Case Studies
Case Studies
Case Studies
Ministry of Finance
Department of Economic Affairs
Government of India
Ministry of Finance
Department of Economic Affairs
Disclaimer
This Compendium of Case Studies has been prepared as a part of a PPP capacity building
programme that is being developed by the Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance,
Government of India (DEA) with funding support from the World Bank, AusAID South Asia Region
Infrastructure for Growth Initiative and the Public Private Infrastructure Advisory Facility (PPIAF).
A consulting consortium, consisting of Economic Consulting Associates Limited (ECA) and CRISIL
Risk and Infrastructure Solutions Limited (CRIS), commissioned by the World Bank, has prepared
this compendium based on extensive external consultations.
ECA and CRIS have taken due care and caution in preparing the contents of this compendium. The
accuracy, adequacy or completeness of any information contained in this toolkit is not guaranteed
and DEA,World Bank, AusAID, PPIAF, ECA or CRIS are not responsible for any errors or omissions,
or for the results obtained from the use of such information. The contents of this compendium
should not be construed to be the opinion of the DEA, World Bank, AusAID or PPIAF. DEA is not
liable for any direct, indirect, incidental or consequential damages of any kind whatsoever to the
subscribers / users / transmitters / distributors of this toolkit.
The compendium shall not be reproduced in any form, other than those intended by DEA, without
prior written permission from DEA.
Contents
Overview
3. Key Learnings
4. Case Study 1:
15
5. Case Study 2:
27
6. Case Study 3:
38
7. Case Study 4:
50
8. Case Study 5:
58
9. Case Study 6:
68
76
82
90
98
105
112
121
130
139
148
iii
One
Overview
This compendium presents case studies of fifteen select Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) projects
in India. The case studies have been prepared to highlight the experience and lessons learnt so far
and thereby influence the design of future PPP processes and structures to improve the quality of
PPP projects.
The choice of case studies provides a representation across different sectors, covers different PPP
project structures, includes projects at different stages of the PPP life-cycle and has projects with
different levels of complexity.
These case studies include the following:
a. A description of the project with project features;
b. The project structure adopted with details of the roles and responsibilities of the private
and public partners;
c. The financing details of the project along with the current status
d. A description of the PPP process adopted including project identification, project feasibility,
structuring of the contract/concession and awarding projects to private partners. This
includes details like the timing of major events like tendering and details like the level of
response to the bid process;
e. A detailed matrix of initial allocation of key risks across the public and private sector
partners, along with details of subsequent changes, if any, and an assessment of the
implications of the risk allocation;
f.
A concise assessment of the achievement of objectives originally set out for the project,
viz., improvements in service delivery - e.g., capacity, quality, coverage affordability - with
indicative parameters, to the extent possible;
g. A Value For Money (VFM) assessment of the project to illustrate the benefits of following
a PPP approach vis--vis the alternative of public procurement; and
h. A summary of the key learning and observations from the project.
It is expected that the case studies will assist the public authorities in:
Understanding the needs, challenges and risks associated with alternate PPP arrangements
in specific sector.
Improving quality of project identification, preparation, award and monitoring of PPPs and
associated issues such as, for example, governance and fiscal implications.
Managing the transition to a large scale PPP program to improve infrastructure services.
Two
Snapshot of Case Studies
The following table provides a snapshot of the fifteen case studies.
Sector
Ppp project
structure
State and
year ppp
contract
signed
Government /
public sector
entity / entities
Private sector
promoter
/ sponsor /
consortium
members
Project
cost
Concession
period
` 34.6 crore
(Sewerage
Network)
O&M Contract
5 years
Construction
Contract
(Underground
Sewage System)
Tamil Nadu
2000
O&M Contract
(Underground
Sewerage System)
Alandur
Municipality and the
Tamil Nadu Urban
Infrastructure
Financial Services
Limited (TNUIFSL)
IVRCL
Infrastructures and
Projects Ltd and
Va Tech Wabag
Technologies Ltd.
Build-OperateTransfer (BOT)
Annuity (Sewage
Treatment Plant)
` 6.68 crore
(Sewage
Treatment
Plant)
BOT Annuity
14 years
Operations &
Management
Contract
Veolia Water
` 32 crore
(formerly known as
Compagnie Generale
des Eaux, France)
Karnataka
2005
Karnataka Urban
Infrastructure
Development
and Finance
Corporation
(KUIDFC)
Maharashtra
2006
Maharashtra
Subhash Projects &
Jeevan Pradhikaran Marketing Limited,
UPL Environmental
Engineers Limited
and Hydro Comp
Enterprises India
Private Limited.
42 months
(Later
extended to 59
months)
Operations &
Management
Contract
` 182 crore
(including
payment
to MJP for
right to use
assets)
10 years
BOT
(includes Design
and Finance)
West Bengal
2007
Kolkata
Metropolitan
Development
Authority and
Naba Diganta
Industrial
Township
Authority
Jamshedpur Utilities
and Services
Company Limited
and Voltas Limited
BOOT (includes
Delhi
Design and Finance) 2008
New Delhi
Municipal
Corporation
(NDMC) and
Municipal
Corporation of
Delhi (MCD)
Jindal Urban
Infrastructure
Limited
` 200 crore
25 years
Sector
Ppp project
structure
State and
year ppp
contract
signed
Government /
public sector
entity / entities
Private sector
promoter
/ sponsor /
consortium
members
Project
cost
Concession
period
Government of
Gujarat
Government of
Gujarat and IL&FS
` 161 crore
30 years
BOOT) (includes
Gujarat
Design and Finance) 1998
BOT Annuity
(includes Design
and Finance)
Andhra
Pradesh
2001
` 315 crore
Delhi and
Haryana
2002
` 1,175
crore
BOT
(includes Design
and Finance)
20 years
BOT (includes
Maharashtra
Design and Finance) 1997
Jawaharlal Nehru
Port Trust
P&O Australia
` 733 crore
Ports Pty Limited,
Konsortium
Perkapalan Berhad
and Trans Impex
Private Limited (P&O
Ports subsequently
taken over by Dubai
Ports World Limited
(DP World))
Government of
Andhra Pradesh
30 years
BOT
(includes sharing of
revenue with Govt)
Andhra
Pradesh
1999
` 330 crore
(4th Berth
including
offshore
jetty)
20 years
(extendable by
l 2 periods of 5
years each)
Later extended
to 30 years
(extendable by
2 periods of 10
years each)
BOOT (includes
Andhra
Design and Finance) Pradesh
2004
Government of
Andhra Pradesh
Mumbai
Metropolitan
Region
Development
Authority
(MMRDA)
Reliance Energy
Limited,Veolia
Transport (France)
and MMRDA
` 2,356
crore
35 years
Government of
Andhra Pradesh
Maytas
Infrastructure,
Government of
Andhra Pradesh,
Nav Bharat Ventures,
IL&FS and Ital-Thai
(Subsequently
cancelled in 2009)
` 11,814
crore
35 years
30 years
(extendable
by additional 2
periods of 10
years each)
BOOT (includes
Maharashtra
Design and Finance) 2007
BOT
(includes Design
and Finance)
Andhra
Pradesh
2008
(Subsequently
cancelled in
2009)
Sector
Ppp project
structure
State and
year ppp
contract
signed
Government /
public sector
entity / entities
Private sector
promoter
/ sponsor /
consortium
members
Project
cost
Concession
period
Maharashtra
State Electricity
Distribution
Company Limited
` 61 crore
(MSEDCL)
10 years
Department of
Transportation
(DoT),
Government of
Punjab
Rohan Builders
(India) Pvt Ltd.,
Rajdeep Buildcon
Pvt Ltd and Rajdeep
Road Developers
Pvt. Ltd.
Operations &
Management
Contract
(Franchisee)
Maharashtra
2004
` 250 crore
(TPAL)
BOT
(includes Design
and Finance)
Punjab
2004
` 21.34
crore
11 years 5
months
Three
Key Learnings
This section highlights the key learnings from Indias experience in PPPs as witnessed in the detailed
case studies of select infrastructure PPPs in India. The objective of these learnings is to identify the
typical issues that PPPs in India experience, how they may be dealt with and what mistakes could
be avoided by PPP practitioners. They identify ways to mitigate various risks experienced by PPP
projects, thus improving the overall value for money for the government.
This section may be read in conjunction with the detailed case studies for readers who may want
to study the context of each issue in greater detail.
Learning
Ppp examples to be
emulated
Project Preparation
1
Comprehensive Due
Diligence Studies
1. Timarpur Integrated
Solid Waste
Management Project
Clarity in Determination
of Tariffs
Revenue Risk,
Termination Risk
1. Gangavaram Port
1. Gangavaram Port
1. Hyderabad Metro
Importance of Lead
Consortium Member
/ Promoter of
Concessionaire
1. Hyderabad Metro
1. Hyderabad Metro
1. Delhi Gurgaon
Expressway
1. Alandur Sewerage
Project
2. Gangavaram Port
Procurement
1
Development
1
Handling of Land
acquisition
2. Mumbai Metro
3. Gangavaram Port
Streamlining of Approvals
& Clearances
1. Delhi Gurgaon
Expressway
2. Karnataka Urban Water
Supply Improvement
Project
1. Delhi Gurgaon
Expressway
No.
Learning
Ppp examples to be
emulated
Environmentally and
Socially responsive
development framework
Financing Innovations
Operations
1
Favourable Operating
Environment
1. Amritsar Inter-city
bus terminal
1. Alandur Sewerage
Project
1. Alandur Sewerage
Project
2. Bhiwandi Electricity
Distribution Franchise
3. Salt Lake Water
Supply project
Resolution of Issues
through Mutual
Discussions
Termination risk
In the Delhi Gurgaon Expressway project, NHAI relied on an outdated traffic study. Thus,
the actual traffic volume grossly outnumbered the projections from the very beginning of
commercial operations. In fact as soon as the expressway was opened to traffic, the unexpected
high number of vehicles led to heavy queuing at the toll booths and delays in traversing the
stretch.
However, timely action and necessary measures by authorities and the Concessionaire
improved conditions.
The Timarpur Integrated solid waste management project showcases how efforts were made
on project preparation prior to the launch of the bid process. Important steps such as detailed
technical studies and reviews, financial evaluation, risk evaluation and obtaining regulatory as
well as statutory approvals was undertaken at the project preparation stage itself. In fact,
the SPV to implement the project was also incorporated prior to the launch of the bid. This
ensured that the actual project development phase experienced as few hurdles as possible.
Key Risks Managed Better: Design Risk, Approvals Risk,Time and Cost Overrun Risks
The Vadodara Halol Toll Road project highlights the fact that project due diligence needs to
be robust since it can impact the long term objectives of a project. In this case, the traffic
estimations for the project were based on the assumption that the industrial incentives
available for the project area would continue over the long-term. However, the incentives were
eventually withdrawn and the traffic was almost 50% lower than the projected traffic.This lapse
with respect to the understanding of the legal environment in which the project had to operate
and the resultant policy risk put undue pressure on the viability of the project operations.
In the Latur Water Supply project, tariff for the contract duration was finalised prior to the
bidding process, to allow the bidders to quantify the tangible benefits from undertaking the
project. The tariff structure was to see a staggered increase based on the contract terms. This
reduced the revenue risk to an extent.
In the Nhava Sheva Integrated Container Terminal project, the lack of clarity in the concession
agreement on whether the royalty payment was to be considered as a part of cost or a
share in the profit in the SPVs accounts while determining the port tariff, became a serious
issue between the public and the private sector. Measures were adopted to address these
inconsistencies but with limited success.
3.2.2 Procurement
Robust and Simple Bid Criteria
Bid evaluation criteria need to be simple and robust so that capable entities are identified for
the project and at the same time bids are not speculative. Speculative bids have the potential to
7
derail a project during the operations stage if the private entity is unable to sustain its overstated
commitments. Ambiguities in the bid criteria, on the other hand, can lead to disputes between the
private and public entity during the operations stage.
a. Examples of PPPs where problems were encountered
In the Gangavaram port project, the first round of tendering had several evaluation parameters
that were working at cross purposes and encouraged speculative bidding. The bid criteria
gave separate weights for the Minimum Guaranteed Amount, revenue share and investment
commitments. Thus larger commitments, even though unrealistic, could have lead to higher
scores. While the government eventually decided to terminate the process, this could have
resulted in an unsustainable project.
Key Risks Triggered: Default Risk, Termination Risk (However since the bid process was
terminated, these risks did not actually get triggered Refer Learning 2.2.2)
In the Nhave Sheva Integrated Container Terminal, the bid evaluation criterion of the highest
NPV of royalty payment was simple but insufficient. The lack of a methodology to assess the
royalty payout to the licensor and the problems arising from the interaction of the royalty with
the tariff level created a number of issues in the subsequent operations phase.
In the Gangavaram port project, the evaluation in the first round of bids revealed concerns
regarding the validity and practicality of the market assumptions and the underlying viability
of the projections. Both the bids had elements of speculation and presented an untenable
proposition for the Government. This was due to the absence of a comprehensive feasibility
study with realistic traffic projections which should have been undertaken by the government.
(Refer learning 2.1.1) However, the Government did not get attracted by the speculative bids
and decided to terminate the bid process.
In the Hyderabad Metro project, the government provided commercial development rights
for almost 296 acres of land allocated for the depots and the stations. This aggregated to
a cumulative maximum of 18.5 million square feet and was a substantial percentage of the
project cost.
This opportunity of the utilization of land on a commercial basis coupled with the metro
project led to widely divergent bids from the bidders. While the Siemens Consortium bid
a negative viability gap of ` 250 crore, the Maytas Consortium bid a very high a negative
viability gap of ` 30,311 crore. On the other hand, the two other bidders--Reliance sought a
VGF grant of ` 2,811 crore from the government and Essar sought a grant of ` 3,100 crore.
While the award of this project to Maytas was eventually withdrawn, such speculative bids
exposed the project to the risk of the actual construction and quality of the metro being
compromised as the private operator would have had a greater incentive to complete the real
estate development at the cost of the metro.
The Hyderabad Metro project saw the winning consortium of Maytas Metro getting adversely
affected due to the issues besetting its promoter Satyam Computer Services. Although the
project was to be implemented by a separate Special Purpose Vehicle, there was a loss of
investor confidence in the promoters of the project and consequently, the project was not able
to achieve financial closure. The government finally had to withdraw its award and re-launch
the bid process.
Key Risks Triggered: Financing risk, Time and cost overruns risks
3.2.3 Development
Handling of Land Acquisition
a. The land acquisition process for PPP projects is no doubt the most challenging predevelopment activity in India. In most cases, the government commits provision of land free
from encumbrances for the project before actually completing the necessary formalities.
Examples of PPPs to be emulated
While many readers may associate the bankruptcy of its promoters (Satyam) with the Hyderabad
Metro project, a lesser known fact is the commendable manner in which the government dealt
with land acquisition in the concession agreement. It required the government to handover
land to the concessionaire by the financial closure date. Further, 90% of the land had to be
handed-over within 120 days from signing of the agreement. There were penalties built in
to the contract in case the government delayed the delivery of the land. Such contractual
treatment would have ensured greater planning and focussed efforts on land acquisition by the
government. Further to mitigate this risk, the project intended to use government lands for the
developments of depots and stations to the extent possible.
Key Risks managed better: Land acquisition Risk,Time and Cost Overruns Risks
In the Delhi Gurgaon expressway project, the government committed to the promoters for
providing a substantial area of land, prior to actually acquiring the land. Due to the thickly
populated surrounding areas of the expressway, there were certain pockets of land that were
difficult to acquire. This exposed the government to the risk of not providing the land within
reasonable time impacting the overall schedule of the project. It would have been better if
uncontrollable risks such as these were addressed before the project procurement stage itself
to ensure smooth functioning of the project. This could have been achieved by completing the
land acquisition process prior to the project procurement process itself.
Key Risks Triggered: Land acquisition risk,Time and Cost Overruns Risks
Similarly for the Mumbai Metro, the government committed that the land for the project would
be procured as per the land procurement schedule provided in the agreement. However, this
land was under private ownership and at times under dispute. This exposed the government
to the risk of land not being available thereby resulting in inordinate delays in commencement
of construction of the project. While this issue was eventually resolved, it would have been
a better option for the government to have dealt with it prior to signing of the concession
agreement.
9
Key Risks Triggered: Land acquisition risk,Time and Cost Overruns Risks
The Gangavaram port project was another case in point where the land acquisition process
was prolonged due to local protests in relation to rehabilitation and resettlement.
Key Risks Triggered: Land acquisition risk,Time and Cost Overruns Risks, Social Risk
Streamlining of Approvals & Clearances
Apart from land acquisition, obtaining numerous clearances and approvals has been the bane
of Indian PPP projects. Typically, the concessionaire needs to obtain clearances from multiple
government departments and apprise different departments about the progress of a project. These
delays add to the cost of developing the PPP and thereby reduce the value for money to the public
sector.
Ideally a single interface for interactions or coordination on all such approvals should be setup by
the government to prevent undue delays. This could be in the form of a lead entity taking up the
responsibility or a common project steering/ empowered committee that is appointed to take care
of all such formalities. With this, the concessionaire could focus on the core development issues
rather than being entangled in administrative processes.
a. Examples of PPPs to be emulate
The Alandur Sewerage Project had a streamlined process for obtaining approvals and clearances
related to the project. The Alandur Municipality took up the responsibility for key approvals,
including road cutting, shifting of services and environmental clearances. The developer was
responsible only of the works related approvals. This approach ensured there was minimum
delay in obtaining the necessary permits.
Key Risks Managed Better: Approvals risk,Time and cost Overruns risks
The Delhi Gurgaon expressway project is a case in point where the approvals process resulted
in significant delays for the concessionaire. Since the project was spread across the states of
Delhi and Haryana, there were more than fifteen government agencies/civic bodies affected
by the development of this highway that had to grant approvals for the project. This became a
complex and time consuming process during the construction period.
