mobilising funds, exploring Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) models, and monetising government assets such as barren lands. The corporation plays a pivotal role in implementing projects across Maharashtra and beyond, aligning with all 22 infrastructure categories identified under the National Infrastructure Pipeline, including roads, railways, metro systems, airports, ports, and industrial infrastructure.
By shifting the financial burden, MSIDC has implemented a Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM) to overcome the delays sometimes associated with BOT projects. In contrast to the conventional strategy, which saw the government contribute 40% and private investors 60%, Maharashtra’s modified HAM model flips this arrangement, with the government paying 60% and private entities providing the remaining 40%. MSIDC speeds up project implementation by obtaining money from financial institutions at competitive rates.
Under this model, MSIDC has launched a comprehensive road development project, ensuring high-quality concrete roads with a 17.5-year debt-equity model, including long-term maintenance. Beyond roads, the corporation is spearheading various construction projects such as the Divisional Commissioner and District Collector Office in Nagpur, an auditorium at an agricultural college, and veterinary colleges in Shirdi and Akola.
Furthermore, MSIDC is working with the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) to improve Kalamboli Circle in Navi Mumbai, build the 250-kilometer Pune-Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar Motorway, which includes the longest 55-kilometer elevated section in India, and develop important highways like Hadapsar (Pune) to Yavat (Solapur) and Talegaon to Chakan to Shikrapur in Pune. These initiatives seek to improve industrial linkages and fortify Maharashtra’s transport system.
Sustainability is at the forefront of MSIDC’s projects, with a strong emphasis on eco-friendly materials and green infrastructure. Building projects incorporate natural ventilation, optimized lighting, solar energy solutions, and 100% water recycling systems, adhering to green building standards. Road construction utilises fly ash in cement concrete, while optimised road designs minimise fuel wastage and reduce environmental impact.
Transparency remains a key principle, with all project details available on MSIDC’s website. “We ensure 100% transparency, with all government-led mandates in place. Any stakeholder can access project information or raise queries, and we are always ready to provide answers,” Dixit emphasised.
Despite only being in business for 16 months, MSIDC has already worked on significant building projects, roadways, and motorways. The organisation intends to eventually take over all 22 infrastructure sectors specified in its mandate as it grows, dramatically altering the development landscape of Maharashtra.
Source: The Indian Express
