Mohit Goel, Managing Director, Omaxe Limited

India’s cities are at a turning point. Population growth, urban migration, and rising aspirations have pushed public infrastructure to its limits. From overcrowded bus terminals to under-maintained markets and civic spaces, the gap between demand and supply is widening. Governments alone cannot fill this gap, and the question now is whether private investment can realistically step in and help deliver the quality and scale of infrastructure that modern Bharat requires.

PPP as a Catalyst for Urban Change

Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) have emerged as one of the most practical solutions to bridge this divide. By leveraging the efficiency, capital, and project management skills of private players alongside the regulatory framework and land banks of the state, PPPs bring complementary strengths to the table.

India has already seen the success of this approach. Delhi and Hyderabad airports, both developed under PPP models, have set global benchmarks in design and efficiency. Metro projects in cities like Gurugram and Mumbai also show how collaboration can create urban lifelines that transform daily commuting for millions. The next wave is moving deeper into city-level projects such as transport hubs, mixed-use districts, and civic centres.

Beyond Budgets: Why States are Opening Doors

Traditionally, infrastructure development was led by government agencies, often slowed by stretched budgets and bureaucratic delays. What is different today is the willingness of state governments to work hand in hand with private partners. Recent plans in Uttar Pradesh, where bus terminals are being reimagined under PPP models to match airport-grade standards, show how quickly things can move when responsibilities are clearly defined.

Private money is not just bringing in funds; it is bringing in vision. Projects are now being conceived as multi-use destinations rather than just standalone facilities. A bus port is no longer just a transit point—it can include retail, hospitality, entertainment, and community spaces, creating self-sustained hubs that generate both economic and social value.

The Rise of Bharat’s Next Cities

While metros like Delhi and Mumbai will always be magnets for investment, the most exciting stories are unfolding in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. Places like Ayodhya, Lucknow, Bhopal, and Indore are seeing large-scale plans where public infrastructure is being expanded with private participation. These cities are at the right stage of growth: rising incomes, expanding connectivity, and strong government push for modernization. Private partners entering early are not only unlocking the potential of land and civic assets but also shaping the urban identity of these cities for decades to come.

Risks That Cannot Be Ignored

Of course, PPPs are not a silver bullet. The risks are real: delays in clearances, financing constraints, and sometimes mismatched expectations between public authorities and private players. For private money to truly fix infrastructure gaps, contracts must be transparent, roles well defined, and accountability evenly shared. The partnership has to go beyond profit and look at long-term value creation for the community.

Why the Timing is Right

Despite these challenges, the timing for private participation could not be better. Urban India is entering a decisive phase, with both economic growth and citizen expectations on the rise. Stable interest rates, regulatory clarity, and now policy initiatives such as GST rationalisation are creating a more favourable environment for investment. Add to this the upcoming festive season, traditionally a time when both homebuyers and investors act decisively, and the backdrop for accelerating infrastructure-linked development becomes even stronger.

A Future Built on Partnership

Private capital alone cannot “fix” public infrastructure, but it can accelerate transformation in ways the state cannot achieve on its own. The real value lies in partnership—where governments provide vision and land, and private entities bring capital, technology, and execution capability. Done right, PPPs can turn civic spaces into economic engines, revive stalled projects, and create destinations that match global standards.

India’s infrastructure story is no longer just about bridges and flyovers. It is about building environments where people can live, work, and thrive. And for that, private money, aligned with public purpose, will remain one of the most powerful tools in the country’s growth story.