On similar lines, the Karnataka Urban Water Supply Improvement project, experienced delays
in obtaining permits from several departments due to the lack of co-ordination across the
three Urban Local Bodies involved in the project.
10
The Delhi Gurgaon expressway experienced significant time and cost overruns on account of
a change in the concessionaires scope of work. There were substantial changes in the original
design that were sought by NHAI and the government keeping in mind future requirements and
the convenience of commuters. While these should have been anticipated and incorporated
prior to the launch of the bid process, the order for provisional change of scope was finalised
and issued to the concessionaire just days before the original scheduled completion date of the
project.
Key Risks Triggered: Scope Change risk,Time and cost Overruns risks
The Vadodara Halol Toll Road was the first project that introduced environmental and
social safeguards measures as part of the contractual obligation of the concessionaire. The
environmental and social assessment for the project noted that the project in its original
form would lead to resettlement and rehabilitation of about 300 project affected families.
Intense public consultations were carried out to develop various alternatives. Bypasses were
introduced at various critical locations such that the extent of resettlement was reduced to
only 10 project affected households.
This created a benchmark and had immense demonstration value since it highlighted that
infrastructure can be developed in an environmentally and socially responsible manner. The
project was in fact designated by the World Bank as a 'best practice' example for its environment
risk mitigation and social rehabilitation plan in India amongst World Bank assisted projects.
Key Risks Managed Better: Land acquisition risk, Social Risk,Time and cost Overruns risks
In another case, the Timarpur solid waste management project, that was located in the vicinity
of residential areas, organised public hearings to address concerns with respect to pollution.
Financing Innovations
While the government of India has provided financial support initiatives such as the Viability Gap
funding (VGF) scheme or the Jawaharlal Nehru Nation Urban Renewal Mission, it is important for
PPP projects to be financially independent to the extent possible and minimise reliance on such
grants or schemes. This is possible through innovative financing structures that not only bring
down the cost of funds but also tap new sources of funding. However, a fine balance needs to be
maintained to ensure that such innovations in financing do not result in speculative bids during the
procurement stage.
a. Examples of PPPs to be emulated
The concessionaire for the Tuni Anakapalli Road project, during its operations stage, raised
debt at very low interest rates by securitizing the annuity payments receivable from NHAI.
This mode of funding enabled the concessionaire to repay the term loan taken for the project
development by accessing to relatively lower cost funding.
The Vadodara Halol Toll Road was another project that utilized several financing methods such
as deep discount bonds with an option of take-out financing, cumulative convertible preference
shares and long term loans as a part of its financing structure.
The public deposits sought in the Alandur Sewerage Project, were also a landmark innovation
that were taken up despite the possibility of strong resistance from the people. Almost 29% of
the project cost was funded from public contributions.
In the Hyderabad Metro project, the government provided commercial development rights for
almost 296 acres of land to the Concessionaire which aggregated to a cumulative maximum of
18.5 million square feet of built-up space.
This opportunity of the utilization of land on a commercial basis coupled with the metro
project led to widely divergent bids from the bidders. While the Siemens Consortium bid a
negative viability gap of ` 250 crore, the Maytas Consortium bid a very high a negative viability
gap of ` 30,311 crore. On the other hand, the two other bidders--Reliance sought a VGF grant
of ` 2,811 crore from the government and Essar sought a grant of ` 3,100 crore.
The real estate market is very volatile and cyclical in nature. An adverse outlook for the sector
would have the risk of compromising the development and construction of the project. Thus,
ideally real estate development should be a smaller component of the project or alternatively
should be separated from the core infrastructure project.
3.2.4 Operations
Favourable Operating Environment
PPP projects require the private sector to operate in a space where traditionally the public sector
is dominant and in some cases solely responsible. In this context, it is important for an enabling
operating environment to be created for the private sector to function optimally.
a. Examples of PPPs to be emulated
In the Amritsar Inter-state Bus Terminal project, the government took the necessary steps to
create a favourable environment so that the concessionaires revenue streams are not at risk.
The government issued notifications to the effect that all intercity buses would be required to
pickup and drop off passengers at the new Inter City Bus Terminal.
Similarly, in the Latur water supply project, a clearly defined tariff and metering policy was
established, prior to the bidding process, to allow the bidders to quantify the tangible benefits
from undertaking the project.
12
The drawbacks of not clearly establishing an operations policy were experienced by the
Kakinada Deep Water Port project. In this case, during the tendering stage, the government
had indicated that the private developer would get complete rights while operating the port.
However, during the award of the project, there were restrictions on the type of cargo to be
handled, in favour of the Kakinada anchorage port that was operating in parallel. This ended up
becoming one of the key issues under dispute between the concessionaire and the Government
of Andhra Pradesh.
The Alandur Sewerage project is a prime example where stakeholder support went a step
further and included public contributions towards the project cost. An aggressive public
outreach campaign was conducted by the municipality and Government of Tamil Nadu and the
engagement of stakeholders was essential to convince them about the benefits of the project.
Key Risks Managed Better:Time and Cost Overrun Risks, Social Risk, Revenue Risk
In the Latur water supply project, public consultations were taken-up by the Maharashtra Jeevan
Pradhikaran only after the signing of the agreements with the concessionaire. Accordingly the
project met with resistance in the form of agitation campaigns and public rallies resulting in
even the closing down of the concessionaires office in Latur. As a consequence of the lack
of public support, the transfer of project assets to the concessionaire has been delayed even
though the agreement was signed in June 2008.
Key Risks Triggered:Time and Cost Overruns Risks, Social Risk, Political Risk
Similarly in the Kakinada deep water port project, labourers of the adjoining anchorage port
went on strike in protest of the competition from the deep water port in handling agricultural
commodities such as wheat. Stakeholder consultations could have avoided this situation.
The Alandur Sewerage Project demonstrated the benefit of such sustained political will which
ensured that the project proceeded smoothly. The chairman and the council of the local
municipality played an important role in convincing the citizens to pay a share of the project
cost and accept the entry of the private concessionaire.
The Bhiwandi electricity distribution franchisee project is another example where strong
political conviction enabled the implementation of a new PPP structure in amongst the most
challenging regions in Maharashtra.
13
Similarly in the Salt Lake water supply and sewerage network project, the Kolkata Municipal
Development Authority and the Nabadiganta Industrial Township Authority played a critical
role in providing key concessions to the private developer to arrive at a rational water cum
sewerage charge.
The Latur water supply project witnessed significant hurdles due to the lack of political
consensus on the project. Although the management contract between the Maharashtra
Jeevan Pradhikaran and the private operator was signed in June 2008, the transfer of assets
was delayed, preventing the private operator from commencing its project obligations as per
schedule.
14
The Kakinada Project is a case in point where key amendments with respect to revenue
sharing, the concession period and rights for undertaking additional developments were made
in the terms of the concession agreement through mutual discussions and negotiations. This
ensured the continuity of the project.
Four
Case Study 1:
Alandur Sewerage Project
4.1 Project Description
The Alandur Sewerage Project (ASP) was initiated in the year 1996 by the Chairman of the Alandur
Municipality (AM). AM, located adjacent to Chennai, forms a part of the Chennai Metropolitan
Area. With a population of around 165,000, the municipality is a residential suburb of Chennai with
predominantly residential and commercial activities. Approximately one-fourth of its population
lives in slums.
Prior to 1996, the town did not have an underground sewerage system and all sewage was managed
with individual septic tanks. The largely unregulated disposal of sewage in storm water drains
was an environmental and health concern for the local residents and was frequently raised as a
political issue.Around 98% of 19,800 households used either septic tanks or holding tanks collected
periodically by tankers and disposed in the low-lying areas outside the municipal limits.
In 1996, AM announced an ambitious plan to construct an underground sewerage system and waste
water treatment facility with the participation of the private sector, contribution from the public,
and payment to be provided by the city. The proposal was transformational as it involved a service
never before made available by the municipality, with financial and management responsibilities
being shared by the municipality, the residents, the private sector, and state government bodies.
The ASP was designed with the following objectives:
To improve the standard of living of the residents of Alandur (on par with that of Chennai);
To provide the most essential basic facility to all the residents of the town;
To eradicate the mosquito menace;
To avoid the recurring expenditure on septic tank cleaning; and
To avoid ground water contamination.
The proposed sewerage system was to be designed for the estimated population of about 300,000
in 2027 and was planned to be completed within a five-year period from its inception date. The
project components included:
A sewerage network consisting of the main sewer line, branch sewer line and manholes;
In the initial phase the plant was to treat 12 million litres per day (mld) of sewage supplied to it by
the municipality. The ultimate capacity was to be 24 mld.
To plan this complex and politically challenging project, the AM worked in partnership with the
Tamil Nadu Urban Infrastructure Financial Services Limited (TNUIFSL), the state asset management
company and with USAIDs Financial Institution Reform and Expansion (FIRE) Project.
15
A Works Contract for construction of the sewage network, using the World Banks
Contract for National Competitive Bidding (NCB-W2) as the template;
A Lease Contract (in the nature of a BOT Agreement) for the STP, using guidelines from
the International Federation of Consulting Engineers (FIDIC). Through this Agreement,
the contractor would finance, build and operate the STP for a period as proposed in the
contractors successful bid. The contractor would be required to recover the investment
on the STP on the basis of a per unit rate payment from the municipality for treatment
of sewage delivered. The municipality agreed to provide a minimum payment level per
annum regardless of the volume of sewage actually delivered. It was designed to cover
the company's minimum fixed operating cost and capital investment. Accordingly, the PPP
structure was technically in the nature of BOT-Annuity.
Following the bid process, the project was awarded to IVRCL Infrastructures and Projects Ltd in
technical collaboration with Va Tech Wabag Technologies Ltd. A Special Project vehicle (SPV) called
First Sewerage Treatment Plant Pvt Ltd (First STP) was incorporated and was the concessionaire
company with whom the BOT Agreement was signed. Once the project achieved financial closure,
First STP Pvt. Ltd signed contracts with IVRCL and Va Tech Wabag. IVRCL was to carry out the
civil works for the project. Va Tech Wabag, through the electro mechanical contract, was to design
the process, supply, install and commission the equipment. It was also to carry out a contract for
operating and maintaining the facility for 14 years. The land on which the plant was set up was
leased by the municipality to First STP.
Financing Information
Source
Table: 1
Amount (` crores )
3.00
6.00
16.00
1.00
12.40
2.46
Total
40.86
Loans
The majority of financing to the municipality (59%) was made through loans provided by the
Tamil Nadu Urban Infrastructure Development Corporation (TUFIDCO) and TNUIFSL. The loan
provided by TUFIDCO was payable over eight years (after a two-year moratorium) at an interest
rate of 5% per annum (as against prevailing market rates of 15% at that time). TNUIFSLs loan was
set at a rate of 16% per annum payable over a period of 15 years with a five year moratorium.
The term loan conditions resulted in the municipality assuming significant financial risks. One
condition of the TNUIFSLs loan was that the disbursements would be provided for three years,
after which they would be subject to the condition that the municipality meets its connection
targets. Should targets not be achieved, further disbursements would be terminated. Interestingly,
no funds were required to be disbursed under the TNUIFSL loan as the revenues generated from
the one-time connection fee exceeded the amount anticipated when the finance package was
structured.
Both the term lenders stipulated an escrow account, to the extent of the debt finance, where all
the revenue receipts of the municipality (including property tax, stamp duty, and the grant from
GoTN) as well as the sewer tariff was to be deposited in favour of TNUIFSL and TUFIDCO. The
municipality also accepted limits imposed on future indebtedness.
Grants
As no funds were available either with the municipality or with TNUIFSL to oversee and monitor the
progress of the project,TUFIDCO provided a special grant from the Tamil Nadu urban development
grant fund for this purpose, which worked out to nearly three per cent of the total project cost.
GoTN agreed in principle to bridge the gap in the sewer account during the life of the project, after
providing for operations and maintenance (O&M) expenses, debt servicing and contribution to the
sinking fund. In addition to the above, GoTN also agreed to fund the monthly operating costs of
the system above the ` 150 per household sewer charge to a maximum of ` 30 per connection
per month.
17
Public Contribution
On the basis of a financial analysis of the project, the AM decided to collect one-time deposits in
the form of connection charges from the citizens of Alandur. The connection charges for different
categories of users were fixed as follows:
Table: 2
Connection Charges
Category of Users
Amount (In `)
Domestic
Commercial
Industrial
The municipality targeted to provide about 22,000 connections both for domestic and non-domestic
categories of users by the end of 2004-2005. This would yield an estimated income of nearly ` 13
crore, which it proposed to put into a revolving fund for repayment of loans to the lenders.
As the above connection charges on sewer were considered to be very high especially for domestic
consumers, the GoTN, in consultation with TNIUFSL, suggested to the authorities of the AM to
collect the connection deposits in two instalments. The local branch of the Punjab National Bank
also offered financial support to the citizens of Alandur by creating a scheme for lending the
connection deposit amount to them. However as the rate of interest on the scheme was quite high
(14.1 %), it was reported that no one had availed this facility.
In addition to the above, it was also decided by the municipality to collect the sewer maintenance
charges at the rate of ` 150 per month per connection from the domestic users, ` 450 per month
per connection from commercial users and ` 750 per month from industrial users. The domestic
monthly charges were proposed to be increased to 6% annually till they reached a level of ` 180
per month. Similarly, the commercial and industrial maintenance charges were proposed to be
increased by 6% annually up to the level of ` 540 and ` 900 respectively. These limits were later
reduced on the basis of a willingness to pay (WTP) survey, and discussions with the citizens and
officials concerned.
18
As the first step, TNUIFSL, the state asset management company formed with the
objective for improving the urban infrastructure levels in the state, was nominated as the
agency to coordinate the investigation and detailed studies, and to structure the project.
TNUIFSL procured and managed a private engineering contractor to prepare the detailed
technical design and prepare engineering reports for the Alandur project. The scope of
work included project design, identification of the locations of pumping stations and the
treatment plant, and cost estimates.
While conducting the feasibility study on the project, a Willingness to Pay (WTP) survey
was also conducted by the consultants in order to assess the schemes acceptability by
the citizens of Alandur town, and their willingness to pay for the service. The WTP survey
covered more than 10 per cent of the population of the AM, spread over to 42 wards. It
indicated that the average household income of the majority of the people was in the range
of ` 1000-5000 per month.According to the survey, although the public strongly supported
the project and accepted that users should pay for sewage services, this willingness had its
limits. About 29% of the respondents were willing to pay a one-time connection fee lower
than ` 500 per household and 21% were open to paying a one-time connection fee more
than ` 2000 per household. Further, about 86% of the respondents were willing to pay
monthly sewer charges in the range of ` 21 to ` 50 per month, comparable to the existing
water charges structure.
As part of the project preparation, land for the project was identified and proposed to be acquired
through the Alandur Municipality.
Public Participation: The ASP project is a unique case of public participation in financing of a
municipal infrastructure project. The collection of sewer charges and convincing the community
to pay for it was a difficult and challenging task. Since there had been no precedence of private
participation in municipal water and sanitation services in the state, or a BOT Agreement awarded
anywhere in India, public outreach was critical to overcome initial resistance as well as public
concerns about the need to pay for the new sewage services.
To gain acceptance and build consensus among the public, the municipality mounted a vigorous
public outreach/public participation campaign with extensive media coverage to explain the projects
benefits, costs, and tariff system. The municipality adopted the following procedures:
A detailed discussion was held among the officers and staff along with the Chairman about
the sewerage project.
All the holidays including Saturdays and Sundays were used for discussion with the
residents welfare associations. During the discussions, the scheme was explained in detail:
its advantages on the city environment and quality of life of the residents of Alandur.
Residents were motivated through corner meetings and advertisements on the public
transport system such as auto rickshaw, buses; cable network; local newspapers; distribution
of pamphlets, etc. In addition, all the staff including sanitary workers earnestly carried out
door-to-door canvassing of the benefits of the underground sewerage scheme.
Although, initially a sizeable population of the town was not ready to pay the high deposits
on account of sewerage connection charges and monthly tariff (as indicated through the
survey), later through active canvassing and educating the people on the benefits of the
project they agreed to pay the sewer charges as per the municipal tariff structure.
By the end of May 2000, more than 13,000 connection seekers (domestic and nondomestic) had deposited the one time connection fee to the municipality. In order to
assess the commitment of the citizens of Alandur to the proposed sewerage scheme, the
lending institutions, including TNUDF and TNUIFSL, had stipulated that the municipality
should collect deposits from at least 10,000 residents before the award of work to the
selected contractor.This would not only confirm effective public participation in the project
but would also provide positive signals to the lending institutions on the sustainability of
the project as also recovery of their investments. Accordingly, the municipality started
collecting one-time deposits from the residents, and completed the target before awarding
the contract for the project to the selected contractor.
In order to facilitate the collection procedure, the municipality opened collection centres
at different locations keeping in view the convenience of the residents. Arrangements
were made for collection of deposits even on the receipt of phone messages and at the
designated bank.
19
With a view to inform the public on the progress of the project at various stages, as also
to seek their opinion on different issues concerning the successful implementation of the
project, the authorities of the AM called for the meeting of representatives of welfare
associations on a monthly basis. This procedure created a system of effective participation
of the community in the project implementation process.
Procurement:
The project was structured such that an engineering, procurement and construction contractor,
selected through competitive bidding process, would design and implement the sewerage system,
on turnkey works contract, and would also finance, design, build, and operate the STP on BOT
(Annuity) basis.
The procurement of private contractor for the execution of the project was carried out as per
the standards prescribed by the World Bank. A two stage bid process was adopted - a technical
proposal followed by a financial proposal.
The technical capabilities of the contractors and their experience in similar works were given
importance. Of the 13 entities who submitted the bids, three were short-listed, and the financial
proposals were received from such technically qualified firms.As per the financial evaluation criteria,
the bidder quoting the lowest cost for the sewerage system and lowest lease period for the STP
was selected as the final, successful contractor.
