Govt Mulls Foreign Collaboration for DPR Preps

As Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari often criticises the "poor quality" of detailed project reports (DPRs), the ministry may actively consider a proposal to allow joint ventures with international companies having a majority stake for preparing the blueprint for effective planning, execution and monitoring of infrastructure development.

- PARVEZ SULTAN @New Delhi

According to some sources in the know about the matter, Gadkari chaired a meeting on DPRs earlier this month and discussed bringing in changes in the existing arrangements. "There was a long meeting in which deliberations were held about introducing changes in the system. Suggestions have been taken from the stakeholders," a source said.

The minister reportedly suggested if a project costs over ₹1,000 crore, there should be a joint venture with a foreign company for the DPR, with that company having a 51% stake.