Based on the evaluation of the proposals and on the recommendations of TNUIFSL, the project
was awarded to the IVRCL Infrastructures & Projects Limited, in joint venture with Va Tech Wabag
Technologies Limited in February 2000, and the site was handed over to them subsequently.
The contract document signed on 2 March 2000 was in three parts and included (i) a construction
contract, (ii) and operation and maintenance contract; and (iii) a Lease Contract for the sewage
treatment plant.
Implementation:
As per the Agreement, the expected date of completion was 31st March, 2005. In order to
ensure timely implementation of the project and adherence to quality specifications, Consulting
Engineering Services Limited (CESL) was appointed as Project Management Consultants for the
detailed supervision and quality control. Along with the consultants, the Chairman, Commissioner
and Engineer of the AM reviewed the progress of the project on a weekly basis.The Commissioner
of Municipal Administration, GoTN, the Secretary of the Municipal Administration & Water Supply
and the Chief Executive of TNUIFSL also reviewed the progress of the project every month, and
provided administrative support for acquiring the necessary clearances from agencies such as the
railways, highway authority, PWD, etc.
Delivery:
The project work was carried out in two phases. In the first phase (the first two and a half years),
50% of the branch sewers, main sewers, pump house including installation of machinery, pumping
main and one 12 MLD capacity sewage treatment plant, were completed and commissioned. The
remaining work relating to the project was to be carried out in the next phase.
By end 2001, the laying of the sewer pipes and main sewers was completed, as also the construction
of the Pumping Station, Pumping Mains and Sewerage Treatment Plant.The overall date of completion
was October 2003.
With respect to funding, by March 2001, approximately ` 9.16 crores was received from TUFIDCO
in the form of grants and a loan and more than ` 6.84 crores was generated as a one-time sewer
connection charge from about 13,434 households.
20
Exit:
The management contract for the operations and management of the sewerage system expired in
2005, after the stipulated contract period of 5 years. Following this the operations and management
function has reverted to the municipality. It is understood that the AM is currently in the process
of sourcing an O&M manager for the operations of the sewerage system.
The STP Agreement will terminate in the year 2019 at the end of the stipulated lease period of 14
years at which time the STP will be transferred to the AM free of cost. The defect liability period,
however, will extend for one year beyond the expiry of the STP lease period.
It is understood that the STP Agreement has worked well with no penalties being imposed during
the contract and no significant lapses in obligations, till date. There has been only one issue that
arose at the beginning of the Agreement and is currently in the process of being resolved, through
arbitration. The issue concerned the date of commencement of the Sewerage System and payment
due for the first six months from AM to the Private Developer. The reason for this was the
obtaining of the approval from the Pollution Control Board (PCB) - apparently the period for which
operations were performed and payment claimed from the AM did not have the PCB approval in
place. It is understood that AM has been cooperative in this matter and has no objection to making
the payment however, approval from the government for making the payment is under process.
Table 3
Risk Type
Sensitivity
Risk Period
Primary Risk
Bearer
Comments
Land acquisition
High
Government
Delay in obtaining
permits
High
0-3 months
AM, Private
developer
Design Risk
High
Private developer
Construction Risk
High
Private developer
0-2 years
21
Risk Type
Sensitivity
Risk Period
Primary Risk
Bearer
Comments
Construction cost
over runs
High
0-2 years
Private developer
Change in Scope
Risk
Payment Risk
(Capital Cost for
Sewerage System)
3 years
Government
Through the
Lease Period
for the STP
Government
Payment risk
(Debt Repayment)
Lenders
Government
Private developer
Technology Risk
Operations Risk
22
High
Risk Type
Sensitivity
Risk Period
Primary Risk
Bearer
Comments
Financial Risk
High
0-4 years
Government and
Private developer
Force Majeure
Government and
Private developer
One of the parameters used for the VfM assessment is the suitability of the project to
be undertaken on a PPP basis. The greatest challenge (as well as accomplishment) of the
ASP, was that both the municipality and the public recognized and accepted the value of
bringing in private participation. Indeed, this project truly demonstrates the benefits of
bringing in PPP in the municipal sector in terms of drawing private sector expertise while
addressing important risk related aspect that would make the project attractive for the
private sector.
The bid criteria for the project ensured that the municipality obtained the best offer in
terms of the lowest Evaluated Construction Price and the lowest Lease Period both of
which were the selection criteria with a weightage of 90:10.As the municipality had already
undertaken a feasibility study and also prepared the detailed design and costing for the
project, the private sector was able to bid for the project with considerable background
information. The ensuing offer, therefore, provided value for money.
The PPP structure evolved also facilitated an effective implementation of the project.
The ASP was one of the few projects with a complex PPP structure wherein the works
contract of the sewerage system and the BOT contract of the STP was jointly bid for and
awarded to the same developer. The bidding parameter was also combined and addressed
the best commercial aspect of both projects. Thus the bidder offering the lowest cost for
the sewerage system and lowest lease period for the STP was selected. By combining both
the projects under an effective structure the municipality ensured a competitive bid that
gave value for money.
Impact of PPP
A brief on the difference made by the ASP, as captured at Table 4, illustrates that the value
for money brought in by the project far exceeded any monetary consideration:
23
Table 4
Parameter
1.
Urban service
2.
Urban service
3.
Urban service
4.
Environment and
Health
5.
Environment and
health
6.
Public participation
7.
Public participation
To maintain support for the project, a citizens committee was formed and it met frequently
to review the status of the project, monitor performance of the BOT contractor and
provide a forum in which citizens could air their concerns.
The ASP established that close involvement of all stakeholders/departments at the key
decision-making stages of the project, as also for review and monitoring, is critical to
ensuring that the project stays on-track.
Political will and strong decision making, especially at the grass-root level:
The ASP demonstrated that political will and quick decisions make projects happen. The
political leadership and strong advocacy for the project provided by the chairman and
council of the municipality proved to be critical element of the success. While strong
support for the sewerage system within Alandur existed, political will was essential to
convince the customers and citizens to pay a significant share of the cost and accept the
entry of the private sector. Throughout the project decision making stages, the members
24
Similarly the contractual obligations between the municipality and the BOT operator
forced the municipal government to ensure timely payment for management and waste
water treatment services.
Thus, the loan as well as contractual obligations ensured strong fiscal discipline by the
municipal body, by making it take difficult decisions on capital priorities, closely oversee
the sewer system management, and ensure budgeting of sufficient funds to meet payment
schedules
Implementing an effective fee system: Despite the willingness to pay survey that
indicated that public willingness was far below the tariff requirement to meet the capital
and operational cost of the project, the municipal council, through its rigorous public
outreach measures, managed to impose reasonable levels of connection charges and
sewer fee on the public. The municipality also managed to collect the connection charges
fairly well in time to pre-empt the need for the TNUIFSL loan.
A large part of the success of the municipality in this aspect sprung from the fact that they
provided sympathetic measures that addressed the concern of the public. For example,
the connection deposits were collected in two instalments as per the convenience of the
consumers; the local branch of the Punjab National Bank also offered financial support to
the citizens of Alandur by creating a scheme for lending the connection deposit amount to
them.
Access to finance for the municipality: An important aspect of the success of the
project stemmed from concession financing and subsidies from the Government and
public-private entities, established specifically to meet the credit needs of the municipalities
without access to private capital, due to a low or non-existent credit rating.Though almost
30% of the capital was generated by the municipality from connection fees, grants from
GoTN and loans from TUFIDCO were crucial. The loan agreement from TNUIFSL, while
proving to be unnecessary in the end, was imperative for participation in the finance
package by all the parties.
Technical and financial assistance: The expertise needed to plan and manage the
technical and financial aspects of the project far exceeded the capacity of the municipality.
Assistance from the other government bodies in the state, the Chennai Corporation,
and sources, such as the USAIDs FIRE project, was critical. TNUIFSL and FIRE played a
substantial role in structuring the project, managing the feasibility studies, and preparing
the bid and contract documents crucial to project success.The review and approval of the
engineering reports by the management committee, consisting of senior officials of the AM,
25
the Tamil Nadu Water supply and Sewerage Board, Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply
and Sewerage Board, and TNUIFSL, were essential for successful project management.
RFP document
Private Sector Participation in the Water Sector Presentation on the Alandur Sewerage
project given by Dr. Mukesh P. Mathur
Financing Water and Sanitation Presentation by Dr. Rajivan in the Expert Group
Meeting on Urban Sector Strategy Review
Interactions with:
26
Five
Case Study 2:
Karnataka Urban Water Supply
Improvement Project
5.1 Project Description
In 2005, the Government of Karnataka (GoK), with assistance from the World Bank, initiated a water
supply service delivery improvement programme with private sector participation at the local level.
This initiative was part of a larger project developed by GoK to improve the performance of the
urban water sector by providing high quality and sustainable services in all the Urban Local Bodies
(ULBs) of the state. The project termed as Karnataka Urban Water Sector Improvement Project
(KUWASIP) was designed and implemented with funding assistance from the World Bank through
the Karnataka Urban Infrastructure Development and Finance Corporation (KUIDFC), which
is the nodal agency for externally funding projects in Karnataka. Under the KUWASIP initiative,
water supply improvement projects were planned at the state and local body level. These projects
included both reform-based programmes aimed at strengthening of the water supply and sanitation
sector of Karnataka and also specific projects for increasing the water availability and service
delivery levels at the ULB level.
At the local body level, projects were identified for the select three ULBs of Belgaum, Gulbarga
and Hubli-Dharwad. These projects aimed towards augmentation of the bulk water supply and
improvements to the distribution system. This objective was undertaken through a project aimed
at providing a 24*7 water supply system on a Public Private Partnership basis for a defined project
area.
A pilot project in five demonstration zones of the select three Municipal Corporations of Karnataka
was taken up.The project involved refurbishment/rehabilitation of the existing distribution network
of the select five demonstration zones in these three Urban Local Bodies, followed by the operation
and management of water distribution systems in these zones on a PPP basis.
The project was structured such that a private developer was identified for undertaking the required
rehabilitation works and for undertaking the operation and maintenance (O&M) of the distribution
network for the period of the contract.The capital investment required for the rehabilitation works
was to be compensated for by the World Bank through KUIDFC and the private developer was to
be provided a fee for undertaking the O&M activity.The project was planned for a total time period
of 3 years and 6 months inclusive of both rehabilitation works for the distribution networks and
the operation and maintenance of the distribution system.
billing system. The rehabilitation activity, to be undertaken by the private developer, was to be
funded from KUIDFC funds as a grant to the project. A maximum of ` 42 crores was set aside as
the grant amount for the capital works, and the private developer was required to carry out the
rehabilitation works within this sum.
The detailed design of the capital works to be undertaken was to be provided by the private
developer and, subject to approval from KUWSDB and KUIDFC; the works were to be implemented
by the private developer. The performance targets to be achieved by the private developer on the
project were also listed by KUIDFC.
The private developer was responsible for identifying and tendering out the construction
activity. Post construction of the project, the private developer was required to demonstrate the
achievement of the performance targets in the demonstration zones. Subject to an audit of the
efficiency of the working of the system in the demonstration zones, the private developer would
take over the distribution system for the operation and maintenance phase of the project. The
activity of raw water supply, its treatment and supply till the treated bulk water distribution points
was to be fully managed by KUWSDB.The tariff to be levied and the structure of the same were to
be set by the ULBs in consultation with KUWSDB and KUIDFC.
During the O&M phase of the project, the private developer was required to ensure 100% individual
house service connections in the demonstration zones, supply treated water to the customers,
ensure reduction in distribution losses as per performance targets set, generate bills as per the
tariff set by the ULBs and distribute bills to the consumers. The collection against the bills was the
responsibility of the respective ULBs.
For the activities undertaken by the private developer, a fee was to be paid by ULBs and KUIDFC
for the period of the contract.The fee included a fixed component of 60% and a variable component
of 40%, the latter being based on the meeting of performance targets. In addition, further incentives
were to be provided to the private developer for achievement of the targets beyond a set level.
This incentive was over and above the operator fee remuneration. (The performance targets and
incentives have been listed in a later section of this case note)
During the contract period, the asset ownership for the existing and the rehabilitated assets inclusive
of pipelines, valves and meters, fully remained with the respective ULBs. Post the rehabilitation
phase, the private developer was only provided the right to operate and maintain the facilities. At
the end of the tenure of the contract, the distribution network would have to be handed back to
the respective ULBs for operations and maintenance.
The operator fee of ` 22 crores was to be paid from the revenues accruing to the ULBs from the
user charges collected. However, during the course of the implementation of the project, there
were delays which arose, resulting in an escalation in the compensation to be paid to the operator
by KUIDFC. The operator fee finally increased to ` 28 crores.
Project Details
Table 5
Particulars
Project IRR
14%
80:20
NPV
` 2.57 crores
Of the estimated project cost of approximately at ` 62 crores1 (USD 13.79 million), World Banks
loan based assistance to the project was approximately ` 45 crores (USD 11.61 million). Information
on the financial details relating to NPV, IRR, and DSCR etc on the project from the project feasibility
report is not available in the public domain. The figures in the above table are obtained from an
economic viability study undertaken by the World Bank.
The project was structured in such a way that there were built in financial incentives to the private
developer for efficient execution of the rehabilitation works and the operation and management
activity. The maximum permissible bonus was set as 25% of the remuneration (initially decided as `
22 crores and later revised to ` 28 crores) to be paid to the private developer.The incentives to be
provided under the construction phase and operation phase are as listed below:
Table 6
No
Component
Target
Percentage share
of the bonus
1.
Upto 25%
>25%
3.75%
10%
2.
Upto 25%
>25%
15%
40%
3.
Between 15-20%
< 15%
20%
30%
4.
12%
30%
For instance, if the private developer made a saving of greater than 25% on the capital expenditure
amount, he is eligible to get an incentive of 10% from the corpus (25% of operator fee) set aside
for the same. During the rehabilitation and construction phase of the project, the private developer
was able to reduce the capital costs by over 25% and was eligible to avail the incentives as set.
The construction was undertaken at a cost of approximately ` 32 crores. During the course of
execution of the O&M phase of the project, the private developer was able to bring about savings
greater than 25% in the O&M expense, bring about reduction in the losses to less than 15% and
also increase the billed water supply to over 25%.
Assumption of 1 USD = ` 45
29
Dharwad. For furthering the same, five demonstration zones were identified where specific
interventions were to be brought about under a 24x7 water supply system. These three ULBs
experienced poor water supply levels, inclusive of non reliable supply hours for water and a high
level of leakages.
Procurement:
A two stage bidding process was thereby followed, i.e. the Request for Qualification (RFQ) stage
followed by the Request for Proposal (RFP) stage. At the RFQ stage interest was expressed by
approximately 30 bidders constituting both domestic and international firms. From the 30 bidders,
seven were selected for the RFP stage. The technical qualification criteria stated in the RFQ
document resulted in only international players in the water business being eligible for undertaking
the project. Most of the Indian firms could not qualify due to the lack of adequate experience.
Indian firms however bid together with the international players as part of consortia. The financial
bid evaluation criteria was determined as the lowest financial quote made by the bidder for
remuneration towards operation and maintenance activity. The lowest quote so received was
for an amount of ` 22 crores from the French company Compagnie Generale des Eaux, which
was selected as the preferred bidder. The financial bid had a fixed remuneration component and
another component dependant on the meeting of performance targets by the private developer. It
may be noted here that there was no request from the participating bidders for having a fixed and
a performance based component in the bid.
Development:
The project was planned in three phases. These phases are as explained below:
Preparatory period A: The period was envisaged as 6 months during which the private
developer was required to first undertake an assessment of the existing water supply
system of the zones in the three ULBs. On the basis of the assessment, the private
developer was required to prepare the draft investment requirement, and prepare detailed
designs. During this period, the private developer was also required to get the approval
from KUIDFC and KUWSDB on the designs submitted.
30
Preparatory period B: The second phase of the project was envisaged to be spread
over 9 months. During this phase, the private developer was required to first arrange
for finance for the investment amount as identified in the Draft Investment Report
approved by KUIDFC. As stated earlier, this investment amount was capped at ` 42
crores. Following the receipt of approvals, the developer was required to commence the
construction works for the rehabilitation/ refurbishment activity. The activity of floating
tenders, selection of contractors and supervision of the rehabilitation works was to be
managed by the private developer. During the construction activity, it was necessary for
the private developer to maintain the then existing level of water supply services to the
consumers. The private developer did not disconnect the existing consumers during the
rehabilitation phase and instead water was made available through the existing lines, and
/ or parallel lines to all the zones. Additionally, during this period, the private developer
was required to manage all installation works, provide house service connections to the
customers approved by the ULBs and demonstrate the efficient working of the system
where the performance targets were being met. The efficient working of the system
was subject to an audit by an independent engineer appointed by KUIDFC, and post
approval, the private developer was allowed to take over the system for the operation
and maintenance phase of the project. It is to be noted here that the private developer,
during this phase, also undertook a consumer survey in the project zone to ascertain
the number and type of connections which were to be provided. The private developer
identified the authorised consumers and those which required regularisation by the
ULBs.
Period C: During this phase of the project, the private developer was required to undertake
O&M of the entire distribution system for a period of 2 years. The tasks of the private
developer entailed provision of 25,000 direct house service connections, a 24*7 supply
of treated water at a set pressure level, reduction in leakages, redressal of consumer
complaints etc.
The total time allocated for these three activities as per the RFP was 42 months. However, during
the course of the implementation of the project for the rehabilitation works, there were delays
which arose during the construction phase of the project and during the demonstration phase.
The delays which arose were on account a combined set of factors such as delays in obtaining
permits from other utilities departments for digging and construction activities, limited or poor
co-operation from the three ULBs in information sharing, delays brought about due to the
unfavourable climatic conditions during the construction phase etc. Additional delays occurred at
the time of commencement of the demonstration works. This delay was largely caused due to the
non availability of the bulk water supply by KUWSDB as per schedule. Parallel to the 24*7 water
supply project, there was a parallel project which was being implemented for sourcing of raw bulk
water and supply of treated water to these Corporations. The bulk water supply project which
was also funded by the World Bank was expected to be completed by the time the rehabilitation
works in the three ULBs concluded. However, since the bulk water supply project did not complete
on time, there were delays on the part of KUWSDB in supply, resulting in delays for the private
developer to commence the demonstration works.
Also during the O&M phase, assistance was required by the private developer from the ULBs for
undertaking all the improvement works and for provision of all connections. However, the same
was not fully forthcoming resulting in delays.
On account of all these factors, the total time period was extended by 17 months as against what
was envisaged in the RFP (59 months as against the initial 42 months). As per the contract, the
private developer had to adhere to the performance targets set and any non compliance would
result in immediate termination. There were no separate set of penalties which were stated in
the contract. KUIDFC however noted that the delays were largely caused due to delays from the
clients side i.e. from the ULBs and the KUWSDB and therefore no penalties in this regard were
imposed on the private developer. Also, for the period of extension, KUDIFC fully compensated the
31
private developer for additional costs incurred due to time over runs. Therefore, the operator fee
increased from ` 22 crores to ` 28 crores for the extended time period.
Delivery:
Subsequent to completion of the rehabilitation works, the O&M activity was to be undertaken over
a time period of 104 weeks. The actual time taken by the private developer for the O&M activity
was the same as that mentioned in the RFP document.
The performance targets which were set for the private developer included the following:
Table 7
Emergency stoppages to reduce to maximum of four for less than 12 hours in a year and
redressal of customer complaints
100% metering of all property connections (individual and shared), public stand-posts and
feeds to street storage tanks and maintenance of computerised records of the readings.
100% of customer meters to be read every month and a bill for water used based on these
volumetric readings to be issued to 100% of connected properties each month with prior
approval of the respective ULB
Reduction in losses
Elapsed time from the final
takeover date (in months)
12
25
18
23
24
20
System connection requests to be fulfilled within 7 days of directions being issued by the
Corporation subsequent to the payment of connection fee
Set up a customer service and support centre which is to situated at a location easily
accessible to residents of the given area and is to be operated on a 24-hour basis
All customer queries and complaints to be responded to within 24 hours and redressed
within 7 days of such complaint or query, except the complaints concerning low pressure
or poor quality of water, which must be responded to within 12 hours and redressed
within 24 hours of such complaint
In order to monitor the achievement of the above listed performance targets, KUIDFC appointed
a technical auditor. The technical auditor continuously monitored the performance of the private
developer against these parameters. It is to be noted that these performance targets which were set
for the O&M activity have been largely met by the private developer in these demonstration zones.
For each of the five zones, manpower numbering eight per zone were also provided from each ULB.
The manpower provided was for the purpose of assisting the private developer in their various
works. However, it is understood that the manpower so provided was of limited assistance to
the private developer. The private developer could not depend on them and therein had to bring
along their own manpower at the project site. It may be noted here that there was no instance
of resistance from the employees of the participating ULBs in the entire implementation process.
The private developer however did face a few issues during the O&M phase of the project. For
instance, the private developer was required to provide direct connections to those consumers
32
for whom regularisation authorization had been provided by the ULBs. These had to be provided
within seven days of receipt of such a request by the private developer. However, the ULBs did
not provide information on the authorised consumer list in a timely manner. Instead, at random
intervals, information was shared on the connections to be provided by the developer.This resulted
in the developer requiring to address too many requests within a short time period of seven days.
Instead, the ULBs were requested to share such information at regular intervals. Another issue
faced by the private developer related to demands for provision of the services beyond the project
area. Such demands would have had adverse financial implications for the private developer.
To ensure effective operations and provide the necessary assistance to the private developer,
KUIDFC played a very active role.A Project Improvement Units (PIU) was established to coordinate
the O&M activity. Additionally a technical auditor was appointed to oversee the O&M works being
undertaken on the site. Also, as per the site conditions, a few modifications were made to the
performance targets set for the private developer. For instance, the private developer for the first
six months of commencement of operations was to generate the water usage bill on a flat tariff
basis and eventually adopt a volumetric structure. However, it was mutually agreed by KUIDFC and
KUWSDB that since the right to set and determine the tariff is the prerogative of the ULBs, the
final say on the same rests with the ULBs. Since the ULBs did not adopt a volumetric tariff structure,
the private developer continued to generate bills as per the applicable flat rate.
The project saw initial resistance from the general public on account of apprehensions of private
sector involvement in provision of water supply services. However, effective provision of water
supply services in the demonstration zone of Belgaum resulted in greater acceptance of the project
in the remaining zones. Additionally, Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) were involved in
awareness creation among the general public regarding the project, its benefits etc.
Exit:
The O&M activity to be managed by the private developer is expected to be completed by March
2010. Post termination of the contract, the entire distribution system including the assets created
by the private developer would be handed over to the respective ULBs for O&M activities.As a part
of the exit activity, the private developer has been providing training to the existing staff at the three
ULBs for handling of the system post termination of the contract. The private developer however
has raised concerns regarding the skills of the existing staff to be able to effectively manage the
system post its exit.
Sensitivity
Table 8
Risk Period
Primary Risk
Bearer
Comments
0-3 months
Private developer
Private developer
A) Pre-Operative Risks
Delay in obtaining High
permits
Design Risk
High
33
Risk Type
Sensitivity
Risk Period
Primary Risk
Bearer
Comments
Construction Risk
High
0-2 years
Private developer
0-2 years
Private developer
0-2 years
Private developer
Market Risk
2 years
Government
Technology Risk
Government
Operations Risk
High
2 years
Private developer
Financial Risk
High
0-4 years
Private developer
Government and
Private developer
Force Majeure
One of the parameters used for the VfM assessment is the suitability of the project to
be undertaken on a PPP basis. The project has seen efficiency both at the construction
phase and during the O&M phase. In the construction phase for instance, the budget
allocation for the rehabilitation works was capped at ` 42 crores. Though majority of
the rehabilitation works have been executed, there are ongoing civil works as part of the
O&M activity. The final estimate of the capital expenditure so incurred on the project can
be correctly estimated only at the time of completion of the contract i.e. in March 2010.
However, it is understood that of the original budget of ` 42 crores for rehabilitation
works, approximately a total of ` 32 crores has been expended by the private developer
towards capital works. There has therefore been a substantial saving in the project costs
which the private developer has been able to bring about. During the O&M phase, the
operator has been able to bring down the O&M costs by effectively monitoring the power
consumption. Also, the private developer has managed to meet the performance targets
effectively which has resulted in financial incentives over and above the operator fee.
The risk allocation as worked out in the PPP arrangement has also facilitated in effective
implementation of the project. The key risks of the project were largely to be managed
by the private developer with assistance from the ULBs and KUIDFC in some cases.
For instance, the private developer was held responsible for obtaining all the requisite
permits. However, the ULBs were required to assist the private developer in securing
these permits. The construction risk, cost over runs during construction if any were to be
managed by the private developer. The market risk was however borne by KUIDFC since
the collection of the bills generated was by the respective ULBs. Such an arrangement has
benefited the private developer to the extent that variations in the collection levels do not
affect its remuneration receivable.
One of the objectives while developing the project was to verify if the PPP model is viable.
This was to be assessed especially in the context of the poor service conditions which
prevailed in the selected zones. With the rehabilitation activity undertaken effectively, the
private developer was able to demonstrate the effective working of the system as per
the performance parameters. Also, the O&M activity is being implemented efficiently with
reduced costs and achievement of performance targets. Also, with the project being able
to demonstrate the benefits of the system, the initial resistance which came up from
few of the customers was effectively addressed. With assured supply, the consumers
were themselves willing to make tariff payments. Increasingly, attempts are being made to
replicate the 24*7 model demonstrated by this project in other urban areas of the state of
Karnataka. A brief on the performance levels before the PPP based intervention and after
the implementation of the project are represented in the table 9:
1.
Hours of supply
2.
3.
Population served
180,000
4.
433
5.
Losses as a % of input
10%
6.
Metering
Negligible
100%
7.
100%
8.
24 hrs
9.
Customer service
Table 9
35
The project has brought about strong socio economic benefits. These benefits have been
with respect to health issues, and also willingness on part of the consumers to make
payments for the water supplied. It has been reported that post implementation of the
project, the number of cases of water borne diseases in the project area has seen a
significant fall. As per a study by the Health inspector for the region, it has been reported
that the number of gastronomic diseases have reduced from 400 cases pre project phase
to approximately 80 cases post implementation phase.
These studies will ascertain the actual loss levels in the system, will highlight the areas of
issues, would ascertain the actual consumer base etc. On the basis of this information, it
would be possible for the ULB to ascertain the various interventions which are required
in the system and a suitable contract can be drawn up. Similarly, the private developer can
also plan for the works required appropriately. A clear understanding of the on ground
situation would help minimize on future disputes.
Effective facilitation of project implementation by the government: There were
project awareness activities, which were initiated by KUIDFC, to familiarise the consumers
with the proposed project. Additionally several NGOs and PIUs were brought together
to facilitate effective implementation of the project. Such facilitation has worked towards
effective implementation of the project.
Government needs to provide full cooperation to the private developer at
various phases: The private developer needs to be provided with maximum cooperation
in implementation of the project. It has been observed that there were delays during the
demonstration phase of the project due to the non availability of bulk water for supply
by KUWSDB. Additionally, the ULBs did not provide sufficient information on time and
also did not release the payments due to the developer on time. It is important that such
payments are made on time to the private developer.There were also delays in permitting.
Project ownership by the implementing agency and the participating ULBs is
important: For the success of water supply projects it is important that there is project
ownership by both the implementing agency and the participating ULBs. It also requires
that correct and relevant information be collected during preparation to identify what
potential users want and what resources they are willing to apply to finance and manage
installed systems. Consultation and participation of the consumers and other stakeholders
are crucial for successful implementation.
36
of the project was 6 months during which the private developer was required to carry
out a detailed assessment of the project area and develop designs on the basis of the
same. In the context of a situation where the ULBs have a poor information base of the
existing infrastructure level and service delivery status, it is important that sufficient time
be provided to undertake a detailed assessment in order to arrive at an accurate situation
analysis.
Proper preparation for takeover by the ULBs and KUIDFC: The private developer
has been providing training to the existing staff of the three ULBs for managing the
system post hand over by the private developer. It is important that these skills are well
absorbed by the officials and the management of the system understood well for effective
implementation and continuance of smooth operations of the system by the ULBs.
It should be noted that an important characteristic of this pilot project was that capital financing
was provided by a development agency (the World Bank), and not from commercial sources.
RFP document
Interviews:
37
Six
Case Study 3:
Latur Water Supply Project
6.1 Project Description
Located in the Maratwada region, Latur city is a district headquarter covering an area of 32.56
sq kms and a population of 3.5 lakhs (2001 census). The city is anticipated to witness a significant
decadal growth in population of about 52%.
The Latur Municipal Council (LMC) is responsible for water supply to Latur City. Prior to May 2005,
the primary sources of water supply to the city were 2 weirs on Manjra river that supplied about 35
million litres per day (mlpd) of water. LMC operated two water treatment plants and a distribution
network covering 350 kms. In addition, the city was also drawing about 3 mlpd of ground water
through borewells and open wells.
Historically, Latur city has faced acute water scarcity. LMC was supplying water to the city through
individual connections as well as public standposts. Of the 26,000 regularised water connections,
majority were unmetered connections alongside a significant number of illegal connections. In
addition to limited availability of water, the demand coverage was also low with only 70% of the
population receiving water once a week. The situation was further aggravated during the summer
season.
For the state of Maharashtra, the Maharashtra Jeevan Pradhikaran (MJP) is the nodal agency
responsible for development and regulation of water supply and sanitation.To overcome the source
limitation of Latur city, in May 2005, MJP commissioned a source augmentation project for the
city through the Stage V water supply scheme a bulk water supply and distribution project. This
included bulk water transmission over 65 kms at a capital cost of approximately ` 130 crores.With
the commissioning of this scheme, MJP increased the total length of the water distribution system
of Latur city by an additional 126 kms.
LMC took over this scheme from MJP in 2005 but was unable to operate and maintain it optimally.
Despite ample availability of water, LMC was unable to manage its distribution network and Latur
city was receiving water only once a week. Consequently the percentage of Non Revenue Water
(NRW), which is the difference between the quantity of treated water in the distribution system and
the quantity of water that is actually billed to consumers, was also very high for LMC. In addition
to such operational issues, LMC was also plagued by low collection efficiencies and constraints on
revenue growth through revisions in water tariffs. Given LMCs existing liabilities and its inability to
raise additional resources of ` 17.17 crores for completing the existing water supply system, LMC
initially decided to transfer the Stage V Water Supply scheme to MJP.
Subsequently, LMC resolved to transfer the existing water supply scheme for the entire Latur city
to MJP. Based on the resolution passed by LMC, MJP was given the right to operate the water
supply scheme for Latur city for a period of 30 years. It was responsible for the operations and
maintenance of existing water supply schemes as well as raising finance for completing the water
supply scheme through a private operator. MJP was also given the right to charge water tariff as
necessary and collect the revenue from the water users.
38
MJP eventually floated a management contract tender in March 2006, which was the first source to
tap integrated management contract being executed through a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV). For
the contract duration, the private entity is responsible for:
Taking over existing assets from source to tap and providing operations, maintenance and
repair of such resources
Providing a minimum average water supply to residents at adequate pressure and ensuring
24*7 pressurised water supply within 2 years of the contract period
Increasing piped water coverage through new connections and ensuring 100% metering of
existing connections
Recovering cost of water supply based on tariffs fixed in the management contract
The project area consists of 3 water sources, 6 pumping stations, 6 electrical installation, 3 water
treatment plants, 2 master balancing reservoirs, 95 kms of transmission mains, 10 elevated service
reservoirs, 1 ground service reservoir and 476 kms of distribution lines.
Project Structure
Creation of
New Assets
Tripartite
Agreement
Figure 1
Latur Municipal
Council (LMC)
Transfer of right of
use of Assets
Maharashtra
Jeevan Pradhikaran
1st Agreement
(30 years)
Fixed Monthly
Payment
10 yr Mgt.
Contract
Water Tariff
Operations and
Maintenance
Water
Distribution &
Supply
Consumers
39
First Agreement between LMC and MJP: MJP entered into an agreement with LMC
in February 2006 under which MJP was awarded the right of use of the water transmission
and distribution assets of LMC. MJP is responsible for water supply to Latur city as well as
operation and maintenance of related assets. Under the agreement MJP has the authority
to charge water tariff and collect related revenue from consumers. This agreement was
entered into for a period of 30 years.
Role allocation between parties to contract was undertaken such that LWMC would
be in charge of operations and maintenance of assets while MJP would take care of
major repairs and rehabilitation activities.
Provision for additional capital expenditure for efficiency improvements and infrastructure
upgrading to be made by LWMC as it considers necessary.
Collection of Water tariff from the consumer as agreed upon in the management
contract.
Payment of Fixed monthly fees by LWMC to MJP for the contract duration.
Provision of 70 qualified employees by MJP to LWMC who would work on this project
under the direction and control of LWMC during the contract period. MJP would
transfer 15 qualified employees while LMC would transfer 55 employees to LWMC.
Provision for stability in electricity tariff was provided for in the contract terms to ensure
input cost of electricity would remain within a specified price band. This price band
provided for an incremental electricity tariff increase over the contract term. In the
event of increase in electricity tariff beyond the price band, the terms of the contract
ensured that MJP would compensate the private operator for such an increase. In case
of reduction in electricity tariffs, the differential amount would be passed on to MJP/
LMC by LWMC.
Adoption of a pro-poor strategy wherein billing concessions were provided for slum
areas and the concept of group connections was introduced. To ensure a smoother
transition, concessions were provided to slum dwellers in terms of flat tariffs for the
first nine months. Group connections were introduced for upto 4 households and the
identified group leader would be responsible for collection and payment of all dues.
The management contract that was entered into for Latur water supply was not a typical water
supply management contract but a hybrid version of a management contract with elements of
affermage / concession built into it wherein the private operator was taking on more that the
standard levels of technical and commercial risks of a management contract.
The decision to enter into such a contract with a private party was driven by resource limitations
of LMC to finance and operate the water supply networks.
The rationale for such a structuring of the management contract involving revenue collection and
retention by the private operator rather than fixed payments for services, could also be on account
of the fact that the cash strapped entity LMC or MJP would not have been in a position to guarantee
any fixed payments to the private operator. Hence it decided to allow the private operator to retain
revenues but ensure efficient service delivery by defining the service level standards and parameters
and penalising the private operator in the event that he was unable to meet predefined standards.
Tripartite Agreement between MJP, LMC and LWMC: In addition to the above
agreements, a tripartite agreement was entered into between MJP, LMC and LWMC to
ensure efficient execution of the project. As per the terms of this tripartite agreement
Asset ownership relating to the project was retained by LMC. LMC would remain the
sole owner of the existing water supply and distribution assets as well as additional
assets that would be created by MJP and LWMC under the investment plan specified
in the agreement. MJP would act as a custodian of the assets.
MJP/LMC would also provide the necessary support to LWMC during the conditions
precedent period with respect to the repair of assets, water regularisation and 100%
metering implementation.
MJP and LMC would have an equal share in any profit/penalty payable by/to LWMC
and associated with the execution of this management contract.
While all three agreements were to be viewed in conjunction, in case of any inconsistencies, the
terms of the Tripartite Agreement would prevail.
in mind the law and order implications of this agitation, the District Collector of Latur, announced
the formation of a study committee and issued a temporary stay order on the field activities till
submission of the study committee report.
The study committee was expected to review the tripartite agreement and contract terms. The
committee found the contract in favour of the residents of Latur city and the Government of
Maharashtra approved the report in October 2008. In accordance with the government directive,
LWMC was expected to restart operations. However the opposition to the project continued with
agitators vandalizing and closing down the LWMC office in Latur. LWMC is now operating out of
the MJP premises. MJP and LWMC also initiated an information, education and communication
campaign to increase consumer awareness on metering policy.
As a consequence of the above, transfer of assets from LMC to MJP has not taken place and in turn
MJP has not been able to transfer the right of use of assets to LWMC. In the interim, in anticipation
of such transfer of assets, the private operator has undertaken preliminary studies relating to
water supply in city. Necessary site visits, customer survey and asset condition survey including
network survey on GIS platform have been undertaken. LWMC has also initiated procurement of
customer meters for undertaking 100% metering activities. Additionally, MJP has undertaken repairs
to the distribution system to improve operational efficiency of the system. The transfer of assets
from LMC to MJP is expected to happen in December 2009 and thereafter the contract term will
commence.
Figure2
Inception
Feasibility
Procurement
Development
Delivery
Exit
2
3
42
Source: MJP
Source: Outlook Profit, 3 Oct 2008
to generate gross revenues of about ` 190 crores for LWMC during the contract period. The
project IRR based on statements given by private operator to the press was 19.6%.
Procurement:
For procurement of operator services to provide source to tap water supply for Latur city, a
two stage bidding process was followed. A pre-bid conference was organised in January 2007 and
tenders were purchased by 7 potential bidders.
Request for Qualification (RFQ): At the RFQ stage, the objective was to identify
private operators having adequate financial capabilities as well as technical expertise.
Being the first source to tap management contract of the country, two technical criteria
were specified. The first technical criterion was that the private operator should have
experience, at a national/international level, of handling water distribution and supply
of 20 MLD or more, for at least one town. The private operator was also required to
have experience, not only in water supply delivery, but also in billing and collections. The
second technical criterion was spread across seven different technical parameters to allow
maximum participation in the bid process, both nationally as well as internationally. To
qualify at this stage, bidders needed to fulfil the financial criteria and any one of the
technical criteria. At the RFQ stage, three bids were received and all the three bidders
qualified and moved on to the Request for Proposal Stage.
Request for Proposal (RFP): The qualified bidders were required to submit a
techno business proposal as well as a financial proposal. The techno business proposals
were evaluated on their compliance with project scope and practicality of proposed
implementation. With respect to the financial proposal, the RFP specified the minimum
guaranteed payments that need to be made to MJP. The bidders were also required to
quote the payments that they would make over and above the minimum guaranteed
payments specified in the RFP for a period of 5 years. Of the three bidders shortlisted
for the RFP stage, the bidding consortium providing the highest total present value of
bid payment to MJP for the specified 5 year period, was declared as the winning bid. This
bid payment involved a fixed minimum payment as prescribed by MJP and an additional
amount that the bidder is willing to pay MJP for the management contract. The highest bid
was from the consortium of Subhash Projects & Marketing Ltd and UPL Environmental
Engineers Ltd. Subsequently, this successful bidding consortium invited and included
Hydro-Comp Enterprises, Cyprus, an internationally reputed company involved in water
management activities, to join as a technical partner in the consortium. The SPV, Latur
Water Management Company, was incorporated in October 2007. Given the unique
nature of arrangements, MJP entered into a Management Contract with the consortium
and additionally a tripartite agreement was also entered into between LMC, MJP and
LWMC in June 2008 to ensure smooth functioning of the water supply scheme by the
private operator.
43
Conditions Precedent Period: This period was for six months starting from the time of
contract signing. MJP had the discretion of extending this conditions period by 3 months
on mutually agreed terms and conditions. During the conditions precedent period, MJP
was responsible for obtaining all the necessary permits and approvals to facilitate the
private operator to function as LWMC. Performance improvements were initiated by
LWMC through commercial data validation, network data validation and GIS & network
asset management. Subsequently, further measures for performance improvement were
initiated through implementation of consumer billing and information systems as well as
hydraulic modelling systems. During the said conditions precedent period, LWMC was
also responsible for organizing and employing requisite manpower for operating and
maintaining the water supply scheme. It took on the services of 70 employees of MJP
for the contract term. MJP along with LWMC was also responsible for implementation
of water metering and connection regularisation plans within 3 months of notification.
This was aimed at regularisation of illegal water connections and installing new meters to
achieve the target of 25,000 metered connections.The primary objective of the conditions
precedent term was to ensure 100% metering and undertaking the necessary groundwork
for transition of O&M activities of the water supply scheme to the private operator prior
to the commencement of the contract term. However, on account of the inability to
transfer water supply and distribution assets from LMC to MJP, only some of the conditions
precedent were achieved.
Contract Period: Based on the contract terms, on fulfilling the conditions precedent, LWMC
will take over the implementation of the management contract. During this contract
period, LWMC will be responsible for meeting the pre-defined performance standards set
in the management contract for providing adequately pressurised water supply to Latur
city along with undertaking the necessary O&M activities. Additionally, LWMC will also be
responsible for network rehabilitation and optimization. The terms of contract have set a
minimum service level for the contractor to operate the water supply scheme such that
consumer can draw an average of 100 LPCD with the minimum set at 80 LPCD during the
supply hours.The performance standards also cap the maximum water transmission losses
across various operational parameters. The contract specifies that distribution losses will
be reduced incrementally by 10% per year from the commencement date. Standards
specify the timeframe for repair and maintenance activities with penal charges to be levied
in case of default. LWMC will be allowed to collect water tariffs based on contract terms
which provide for a staggered increase in water tariff over the contract period. As a part
of the contract, LWMC will also operate a 24*7 customer redressal cell for the water
supply scheme wherein consumer grievances will be responded to within 24 hours and
resolved within 7 days. This is with the exception of low water pressure or poor water
quality complaints, which will have to be responded within 12 hours and resolved within
24 hours.
Exit:
The management contract that has been entered into by MJP and LWMC is for a period of 10 years.
At the time of expiration of the agreement term, all water supply and distribution assets of LWMC
would transfer back to MJP free of cost and without any encumbrances.
44
Sensitivity
Table 10
Risk period
Primary risk
bearer
Comments
Delay
in
obtaining High
Approvals/Permits
0-1 month
MJP
Design Risk
High
0-6 months
Private
Operator
Political Risk
High
0-6 months
A) Pre-Operative Risks
High
Throughout
contract term
Private
Operator
Policy Risk
High
Throughout
contract term
Revenue Risk
Medium
0-6 Months
45
Risk type
Sensitivity
Risk period
Primary risk
bearer
Comments
Medium
Throughout
contract term
Handover risk
Medium
6-9 months
from
termination
date
Private
Operator
Force Majeure
Low
Throughout
contract term
Private
Operator
C) Other Risks
46
availability of meters and illegal connections. As a part of the conditions precedent to the
contract, LWMC is expected to achieve 100% metering. With the support of LMC/MJP,
regularisation of illegal meters would also be achieved. Additionally, high quality Class B
meters would also be installed.
48
Pro poor strategy:The project structuring and contract terms were undertaken keeping
in mind the specific circumstances of Latur city. As mentioned previously, concessions
were provided to slum dwellers for the first nine months of the contract period in
terms of a flat monthly water supply rate. Additionally, public standposts were to be
done away with and affected parties were to be encouraged to take individual or
group connections for up to 4 households.
Financially viable project for private operator: In the case of Latur, an attempt was made
to develop a financially viable model based on operational efficiency improvements.
Minimum performance standards had been set in the contract while increases in
revenue could be achieved by the private operator through improved operational
efficiencies. The private operator was able to successfully bid on the basis of loss
reductions in the existing system along with revenues generated through metered
connections. The financial model was based on improvements in operating efficiency
and reduction in transmission losses through the contract period. As mentioned
previously, tariff rationalization was undertaken by MJP prior to bidding. This coupled
with the minimization of input risks in terms of electricity and water costs further
strengthened the financial viability of the project.
Possible changes to minimise opposition: The opposition to this project was both to
the concept of privatization as well as billing of water supply services. Prior to this
arrangement, the residents of Latur were not receiving regular water supply and were
also not used to being billed for water supply. To minimise the opposition to such a
system, a longer contract term could have been considered which would have allowed
for staggered tariff increases and would have given the private operator enough time
to recover his costs.
RFQ document
Urban - JNNURM presentation by Ashok Natarajan, Former MD, Latur Water Management
Company
Interviews:
49
Seven
Case Study 4:
Salt Lake Water Supply And
Sewerage Network
7.1 Project Description
The Government of West Bengal (GoWB) had identified Sector V, Salt Lake City in Kolkata as the IT
& ITeS (Information Technology / Information Technology Enabled Services) hub of West Bengal and
intended to upgrade Sector V to international standards. This site was spread over an area of 300
acres in the eastern fringes of Kolkata. The consumer mix at Sector V included office spaces of the
IT companies, government institutions, and office spaces owned by other private firms. However,
Sector V was devoid of an organized water supply and sewerage system. Due to the lack of proper
water supply and sewerage systems, the industrial units of Sector V had to depend on ground water
for water supply and developed on-site sanitation facility at their own costs. This practice resulted
in indiscriminate extraction of underground water.
In the absence of a developed supportive civic infrastructure, the up-gradation of the IT sector in
Sector V was considered to be difficult. In 2005, the Urban Development Department of the GoWB
appointed the Kolkata Municipal Development Authority (KMDA) to lay out a comprehensive plan
for the development of basic infrastructure services in the industrial township of Nabadiganta.
Accordingly, the KMDA along with the Nabadiganta Industrial Township Authority (NDITA) planned
a combined water supply-cum-sewerage project.This project was planned to be implemented under
the Built-Operate-Transfer (BOT) PPP arrangement. The project was developed with financial
assistance under the central governments scheme of Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal
Mission (JNNURM).
The project involved the design, construction and commissioning of all the water supply and
sewerage facilities on a PPP basis. Specifically, for the water supply infrastructure, the project
required the construction of an Elevated Storage Reservoir (ESR), a rising main, an Underground
Reservoir (UGR), and the laying of pipelines along individual roads which would be connected to
the dedicated main. With respect to the sewerage sector, the project required the construction of
a sanitary network and a pumping station and the development of a waste treatment system.
KMDA and NDITA selected a private developer on a competitive basis. The private developer
formed a SPV the Nabadiganta Water Management Limited (NBWML). The SPV was required
to undertake part-financing; design the specified components of the water supply and sewerage
system; plan; undertake its construction; and operate and manage the system including the purchase
of water, generation of bills and collection for the concession period. The project infrastructure
was planned to be developed within a total time period of 18 months. Post completion of the
construction works, the SPV was to undertake the operation and maintenance of the water supply
system for a concession period of 30 years.
51
Table 11
Project Details
PARTICULARS
Project IRR
Equity IRR
16.4%
Average DSCR
1.9
Minimum DSCR
0.9
60:40
NPV
` 1.4 crore
of the infrastructure on a PPP basis. Also, with minimal existing infrastructure on the site, no further
studies were undertaken by KMDA to verify the suitability of the site conditions for development
of the requisite infrastructure. The lack of basic infrastructure on the site resulted in the proposed
project being developed more as a greenfield project. KMDA had estimated on a broad level the
extent of capital investment which would be required for the project and the likely water supplycum-sewerage tariff which would have to be levied.
Procurement:
The procurement of a developer to undertake the construction works and operate and maintain the
water supply and sewerage works was carried out as a two-stage bidding process, i.e., the Request
for Qualification (RFQ) stage followed by the Request for Proposal (RFP) stage. At the RFQ stage,
interest was expressed by 17 bidders comprising both domestic and international firms. Of the 17
bidders, 4 were short-listed for the RFP stage. At the RFP stage, the evaluation of the technical and
the financial bids was carried out on a 60:40 weightage i.e. 60 for technical and 40 for financial. Only
the bidders who scored an aggregate score 60 were declared technically qualified and eligible for
opening of financial bids. Only one bidder was technically qualified having adequate amount of both
construction and operation and maintenance experience. At the end of the procurement process,
the consortium of JUSCO and Voltas Ltd was selected as the successful bidder.
Development:
The project has been developed in the following phases.
Phase I: Post-identification of the developer for the construction and operation and
maintenance works, and before the signing of the Concession Agreement, the tariff to be
levied had to be determined. The private developer was required to estimate the capital
investments required for the water supply and sewerage works planned in order to
determine an appropriate tariff. The consortium of JUSCO and Voltas estimated a tariff of
` 48/KL. In the absence of a detailed analysis or feasibility study, KMDA and NDITA could
not ascertain if the tariff of ` 48/KL was reasonable. In order to ascertain this, KMDA and
NDITA entered into several rounds of discussions with a committee of representatives of
the IT firms which had established their units at Sector V and the private developers. The
purpose of the discussions was to identify the tariff level acceptable to the IT units. KMDA
also collected information on the prevailing tariff levels in other parts of the country. On
the basis of several discussions, the acceptable tariff was identified to be in the range of
` 20-25/KL. KMDA further directed the consortium of developers to reduce the existing
estimate of ` 48/KL to ` 20-25/KL. KMDA directed the private developers to identify
alternatives to reduce the capital investment.
On the basis of the pruning of design, and further analysis, the developers provided KMDA
with three alternatives for reducing the original estimate of ` 48/KL:
Provision of free land for undertaking the construction works and for setting up the
STP
As per KMDAs original plan, 1.44 ha of land was to be provided at a predetermined lease
rate. However, post several rounds of negotiations, KMDA and NDITA agreed to provide
the required land free of cost to the private developer for the concession period. Further,
it was also decided that a capital subsidy would be provided to the project by way of a
grant under the central governments JNNURM scheme. For provision of a grant to the
project under the JNNURM scheme, preparation of a DPR was mandatory. The private
developer thus prepared a DPR for the proposed project on behalf of KMDA. KMDA
53
forwarded the DPR for sanction under JNNURM. Post receipt of sanction on the project,
it was determined that 35% of the project cost would be received as subsidy. On the
basis of a combination of the first two alternatives being exercised, the developers initial
estimate of tariff of ` 48/KL was reduced to ` 25/KL as the applicable water supply cum
sewerage tariff. Of the ` 25/KL tariff, ` 15/KL was towards the provision of the water
supply services and ` 10/KL for the sewerage services.
In addition to the tariff, the developer was also given the right to charge a one time
connection fee from the consumers at the rate of ` 10/- per sq. ft. as development charges.
This entire phase before signing of the concession agreement was spread over a total time
period of six months.
Phase II: The Concession Agreement between KMDA, NDITA and JUSCO and Voltas was
signed by December 2007. Post signing of the contract, the private developers undertook
detailed site studies which were necessary before commencement of the construction
work. Simultaneously, the necessary permits required to undertake the construction
works had also to be obtained by the private developer. It is to be noted here that as
per the Concession Agreement, NDITA was to facilitate the process of obtaining the
necessary permits by the private developer. The construction works commenced by May
2008. The main components of the construction works were:
Water Supply:
-
A dedicated main of 750 mm dia. from the source near the Central Park to the
elevated reservoir in Sector-V over a length of about 3 km
Branch lines along individual roads within Sector-V which were connected to the
dedicated main
Sewerage
-
Other than the above mentioned components, there are several other civil works which
would also be undertaken as part of the project. The design period for the project was
decided to be till 2039, when the population was projected to be 2.67 lakhs. The current
population which is projected to be served is 1 lakh. The construction works are, as
mentioned earlier, expected to be finished by August 2010.
Delivery:
The construction works for the project commenced by May 2008.The construction activity was to
be completed within a time period of 18 months. However, the period of construction activity has
extended by another 6 months and is expected to complete by only August 2010. This extension
has been due to the delay in handover of the required land area to the JUSCO-Voltas consortium
for commencement of the construction works. KMDA and NDITA faced issues in acquisition of
land. The land deed between NDITA and JUSCO-Voltas consortium is yet to be signed and is
expected soon.
In order to create sufficient awareness among the intended consumers, both KMDA and NDITA
and the JUSCO-Voltas consortium organised several road shows. There has also been substantial
cooperation extended by the GoWB through the KMDA and NDITA.
Post conclusion of the construction works, the operation and maintenance works would commence
for a time period of 30 years as per the Concession Agreement. As indicated earlier, NDITA would
be responsible for purchase of water from the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC). Typically,
54
KMC charges ` 15/KL for non-domestic bulk supply. However, under the new arrangement, NDITA
would make treated water available for the JUSCO network at the cost of ` 5/KL. The Concession
Agreement has authorized the JUSCO-Voltas consortium to collect user charges six months in
advance by way of revolving bank guarantees. The Agreement specifically requires NDITA to issue
notifications banning the use of ground water by all the existing consumers in Sector V. NDITA is
further required to seal the entire existing ground water take-off points and existing wells. During
the concession period, any repair and maintenance cost that would arise would have to be borne
by the private developer. The JUSCO-Voltas consortium would levy the tariff of ` 25/KL on its
consumers. The tariff, as mentioned earlier, is scheduled to escalate by 10% every five years for
the entire period of the Concession Agreement. The O&M phase of the project is expected to
commence by August 2010 and is envisaged to provide 500 connections.
Exit:
The O&M activity to be managed by the private developer is expected to be completed by the year
2039. Post-termination of the contract, the entire water supply and sewerage system, including the
assets created by the private developer, would be handed over to KMDA and NDITA for O&M
activities.
Sensitivity
Table 12
Risk period
A) Pre-Operative Risks
Delay in obtaining
permits
High
0-6 months
Private
developer
Design Risk
High
Throughout
Both
Construction Risk
High
0-2 years
Private
developer
Construction cost
over runs
High
0-2 years
Private
developer
Throughout
Joint
55
Risk type
Sensitivity
Market Risk
Operations Risk
High
Risk period
Throughout
Private
developer
Throughout
Government
and
Private
developer
Financial Risk
High
Throughout
Force Majeure
Private
developer
Government
and Private
developer
56
One of the parameters used for the VfM assessment is the suitability of the project to be
undertaken on a PPP basis. Discussions with KMDA officials indicate that development of
the project on a PPP basis has been beneficial in raising significant private sector investment.
At the inception stage of the project, there were apprehensions on the implementation
of the project owing to the lack of adequate funds. The involvement of the private sector
has suitably addressed this concern. Though there have been delays in meeting the target
of execution of the construction works within the timeline of 18 months to almost 21
months, the discussions with the private developer do not indicate escalation in project
cost. From KMDA and NDITAs perspective, no additional capital costs other than that
agreed to in the contract need to be borne by them.
The tariff determined at ` 25/KL has been found to be acceptable by the consumers and no
issues relating to the same are envisaged during the O&M phase of the project.Additionally,
critical concessions have been provided and extended to the private developers by KMDA
and NDITA in terms of land being made available free of cost, reduction in the cost of
treated water supplied, permission to levy one-time connection fees, and capital grants
under JNNURM.
The involvement of the private sector has assured that the water supply and sewerage
services would be provided to the IT and the other industrial units in sector V during the
concession period. This is critical infrastructure to support the development of IT units as
in line with the GoWBs vision.
Interviews:
57
Eight
Case Study 5:
Timarpur Okhla Integrated
Municipal Solid Waste
Management Project
8.1 Project Description
Delhi generates 7,000 metric tonnes (MT) of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) daily, which is expected
to increase to 18,000 MT by 2021. The present landfill sites that are being utilized for disposing
the garbage are approaching their full capacity and even with the envisaged capacity addition, the
situation is unlikely to improve.
The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has thus embarked on a project to reduce the amount
of MSW being disposed in the landfill sites and utilizing the waste for productive purposes such as
generation of power from waste. MCD has identified two locations, namely Timarpur and Okhla,
for implementing this project.
The following facilities are to be developed as a part of the integrated municipal waste handling
project:
1. Plants for converting MSW to Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF), capable of processing 1300 TPD
at Okhla and 650 TPD at Timarpur.
2. A bio-methanation plant capable of handling of 100 TPD of green waste at Okhla.
3. A water recovery plant capable of handling up to 6 MLD of treated sewage at the Okhla
site for recycling into process water and cooling water.
4. A Power plant with a generation capacity of 16 MW at Okhla.
5. Transportation of RDF from Timarpur to Okhla for combustion in the boiler of the power
plant mentioned above.
The project is registered with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
(UNFCCC) for the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) to earn 2.6 million Certified Emission
Reductions (CERs) over a ten-year period.
2. The SPV signed a lease agreement with the Delhi Power Company Limited (DPCL) for the
land at Timarpur. DPCL, the owner of the Timarpur site, is a holding company with shares
in Indraprastha Power Generation Company Limited (the electricity generation company),
Delhi Power Supply Company Limited (the electricity procurement, transmission and bulk
supply company) and in the three power distribution companies (Central & East Delhi
Electricity Distribution Co. Ltd., South and West Delhi Electricity Distribution Co. Ltd. and
North and North West Delhi Electricity Distribution Co. Ltd.)
3. The SPV signed a lease agreement with New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) for the land
at Okhla for 25 years. NDMC had taken this land on lease from the Delhi Development
Authority.
4. The SPV entered into agreements with the MCD and NDMC for the supply of municipal
waste.
5. It entered into an agreement with the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) for receiving sewage and
disposing treated effluent.
6. The SPV entered into a Power Purchase Agreement with BSES Rajdhani Power Limited.
Project Structure
Figure 3
Jindal
Jindal Urban
Urban Infrastructure
Infrastructure Limited
Limited(JUIL)
(JUIL)
TOWMCL
TOWMCL
MSW
MS
MSW
SW
Timarpur-650
Timarpur-650
T
imarpur-650
TPD
T
PD
TPD
Okhla-1300
Okhla-1300
O
khla-1300
TPD
T
PD
TPD
Assets
Bio-methanation
Bi
nn
Bio-methanation
B
io-metthanatiion
plant
plant
pla
ant
Water
W
Water
recovery
Waterrecovery
recove
ery
plant
plant
pla
ant
Power
Power
plantt
Powe
erplant
Okhla-100
Okhla-100
O
khla-100
TPD
TPD
TPD
Okhla-6
Okhla-6
O
khla-6MLD
MLD
MLD
Okhla-16
Okhla-16
O
khla-16MW
MW
MW
Without CDM
With CDM
Project IRR
9.6%
16.5%
Average DSCR
1.08
1.96
Minimum DSCR
1.06
1.21
70:30
70:30
Project Details
Note: The financial indicators mentioned above have been taken from the application for carbon credits to
the UNFCCC.The financial indicators with CDM Support were calculated considering the sale of energy at
` 4.75 per kwh. However the final selected bidder quoted a levelised tariff of ` 2.83 per kwh.
Feasibility:
MCD mandated IL&FS IDC to identify a suitable waste management solution from various
technologies, to structure the project, carry out project development activities and select a suitable
developer through competitive bidding.
In order to meet the above objective of MCD and NDMC, IL&FS, in cooperation with Andhra
Pradesh Technology Development & Promotion Board (APTDPB), decided to implement the
technology developed by the Department of Science & Technology (DST). DST had developed
a technology for segregating MSW at source, converting it into Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) and
using the RDF to generate fuel power. The technology has been successfully implemented at two
60
Process Analysis
Inception
Inception
Figure 4
Delhi
Delhi experienced
experienced difficulties
difficulties with
with respect
respect of
of disposal
disposal // treatment
treatment of
of
solid
solid waste
waste and
and inadequate
inadequate power
power supply.
supply.
MCD
MCD thus
thus embarked
embarked on
on aa project
project to
to reduce
reduce the
the amount
amount of
of MSW
MSW being
being
disposed
disposed in
in to
to the
the landfill
landfill sites
sites and
and utilising
utilising the
the waste
waste for
for alternative
alternative
purposes.
purposes.
Technical
Technical
Cost
Cost effective
effective technology
technology best
best suited
suited to
to Indian
Indian conditions
conditions
Environmentally
Environmentally friendly
friendly since
since ititreduces
reduces carbon
carbon emissions
emissions
Feasibility
Feasibility
Financial
Financial
Two
Two main
main revenue
revenue streams:
streams:Sale
Sale of
of Power
Power and
and Carbon
Carbon Credits
Credits
Raw
Raw material
materialis
is supplied
supplied at
at zero
zero cost.
cost.
ItIt is
is possible
possible to
to operate
operate the
the project
project profitability
profitability without
without any
anyconcession
concession
or
or grant
grant
Procurement
Procurement
Development
Development
Delivery
Delivery
Exit
Exit
Road
Road shows
shows organised
organised for
for attracting
attracting bidders
bidders
AA knowledge
knowledge sharing
sharing session
session was
was organised
organised with
with leading
leading EPC
EPC
contractors,
contractors, to
to highlight
highlight the
the potential
potential of
of such
such aa project.
project.
Clearances
Clearances obtained
obtained by
by the
the SPV
SPV from
from various
various government
government
departments
departments
Of
Of the
the 66 bids
bids received,
received, project
project was
was awarded
awarded to
to JUIL
JUIL on
on the
the basis
basisof
of
lowest
lowest tariff.
tariff.
The
The project
project is
is at
at the
the development
development stage
stage
ItIt is
is expected
expected to
to commence
commence operations
operations at
at the
the end
end of
of 2010,a
2010,a delay
delayof
of
six
six months.
months.
The
The SPV
SPV will
will produce
produce 20
20 MW
MW of
of power
power
Advance
Advance deal
deal closed
closed for
forsale
sale of
of carbon
carbon credits
credits ItIt is
is expected
expected to
to
earn
earn 2.6
2.6 million
million CERs
CERs over
over aa ten-year
ten-year period
period
The
The concession
concession period
period is
is 25
25 years.
years.
Post
expiration
of
the
concession
Post expiration of the concession agreement,
agreement,parties
parties may
may mutually
mutually
renew
renew the
the agreement
agreement
locations in the state of Andhra Pradesh. APTDPB was given the mandate by DST to commercialize
the said technology for MSW processing.
The project incorporated a unique concept which overcame the shortcomings of other technologies.
The previous applied technologies did not succeed due to the mixed & un-segregated nature of
Indian waste. The technology developed by DST involved integrating the solid waste with liquid
waste under an integrated municipal waste-processing complex, resulting in cost optimization and
a commercially viable project.
The salient features of the integration concept are:
1. Solid and liquid waste can be treated in the same complex.
61
The integration improves the viability of the project, as it leads to cost optimization.
It produces green fuel and reduces methane emission one of Indias commitments
towards the Kyoto Protocol
Figure 5
a boiler
cost of
process,
engines
The
Delhi
Government
identified two locations: one
in Timarpur and the other in
Okhla for implementing the
waster to power concept. The
sites have been demarcated in
the following map:
In terms of the financial feasibility
of the project, revenues from
the sale of carbon credits
under CDM have the potential
to substantially improve the
Internal Rate of Return (IRR) for
the project. The project IRR without sale of carbon credits under CDM is expected to be 9.6%,
whereas with sale of carbon credits the project IRR improves to 16.5%.
Procurement:
IL&FS undertook the bidding process for selecting a developer to develop the project on BOOT
basis in August 2007. The project received interest from as many as 35 parties from all over the
world including Europe, USA, and other parts of Asia. Finally the following 6 bids were received:
M/s Delhi International Airport Ltd. in consortium with M/s Selco International Limited
M/s SMV Agencies in consortium with M/s Jaipuria Advance Technologies Pvt Ltd. and
Out of the above six, four bidders qualified for opening of financial proposals. Based on the
specified criteria of the lowest power tariff quoted, JUIL was selected as the successful bidder for
implementing the project. JUIL quoted a first year tariff of ` 2.49 and a levelised tariff of ` 2.83 per
kwh. The Letter of Intent was issued to JUIL on 29 January 2008.
62
Operational Structure
Mixed Waste
(Residential)
Figure 6
RDF Plant
Timarpur
Power Plant
Electricity
Mixed Waste
(Residential)
RDF Plant
Okhla
Green Waste
(Hotels,
Restaurants etc)
Bio - methanation
Plant
Organic Manure
Treated
Sewerage
Water
Treatment
System
Treated
Effluent
Exit:
As per concession agreement the developer shall undertake the operation and maintenance of the
plant facilities for a period of 25 years.
Table 14
Risk type
Sensitivity
Risk period
Primary
risk bearer
Comments
High
First year
Government
Delays in linkages
High
Throughout
Government
Regulatory,
administrative delays
Low
Pre project
period
TOWMCL
0-2 years
TOWMCL
Throughout
TOWMCL
Construction Risk
Low
63
Risk type
Sensitivity
Risk period
Primary
risk bearer
Comments
Market Risk
Low
Throughout
TOWMCL
Moderate
Throughout
TOWMCL
Determination of
rejected waste
Moderate
Throughout
TOWMCL
Supply of minimum
quantity of Waste
Moderate
Throughout
NDMC
Provision of landfill
site for the disposal of
residual / rejected waste
High
Throughout
NDMC
High
Throughout
TOWMCL
Operations Risk
Financial Risk
Revenue Streams
64
Risk type
Sensitivity
Risk period
Primary
risk bearer
Comments
High
0-5 years
Government
Force Majeure
High
Throughout
TOWMCL
Change in Law
High
Throughout
TOWMCL
Medium
On
completion
or
termination
of contract
TOWMCL
65
The project is expected to reduce carbon emissions substantially. Total estimated reductions in
carbon emissions are expected to be 2.66 million tonnes of CO2e over 10 years of operations.
Achievability:This project is envisaged to be economically viable and does not require any kind of
support. With the available grants like MNRE (Ministry of Natural Resource Environment) grants,
the cost of assets will reduce and thereby the electricity tariff could be revised. The revenue from
the sale of carbon credits is sufficient to increase the viability of the project, which the previous
project was unable to do. Clearances from various government departments have already been
obtained, due to which the private entity can focus primarily on developing the project.
The extent of preparation prior to the launch of the bid process was considerable. This
phase entailed detailed technical studies and reviews, financial evaluation, contractual
clarity, risk evaluation and obtaining regulatory as well as statutory approvals. In fact the
SPV to implement the project was also incorporated prior to the launch of the bid.
Learning
Good project preparation is critical to ensure project attractiveness and faster financial
closure. Clarity on the contractual and regulatory framework reduces the extent of
uncertainty faced by the private investors.
Government Support:
Observation
IL&FS and APTDPB had the support and the backing of the Chief Minister of GoNCTD
and the Principle Secretary (Power and Urban Development of GoNCTD). Despite this
government support, it took three years to bid out the project. One of the reasons was
the time taken to convince stakeholders, along with procuring clearances and no-objection
certificates from various government departments.
Learning
It is quite essential the government establishes a single clearance window or an authority
to resolves such issues. This process will assist in reducing the time lag between expected
and the actual time for completing the project. It is also essential to have complete
government support which helps in obtaining a buy in from the general public.
Technology:
Observation
The consortium chose RDF over the other proven technologies owing to the nature
of Indian waste. The technology is able to efficiently convert majority of the waste into
pellets to be utilized in the power plant.The technology was experimented at two different
locations before being implemented in Delhi.
Learning
When there is a choice of technology or method to achieve the said output, the benefits
and losses by adopting that particular method or technology should be thoroughly
assessed by way of a comparative study.
66
Project Preparedness
Observation
Consumer Education:
Observations
The project is located in the vicinity of residential localities, resulting in protests about
its development and pollution from burning waste.
To address these concerns, five public hearings were organised; three in Timarpur, one
in Okhla and one in the Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission. The public hearings
helped address substantial doubts regarding the project.
Learning
Implementation of a new technology requires consumer or end user education, so as
to appreciate the benefits. Projects which have multiple stakeholders should have public
hearings or stakeholder interactions to obtain a buy-in.
Convenience:
Observation
Involvement of multiple stakeholders increases the complexity of the project. In case
of this project, the SPV had to take clearances from multiple government departments,
appraise different departments about the progress and at the same time achieve financial
closure.
Learning
It is essential to have a single clearance window, which will facilitate smooth flow on
information and transactions. Even if this is not possible, a government entity could be
appointed to take care of such formalities. With this the private entity could focus more
on the core development issues rather than being entangled in administrative processes.
Draft Concession Agreement between NDMC and Jindal Urban Infrastructure Limited
Interviews:
67
Nine
Case Study 6:
Vadodara Halol Toll Road
9.1 Project Description
The Vadodara Halol Toll Road (VHTR) was one of the first State Highway widening projects
developed on a Public Private Partnership basis in India and it has subsequently paved the way for
a large number of projects to be undertaken on a similar format in Gujarat and the rest of India.
VHTR was an initiative commissioned as a part of the Vision 2010 an infrastructure master
plan developed by the Government of Gujarat (GoG). The underlying principle of the vision
was to develop infrastructure projects in Gujarat by attracting private sector participation. The
project involved widening and strengthening of 32 kilometres (km) of the existing two-lane State
Highway (SH 87) connecting Vadodara to the industrial town of Halol into a four-lane tolled
expressway.
The GoG commissioned the Infrastructure Leasing and Financial Services (IL&FS) to jointly develop
two road projects in the State, i.e. Vadodara-Halol and Ahmedabad-Mahesana. The Roads and
Buildings Department (R&B), GoG and IL&FS signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) to this
effect on 31st October 1995.
A special purpose vehicle (SPV) was constituted for this purpose named the Vadodara Halol Toll
Road Company Limited (VHTRL)4. VHTRL in turn appointed a contractor, through international
competitive bidding, for the construction, operation and maintenance of the project. The
construction of VHTR commenced on 1st March 1999 and completed on 15th September 2000. The
toll operations commenced on 24th October 2000. VHTRL manages, operates and maintains the
road for 30 years starting from 2000.
Construction
This included the design and completion of the road, including the pavement, cross drainage system,
bridges, toll facilities, medians, separators, road furniture, and horticultural aspects.
4
VHTRL has merged with the Ahmedabad Mehsana Toll Road Company Limited to form the Gujarat Road and Infrastructure
Company Limited (GRICL) in 2005. In effect the concessionaire is now GRICL. We have however referred to the
concessionaire as VHTRL throughout this case study.
68
69
Figure 7
Govt. of
Gujarat
Debt
Equity
Concession
Agreement
Govt. of
Gujarat
Banks
Financial
Institutions
VHTRL
Loan
Agreement
Govt. of
Gujarat
IL&FS
Shareholding
Agreement
O&M
Agreement
O&M Operator
Financial
Institutions
O&M Operator
Table 15
Project Details
Particulars
Project IRR
20%
Equity IRR
32%
58:42
The figures in the above table are obtained from other case studies on this project available in the
public domain.
Feasibility:
After signing the MoA, a consulting firm was selected by GoG and IL&FS through a competitive
bidding process and commissioned to undertake a preliminary technical-economic feasibility study.
Based on the findings of this study, GoG approved widening and strengthening of the existing twolane road to four lanes with the provision of service roads. Investment recovery was recommended
in the form of toll collections.
Procurement:
VHTRL entered into a concession agreement dated October 17, 1998 with the GoG. Pursuant
to the Concession Agreement, the GoG granted VHTRL the exclusive right and authority to
70
implement the project during the concession period of 30 years from the commercial operations
date or till such time as VHTRL recovered the total cost of the project and returns.
GoG entitled VHTRL the exclusive right and authority, during the concession period:
to develop, design, engineer, finance, procure and construct the highway project
upon completion of construction, to manage, operate and maintain the highway project
and regulate the use by third parties
to demand, collect, retain and appropriate toll from the users of the facility and apply the
same to recover the total cost of the project
to enforce the collection of toll from all delinquent users of the facility and impound the
vehicles and goods
to enter into private contracts with the users for regular use of the facility or any special
use, and to sell, distribute or issue at various outlets coupons or tokens against the
payment of toll; and
VHTRL appointed a contractor for design, construction, operation and maintenance of the project
facilities, in accordance with the concession agreement, through a transparent international
competitive bidding process. The financial criterion was the lowest price offered by the bidder.
The lowest price was the net present value (NPV) calculated on the bidders estimate of:
VHTRL entered into an Operations & Maintenance Contract dated January 22, 1999 (O&M
Agreement) with Punj Lloyd Limited and IRCON International Limited. Punj Lloyd Limited and
IRCON International Limited were appointed to provide services from the date of financial closure
until the termination date.
Development:
The development of the 31.7 km stretch was achieved in a single phase with all the required road
works and related facilities being developed. While the Concessionaire was to ensure completion
of all works within a period of 18 months, the construction of the entire stretch was completed 4
months ahead of schedule.
One of the key features of this project was its Environmental and Social Impact Assessment and
mitigation plan. The Environmental and Social Assessment noted that the project in its original
form would lead to resettlement and rehabilitation of about 300 project affected families,
having residential and/or commercial structures within the proposed right of way. Intense public
consultations were carried out from the site selection stage itself which facilitated the development
of various alternatives. A systematic analysis of various alternatives was undertaken and bypasses
were introduced at various critical locations. The extent of resettlement was thus reduced and
resulted in the resettlement of only 10 project affected households. VHTRL also undertook
voluntary relocation of temples, schools, and environmental infrastructure. It implemented its
environmental and social management plan by creating wetlands, complying with emission norms,
and hazard management for local communities as part of its rehabilitation measures. It also created
additional facilities such as pedestrian subways and compound walls and provided additional houses
for the relocation of communities. In order to minimise the negative impacts and to enhance the
community benefits 550 trees were planted along the road, a noise barrier at sensitive receptors
was provided and water bodies in two project villages were deepened.
71
The VHTR project was in fact was designated by the World Bank as a 'best practice' example for
its environment risk mitigation and social rehabilitation plan in India amongst World Bank assisted
projects.
Delivery:
The work on the Vadodara Halol Road commenced in March 1999 and was completed by September
2000.The toll operations commenced in October 2000.The contract made provision for five major
items of operation and maintenance during the life of the project. These were:
The toll has to be determined, levied, collected, retained and appropriated from all the users of the
facility. Toll rates are based on a fixed formula and are allowed to increase on an annual basis in line
with an escalation formula linked to the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
For increases beyond that, VHTRL is entitled to submit to the GoG, with the certificate of the
Independent Auditor, an upward revision of the toll rates. In the event that the GoG agrees with
the revision of the toll rates, then it shall pass appropriate notifications for effecting the revision of
the toll rates. In the event the GoG fails to issue the notifications within the stipulated time, it shall
compensate VHTRL to the extent of loss of revenue caused due to such delay.
Performance standards for major activities of operation and maintenance are specified in the
agreement. Due to lower than projected toll-collections and slippage in traffic, financial condition
of VHTRL started deteriorating and it was unable to service its debt obligations.This resulted in the
company resorting to corporate debt restructuring (CDR) in 2004.
As per the proposed scheme, both VHTRL and the Ahmedabad Mehsana Toll Road Company Limited
(AMTRL) were merged into a single entity - Gujarat Road and Infrastructure Company Limited
(GRICL) and all the outstanding debt obligations were restructured. GoG and IL&FS infused ` 30
crore each as fresh capital in Financial Year (FY) 05 and FY06 respectively and IL&FS also provided
an irrevocable Line of Credit facility for an amount of ` 100 crore to GRICL for meeting any
shortfall in funds for debt servicing as per terms of CDR scheme.
The IDFC component of the DDBs was also restructured and converted to term loans under the
new entity.The IL&FS component of the DDBs are to be redeemed in 2012-14. Interest on all term
loans and other outstanding debts was reduced from contracted rates to 10% p.a. payable monthly.
Subsequently, in FY 2007, IL&FS, as a part of its internal restructuring exercise, transferred its stake
in all toll road SPVs, including GRICL, to its subsidiary IL&FS Transportation Networks (India)
Limited (ITNL).
Exit:
The concession period is expected to end in 2030. However, in case the developer is unable to
recover project cost and earn a return, there is a possibility of extension of the concession period.
The typical extension allowed under the Concession Agreement is for two years. This is a rolling
period, which means that the Concession period will keep extending by 2 years till the time the
Concessionaire is able to gain a return of 20% on investment.
72
Sensitivity
Delays in land
acquisition
High
Risk Period
Table: 16
Primary
risk bearer
Comments
Government
Delays in Obtaining
Permits
High
Private
Developer
Design Risk
High
Private
Developer
(transferred
to
Contractor)
Inflation Risk
Medium
Private
Developer
(transferred
to
contractor)
Revenue/ Demand
Risk
Low
Private
Developer /
Government
High
Financial Risk
Private
Developer
(transferred
to
contractor)
High
Private
Developer
Force Majeure
Low
Private
Developer
Political Risk
Low
Government
73
One of the objectives of undertaking the project was to change the traditional paradigm
of executing infrastructure projects only through contractual arrangements. This was one
of the first projects being executed through a public private partnership framework which
not only exposed the state government machinery to a new development paradigm but
also paved way for a large number of future projects being executed through the PPP
framework. The project resulted in capacity building of the state government machinery
and also created a platform for private developers to participate in infrastructure building
in the country.
One of the objectives of utilizing a PPP framework for infrastructure projects is to bring in
efficient execution of projects.VHTR is a case in point as the key advantage of developing
this road via private sector participation has been that the project was completed within
the stipulated time and budgeted amount. The project was completed well within the 18
months timeframe as was stipulated in the contracting arrangement with the Construction
Contractor. The original estimated cost of the project was approximately ` 175 crores.
The actual landed cost of the project was ` 160 crores. Thus the project has resulted in
both cost and time savings.
VHTR is one of the first projects in the road sector to have contractually binding terms
for development of an environmental and social management plan. As detailed earlier, the
development of required infrastructure factored in the social and environmental impact
that was likely and mitigated the same through an effective mechanism.
74
Competitive bidding can ensure a better deal: Competitive bidding for a longterm concession for critical infrastructure projects is extremely critical. This not only
brings in the best private sector capabilities, but also allows the government to get the
best possible financial terms by ensuring competition and a level playing field. This also, to
an extent, requires capabilities within the government machinery to structure projects in
fashion where the private sector capabilities are tapped in the best possible manner.VHTR
was developed through a MoA between the GoG and IL&FS and did not create adequate
competitive tension since there were no precedents that were available to develop such
a structure. The appointment of the contractor was, however, through a competitive bid
process.
Need to create a balanced risk return profile: The risk return profile of the project
was skewed in favour of the private developer. For instance, the concession agreement
ensured that the private developer earned toll revenues till he was able to achieve a
return of 20% on the overall investment. This was further protected with a provision
for additional revenues i.e. development rights on land parcels abutting the road, in case
the toll revenues did not result in the expected returns. There was also an annual toll
revision linked to WPI / CPI to the extent of 100% of the rates which resulted in the
developer having an assured revenue stream. Further, the lack of penal provision for non
compliance with performance standards during operation and maintenance meant that
the developer could save on costs if desired. Adverse effects of Change in Law, occurrence
of a Force Majeure event, unexpected increase (more than 25%) in the estimated costs of
any maintenance expenditure, interest rates fluctuations, inflation exceeding 50%, were all
made pass through to the consumers.
Moreover, in case the traffic and toll revenues exceeded the projections, the entire surplus would
accrue to the concessionaire and there was no obligation to share the same with the government.
Innovative financing mechanisms: VHTR was one of the first projects to utilize
several innovative financing methods. One of the instruments used was that of Deep
Discount Bonds with an option of take-out financing. The project further utilized several
other instruments like cumulative convertible preference shares and long term loans from
IL & FS. This project thus created several examples that were eventually followed in the
country for infrastructure development.
Toolkit for Public Private Partnerships in Roads and Highways, World Bank
Case Study Vadodara-Halol Toll Road BOOT Project in Gujarat, India - Dr. Anand
Chiplunkar, ADB Staff Consultant on PPP
Quarterly newsletter of the Kazakhstan Resident Mission of the Asian Development Bank
Rating note on long term bank loans of the Gujarat Road and Infrastructure Company
Ltd.
Rating note on Deep Discount Bonds of the Vadodara Halol Toll Road Co. Ltd.
75
Ten
Case Study 7:
Tuni Anakapalli Annuity
Road Project
10.1 Project Description
The Tuni Anakapalli project is a road expansion project undertaken by the National Highways
Authority of India (NHAI) as one of the several projects under the Golden Quadrilateral
programme. The projects scope was to strengthen the existing two lanes and widen it to a four
lane dual carriageway of an aggregate 59 kilometre stretch between Tuni and Anakapalli on National
Highway (NH) 5 (Chennai to Kolkata) in Andhra Pradesh on PPP basis. Keeping in mind the lack of
attractiveness in tolling the road, NHAI decided to take up the project on the Build Own Transfer
(BOT) Annuity model.
The GMR Group, in consortium with United Engineers Malaysia (UEM) Berhad Group, were
awarded the project contract. An SPV with the name GMR Tuni Anakapalli Expressways Private
Limited (GTAEPL) was formed to execute the project. The construction (expansion) of the road
started in May 2002 and ended in December 2004 after a months time overrun due to delays in
handing over of land by NHAI. The total project cost was ` 295 crores.
The NHAI pays the concessionaire a fixed annuity of ` 29.48 crores semi annually from May 9, 2005
to November 9, 2019.
However, NHAI has the right to levy and collect a toll or fee or permit any advertisements.
GTAEPL has entered into an operations and maintenance agreement with UEM Limited (O&M
Contractor) to operate and maintain and to take full risk in the care of the project facilities against:
(i) An O&M fee of ` 0.125 crore per month; and
(ii) A periodic fee of ` 7.5 crore.
The O&M fee and the periodic fee are escalated by 1.5% per annum, 1 year from the date of
commencement of operations.
At the end of the concession period in November 2019, the concessionaire shall handover the
project assets free of cost to NHAI.
Procurement:
A two-stage bidding process was adopted. The first stage was to qualify bidders based on their
technical experience and financial capability, while the second stage was to select the final developer
77
based on the annuity amount quoted. The RFQ stage had sixteen bidders while the RFP stage had
six bidders, of which the GMR-UEM consortium was awarded the bid.
The RFQ sought:
Financial capability: Net Worth at the end of the recent most financial year to be at least
equal to ` 240 crore and aggregate net cash accruals for the last three financial years to
be at least equal to ` 120 crore.
In the bidding stage, an annuity quote was sought from the bidders and GTAEPL with the least
annuity amount was awarded the bid. The concession agreement was signed in October 2001.
Development:
GTAEPL appointed a turnkey construction contractor for development of the project. The
contractor was an affiliate of UEM. The construction (expansion) of the road started in May 2002
and ended in December 2004 after a months time overrun due to delays in handing over of land
by NHAI. As per the Concession agreement, NHAI agreed to award an extension of 46 days to the
commencement date to compensate against the loss of time for delayed hand over of project land.
Hence, GTAEPL was not liable to pay any penalty to NHAI. The actual project cost was eventually
` 295 crores as against the envisaged project cost of ` 315 crores.
Delivery:
The project commenced commercial operations in December 2004. The project has been
progressing well without any issues (legal or operational) during the operations stage.
In case of any requirements for capacity augmentation during the concession period, the NHAI has
the option to invite bids from eligible developers including the concessionaire. After evaluation, the
concessionaire, if not the lowest bidder, will get the first right of refusal or alternatively receive a
termination payment from the winning bidder.
Exit:
At the end of the concession period in November 2019, the concessionaire shall handover the
project free of cost to NHAI. Prior to the handover, an independent engineer will inspect and
certify the quality of the road. If required, the independent engineer will furnish the concessionaire
a list of works to be carried out to ensure that the road conforms to the handover standards.
Table 17
Sensitivity
Risk Period
Primary risk
bearer
Comments
A) Pre-Operative Risks
Delays in land
acquisition
Low
0-1 years
NHAI
Financing risks
Low
0-2 years
Concessionaire
78
Risk type
Sensitivity
Risk Period
Primary risk
bearer
Comments
Approvals
Low
0-2 years
Concessionaire
Social Risk
Low
0-2 years
Concessionaire
Low
0-2 years
Concessionaire
Construction Risk
Low
0-2 years
Concessionaire
Construction Time
Overrun Risk
High
0-2 years
Concessionaire
Approvals
Low
Throughout
Concessionaire
Throughout
NHAI
Low
None
Payment Risk
Low
Throughout
Concessionaire
79
Risk type
Sensitivity
Risk Period
Primary risk
bearer
Comments
Low
17-18 years
Concessionaire
Concessionaire
event of default
Low
Throughout
Concessionaire
Governments
event of default
Low
Throughout
NHAI
Medium
Throughout
Concessionaire/
NHAI
E) Other Risks
Change in Law
Transfer of Risk
The GMR consortium stabilized its risks by entering into a long term O&M contract with its own
consortium partner, thereby transferring substantial risk of the project.
Concession Agreement
Interviews:
81
Eleven
Case Study 8:
Delhi Gurgaon Expressway
11.1 Project Description
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), under the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways
(MoRT&H), was entrusted the responsibility for implementation of the Golden Quadrilateral project
(Highway Project connecting the four metro cities of New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata). As
a part of this project, it proposed the conversion of a very busy section of NH-8 connecting Delhi
to Gurgaon into a 6/8 lane access controlled divided carriageway.
The then existing 4 lane, 27.7 km section of NH-8 between Delhi and Gurgaon with as many as
20 intersections, experienced high vehicular density (145,000 Passenger Car Units (PCUs)/day in
2000) and non-segregation of traffic that led to increase in accidents, acute congestion, wastage of
fuel and excessive pollution.
The project was awarded to the consortium of Jaypee Industries and DS Construction Ltd to
design, finance, construct, operate and maintain the facility for a concession period of 20 years. As
in a typical BOT highway project, the Concessionaire is allowed to collect toll from the users of
the project facility during the operation period to recover his investment and the expressway is
required to be transferred back to the Government at the end of the concession period.
This was the first BOT project in India to have been awarded on negative grant basis where in
the concessionaire offered to pay an upfront fee to NHAI in return of the concession as against
a capital grant from the Government. In consideration of robust traffic projections, the selected
bidder offered to pay ` 61.06 crore to NHAI.
The expressway was commissioned in January 2008 after much delay primarily owing to issues in
land acquisition and changes in the scope of work. It carries more than 180,000 PCUs per day as
on date.
82
NHAI was responsible for undertaking land acquisition and providing the Right of Way
(RoW) to the Concessionaire free from all encumbrances. A notional concession fee of `
1/- was to be paid annually by the Concessionaire to NHAI.
During the development period, NHAI undertook the operation and maintenance of the
existing highway at its own cost.
The shifting of utilities and related expenses was the responsibility of NHAI.
NHAI was also required to have necessary environmental clearances, permits etc. granted
to the Concessionaire.
A loan facility, in case of the revenue falling short of subsistence revenue level, was made
available by NHAI at the State Bank of India Prime Lending Rate. Such a loan could also be
provided by NHAI to cover a shortfall in meeting debt service payments.
The Concessionaire was required to comply with the all the requirements needed for
clearances, approvals, permits etc. from various government agencies.
The Concessionaire was obliged to enter into a state support agreement with NHAI,
the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GoNCTD) and Government of
Haryana (GoH).
A performance security was to be paid by the Concessionaire on or before the date of the
Agreement for its due and faithful obligation during the Construction Period.
At the end of the concession tenure, the expressway shall be transferred back to the
Government.
Financial Information
Particulars
Table 18
Amount
Debt
` 383.3 crore
Equity
` 164.2 crore*
TOTAL
` 547.5 crore
83
` 200 crore of the debt was provided by the Housing and Urban Development Corporation Limited
(HUDCO). The other lenders included State Bank of Mysore (` 30 crore), Punjab National Bank
(` 30 crore), Srei International Finance (` 25 crore) and Jammu & Kashmir Bank (` 15 crore). The
SPV also issued non convertible debentures amounting to ` 50 crore to LIC and ` 37.30 crore to
UTI Bank.
The actual cost of the project was eventually ` 1,175 crore. The project cost overrun was funded
by the promoters, by withholding payments to DSC Limited (EPC contractor) and from the amount
received from NHAI (` 155.25 crore) on account of changes in scope.
* Including a grant of ` 61 crore.
Note:The financing information is sourced from rating rationales for the SPV available in the public domain.
Procurement
The MoRT&H invited pre-qualification bids in 2001. The project was initially envisaged to require
a capital grant to be paid by NHAI to the successful bidder towards the cost of construction for
enhancing the viability of the highway project. However, considering the robust traffic projections,
bids were received with negative grants. In April 2002, the consortium of Jaiprakash Industries and
DS Constructions was declared the successful bidder. RBM Malaysia, which was the L2 bidder, had
quoted ` 55 crore as the negative grant. Other bidders were Gamuda Malaysia, IJM Malaysia and
Larsen & Toubro (L&T).
Development
The erstwhile Jaypee DSC Ventures Ltd. (now known as Delhi Gurgaon Super Connectivity Ltd.),
the SPV incorporated by the Concessionaire for the project, achieved financial closure in May 2003.
84
Delivery
The project was commissioned on 25 January, 2008. The expressway is fully operational and is
handling a significant traffic volume of more than 180,000 PCUs per day, growing at 9% year-on-year.
Exit
The concession period is for 20 years and the projected end date is 11 January 2023 when the
expressway will be handed over to the government.
85
Table 19
Sensitivity
Risk Period
Primary
Risk Bearer
Comments
0-5 years
NHAI
A) Pre-Operative Risks
Delays in land
acquisition
High
Medium
0-5 years
Private sector
Approvals
Low
0-5 years
Private sector
High
0-5 years
Private sector
Construction
Risk
High
0-5 years
Private sector
Medium
Market Risk
Low
Throughout
Private sector
Throughout
Private sector
86
Risk Type
Sensitivity
Risk Period
Primary
Risk Bearer
Comments
Financial Risks
Medium
Throughout
Private sector
Last 2.5 to 3
years
Private sector
Medium
Medium
Throughout
Private sector
NHAIs event of
default
Low
Throughout
NHAI
Low
Throughout
Private sector
and NHAI
E) Other Risks
Change in Law
Low
Throughout
NHAI
87
Moreover, the facility will revert back to the Government on expiry of the concession
period. Thus, the procurement of the project through this PPP model has been sufficiently
remunerative for the Government despite various challenges experienced during the
course of its development.
2. Efficiencies Achieved: The table 20 presents the brief analysis of some of the efficiencies
achieved:
Table 20
Efficiencies Achieved
Particulars
Earlier
Now
25.65Km/Hr
66 Km/Hr
25 minutes
8 Lane - 22.3 Km
6 Lane - 5.4 km
Intersections
20 Intersections
10 Grade Separated
Intersections
3. Risk of Time and Cost Overruns largely borne by the Private Sector: The project
experienced a substantial increase in the project cost due to a scope change and time
overruns. While NHAI contributed to the increase in cost due to a scope change, the
promoters funded a large portion of the cost overrun by withholding payments to DSC
Limited the EPC contractor. Such overruns would have typically been retained by the
public sector under public procurement.
88
busiest sections in the country and to that extent had the advantage of bankable traffic
and therefore possible revenues.
5. Outdated Traffic forecasts: NHAI relied on the traffic study conducted in 1998 at the
time of the project procurement. Thus, the actual traffic volume grossly outnumbered
the projections from the very beginning of commercial operations. In fact as soon as
the expressway was opened to traffic, the unexpected high number of vehicles led to
heavy queuing at the toll booths and delays in traversing the stretch. This appeared to
have defeated the very purpose of the expressway to reduce travel time, fuel cost and
congestion making the project socially unviable. However, timely action and necessary
measures by authorities and the Concessionaire improved conditions.
6. Fee sharing requiring efficient contract management: The contract has a provision
for sharing of fee realised through toll beyond a threshold daily traffic level. However,
such an approach places greater onus on the government for contract supervision and
management, so as to track the projects performance and ensure that audited results
reflect the true performance of the expressway.
Concession Agreement between National Highways Authority of India and Jaypee DSC
Ventures Limited
Rating Rationales
Interviews:
Mr. Kaushalveer Singh, Deputy General Manager, National Highways Authority of India
89
Twelve
Case Study 9:
Nhava Sheva International
Container Terminal
12.1 Project Description
The Nhava Sheva International Container Terminal (NSICT) is Indias first private container terminal
and one of the most modern container terminals in India. It is promoted by P&O Ports, Australia.
The terminal is located within the Jawaharlal Nehru Port across from the island of Mumbai.
The 30 year license for the port was awarded in 1997 on the basis of highest Net Present Value
(NPV) of royalty offered, for:
the construction of a 600 metre long piled wharf with three approach bridges,
It was the first totally automated container terminal to be developed in India with all its operations,
right from receiving the vessel bay plans to invoicing, being computerized. The total design capacity
of the 2-berth container terminal was 7.2 million tonnes per annum in Phase I (i.e. 0.65 million
Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units (TEU)) and a cumulative 15.6 million tonnes per annum (i.e. 1.3
million TEU (0.6 million TEU + 0.7 million TEU = 1.3 million TEU)) in Phase II. The port was fully
operational, with both Phase I & II capacity, by July 2000. It is currently operating at more than 100%
capacity.
90
guaranteed traffic in the event of not achieving the minimum traffic indicated.The ownership of the
land, reclaimed sea and water in the licensed premises remained with JNPT.
Pricing: With regard to pricing, the licensee had to collect prescribed rates and charges not
exceeding the minimum rates published in the JNPT Port Tariff Schedule and Scale of Rates as
approved by the Government of India. The port anticipated 20-25 percent increase in tariff every
three years. The licensee had to bill the users of the container terminal for services, including
terminal charges, container handling and cargo related charges. As per the bid document the
successful bidder would guarantee handling at least 90 percent of the projected annual throughput
levels.
Termination: On the expiration of the stipulated license period, all the civil engineering structures,
equipments, machinery, ancillaries, etc would be handed over to JNPT free of cost. If JNPT were to
terminate the agreement prior to the thirty-year period, the license would receive the depreciated
cost of permanent construction and other assets as taken over. The document specified the life
span of the assets for estimating depreciation.
The Figure 8 depicts the PPP structure for this project.
PPP Structure
Figure 8
Board of Trustees of
Jawaharlal Nehru Port,
(Corporate body under Major
Port Trust Act 1963 - Licensor)
M/s Konsortium
Perkapalan Behrad,
Malaysia
Concession
Agreement
DP World
Acquired
P&O and
hence
NSICTPL
(Licensee)
SPV
NSICTPL
Project Details
Table 21
Particulars
Project IRR
18%
1:1
NPV
` 224.59 crore
91
Note: The project IRR estimate is based on the return on capital employed normally permitted as
per JNPTs tariff. The NPV is based on the winning consortiums bid.
Global Bid
Invited on
BOT basis
1993
1993
1994
1994
Feasibility of
the project
Dec
Dec
19
1995
95
July
July
19
1997
97
Oct
Oct
19
1997
97
Concession
Agreement (CA)
signed between
P&O Ports
consortium and
JNPT
Fully Operational
with Phase I&II of
1.3 mn TEU
capacity completed
Mar
Mar
1999
1999
July
July
2000
2000
Phase I with
with 0.6 mn
TEU Capacity
completed
Inception:
Following reforms introduced in India since early nineties, the core sector industries including the
Indian port sector began to witness a new phase of revival and growth. In view of continuous growth
in container traffic and to meet the growing demand of for additional container handling facilities,
JNPT took the initiative to introduce private participation in ports for the first time in India.
In January 1994, it was initially decided to contract out the existing container terminal at JNPT
to private operators. The Government of India accordingly requested the World Bank (WB) to
conduct the necessary work for the tendering of operations of the JNPT container terminal.
However subsequently, the proposal was amended and it was decided to invite private participation
for creating a new container terminal while retaining the existing one under government ownership
and operation.
Procurement:
The JNPT Port Planning and Development Department prepared an extensive bid document in
consultation with the WB, Ministry of Surface Transport (MoST) and other ministries. Though the
WB played a critical role, both at the Inception and Procurement stage, JNPT took a long time to
finalise the bid document which delayed the start of the procurement process by about 2 years.
JNPT finally issued the global tender for a new container terminal on Build, Operate and Transfer
basis for thirty years in December 1995.
Thirty firms from India and abroad purchased the bid document, of which five consortia submitted
their proposals. The financial offer made by the four responsive bidders to the Government by way
of the highest NPV of Royalty Offered was assessed. The four consortia were:
92
A consortium led by Hutchinson International Port Holding Ltd., Hong Kong including
ABG Heavy Industries Ltd. and Bank of America International Investment Corporation.
A consortium led by P&O Ports Australia Pvt. Ltd. including DBC Port Management and
Konsortium Perkapalan Berhad.
The final concession agreement between Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust and the SPV led by P&O
Ports (now Dubai Ports) was signed in January 1997. Based on the documents available in public
domain, the royalty payable per TEU ranged from about 2% in the initial years to about 50% of the
Minimum Guaranteed Royalty payment in the terminal year.
Development:
Construction work commenced in October 1997. The first stage of the project was completed by
December 1998 and the second phase by December 2000.
Operations:
Issue of Royalty:The terminal started experiencing issues related to the royalty payout.There was
lack of clarity in the concession agreement on whether the royalty payment was to be considered
as a part of cost or a share in the profit in the SPVs accounts while determining the port tariff.
NSICTPL was of the view that, although royalty was in the form of a revenue share, since it was
paid to the Port Trust, it should have been considered an expense (The basic nature of Royalty
is an expense as per the Indian Companies Act and is not considered as a part of profit). The
Tariff Authority of Major Ports (TAMP) view on the other hand was that royalty should not be
considered as a part of cost as it was an appropriation of profit.
It may be recalled that in the procurement process, the royalty payment was the central bid parameter.
The treatment of royalty as an expense could led to a scenario where a firm, in order to win a bid,
would quote a higher revenue share as royalty by increasing the proposed port-user charges. Thus,
while on one hand the operator would share a higher amount of royalty with the government to
win the bid, on other hand, by assuming royalty as a cost, it would seek higher port-user charges
to recover the return on investment as specified by TAMP. This ultimately would result in an excess
burden on the port / terminal users and thus would reduce the demand for the port services.
In its revised guidelines in 2005,TAMP recognised the principle that royalty would be paid out of the
Operating Surplus (i.e. Profit) of the concessionaire. However, for bids received prior to July 29, 2003,
it allowed royalty to be considered as a cost in the tariff computation up to the maximum of the
next highest bid. This meant that if firm A won the bid by offering 30% of the revenue as royalty
and firm B bid 24% of the revenue as royalty, then the maximum royalty that could be allowed as
cost for tariff computation would be 24%.TAMPs guidelines were framed in such a manner with the
objective that the operator does not incur losses due to royalty payments. However, there was no
clarity on considering royalty as a cost in cases where the terminal operators were making profits.
Although this revision resulted in a reduction in NSICTs tariff by 12%, it still imposed an excess
burden on port users.
Port Performance: NSICT has achieved operational results comparable with global standards.
In recognition of its performance, the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) bestowed the CII
Award for Excellence in Infrastructure to NSICT in February 2003. Throughput figures for the
terminal since its commissioning in March 1999 are stated in Table 22.
Operational Results
Table 22
FY00 FY01 FY02 FY03 FY04 FY05 FY06 FY07 FY08 FY09 FY10
Total NSICT Throughout 0.34
(m teu)
0.69
0.94
1.20
1.23
1.23
1.32
1.36
1.51
1.43
0.64
Source: NSICT
93
Exit:
The concession agreement has been entered into for a period of 30 years and will expire in 2027.
On the expiration of the stipulated license period, all the civil engineering structures, equipments,
machinery, ancillaries, etc would be handed over to JNPT free of cost.
Table 23
Sensitivity
Risk Period
Primary
Comments
Risk Bearer
A) Pre-Operative Risks
Delays in land
acquisition
Low
1-2 years
Public Sector
Port Trust
External linkages
High
Throughout
the contract
Private
Operator
Regulatory
High
Throughout
Private
Operator
Approvals
Low
0-5 years
Private
Operator
Medium
1-3 years
Private
Operator
Construction Risk
Low
1-3 years
Private
Operator
High
Throughout
Private
Operator
Operations &
Maintenance Risk
Medium
Throughout
Private
Operator
Market Risk
High
Throughout
Private
Operator
Financial Risks
Medium
Throughout
Private
Operator
94
Risk Type
Sensitivity
Risk Period
Primary
Comments
Risk Bearer
Medium
Last 3 years
Private
Operator
Medium
Last year
Private
Operator
Concessionaire
event of default
Medium
Throughout
Lenders
Governments
event of default
Low
Throughout
Government
Change in Law
Low
Throughout
Private
Operator
Force Majeure
Low
Throughout
Private
Operator
E) Other Risks
Operational Efficiencies:
The container traffic growth at the NSICT from FY01 onwards catapulted the positive traffic
growth at JNPT. The figure 10 highlights the impact of NSICT on the overall performance of JNPT.
Significant improvements were observed in key port efficiency parameters:
The average turnaround time dropped from 4.5 days in FY98 to about 2 days in FY09.
The pre-berthing delays dropped from close to 1.5 days to 0.5 days over same period.
The success of NSICT can be attributed to its superior productivity parameters as well as the
state-of-the-art equipment and latest technology.
95
5.0
4.0
1,200
3.5
1,000
3.0
800
2.5
600
2.0
1.5
400
1.0
200
JNPT (JNPCT+NSICT+GTIL)
Performance Parameters (Days)
4.5
1,400
Figure 10
0.5
0.0
FY98
JNPCT
FY99
NSICT
FY00
FY01
GTIL
FY02
FY03
FY04
FY05
FY06
FY07
FY08
FY09
Capacity Restructuring by allocating the existing liquid terminal to two Indian oil majors
to develop a liquid terminal on BOT basis. However later this liquid terminal was further
transformed into the third container terminal GTIL.
Enhancing Labour Productivity by introducing various schemes like the official incentives
scheme which provided benefits to workers to clear cargo faster and the hot seat
exchange scheme which implied that there would not be any break between shifts,
thereby leading to an increase in the number of man-hours.
Further along with tariff structuring, a capable Project Management Team, with the ability
to take decisions, should be empowered to monitor port operations and maintain the
performance standards as defined by the guidelines.
6. Commitment for providing additional land: Additional land may be required for
various purposes including for road / rail linkages, warehouses, storage yards, etc. At the
time of contract signing, it could not be reasonably ascertained as to what would be the
requirement of additional land during the concession period, whether there was such
extent of additional land available or whether the port trusts would be in a position to
provide additional land.
Hence, while drafting the agreement, appropriate provisions for such expansion could have
been considered to avoid an adverse impact on the terminal / port growth.
Background paper prepared for the World Development Report 2005 Managing Port
Reforms In India: Case Study of Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) Mumbai By Amit S
Ray, Professor of Economics, School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University
New Delhi 110067 India (2004)
Planning Commission Case Study Concession for Nhava Sheva Container Terminal
Bharat Salhotra (Nov, 2007)
Interviews:
97
Thirteen
Case Study 10:
Kakinada Deep Water Port
13.1 Project Description
The Kakinada deep water port (KDWP) is a part of the Kakinada Port located on the southern part
of the east coast of India in the state of Andhra Pradesh. The Kakinada Port is the second largest
port in the state after Visakhapatnam. It comprises the Kakinada Anchorage Port, KDWP, Kakinada
Fishing Harbour and Ship-Breaking Unit.
While Kakinada Anchorage Port is operated by the Government of Andhra Pradesh (GoAP),
KDWP was commissioned in November 1997 by GoAP before being privatised under the PPP
route in 1999.The PPP model adopted for this project is OMST / BOMST (Operate Maintain Share
and Transfer / Build Operate Maintain Share and Transfer) with Kakinada Seaports Limited (KSPL)
as the private entity operating the port.
Operate and manage the existing three berths at the already existing deep water port on
OMST basis (Phase 1)
Construct, operate and manage a fourth berth at a later date, contiguous to the existing
three berths after 70% berth occupancy was reached on BOMST basis (Phase 2).
KSPL is permitted to levy, collect and retain appropriate charges from port users. Since KDWP is
a minor port, it has flexibility in tariff determination and is not governed by the Tariff Authority of
Major Ports regulations.
It has to pay GoAP a 20-22% revenue share annually subject to a minimum guaranteed amount
(MGA) specified on a year-wise basis. Lease to GoAP for use of the land for the port is also payable
by KSPL. Further, all movable assets at the port were sold to KSPL by GoAP.
In early 2009, concession agreement was amended by way of a supplementary agreement. The
amendments included:
6
98
Extension of the concession period from the original tenure of 20 years to 30 years, with
a further option for extension by 20 years in two blocks of 10 years each
Elimination of the stipulation with respect to the MGA for revenue sharing with the GoAP
Allowing KSPL to undertake additional/ new developments at the port (such as construction
of fifth berth, at the same terms and conditions of the existing agreement)
At the end of the concession, KSPL shall transfer all the immovable project assets to GoAP free of
cost. The movable assets are to be transferred to GoAP subject to payment of the book value of
assets at the time.
Procurement:
The procurement process for KDWP was based on international competitive bidding for development
of the port on the OMST/BOMST format. It was a two stage process with a prequalification stage
and an RFP stage. At the end of the prequalification stage, 14 parties were shortlisted of which the
following four consortia submitted detailed proposals:
Tariff structure
Productivity norms
KMEC eventually withdrew from the process and the proposal of ABG Heavy Industries Ltd. was
found to have errors and hence, not considered for further evaluation.
Thus, the financial evaluation was between the bids of ISPL and KPB, Malaysia across the following
parameters:
Table 24
Financial evaluation
Criteria
Weight
50%
30%
20%
Based on the financial evaluation the consortium of ISPL was awarded the contract.
Soon after, it was realized that the project was not likely to be viable on the existing terms of the
concession.The primary reason was the non-realization of estimated traffic and the high component
of MGA that the developer had to pay to GoAP.
GoAP reportedly failed to allow KSPL to handle the cargo mix as mentioned in the tender forms.
This included agri-centric cargo like fertilisers, oil extractions, sugar, rice and wheat that constituted
70 per cent of the projected volumes at the time of the bid. In fact there was considerable social
unrest with respect to handling of commodities at the anchorage port and the deep water port.
There were instances of the anchorage port workers going on strike in protest of the deep water
port handling agri commodities such as wheat.
KSPL thus was unable to meet the obligation of the MGA. This also impacted the financial closure
for the Phase 1 development.Accordingly, there were several rounds of negotiations and discussions
where KSPL requested the government to withdraw the MGA clause and retain only the revenue
sharing clause. In 2003, the Government agreed that the payment of MGA can be rescheduled
ensuring that the net present value of the amount to be paid during the concession period
remained the same. KSPL was thus able to achieve financial closure for the Phase 1 development
in 2004 which envisaged back-up area development, railway line connectivity and procurement of
equipment.
In 2004, Salgaocar Mining Industries Pvt. Ltd. (SMIPL) was inducted as a shareholder in KSPL.
Subsequently, KSPL took up the development of the fourth berth and an OSV complex in 2007.The
same was completed in 2008.
Despite the changes in the concession agreement, KSPL continued to experience difficulty in
attracting traffic and paying the MGA to the Government. In addition, the development of the new
ports of Gangavaram and Krishnapatnam, in the vicinity of Kakinada, with modern facilities and a
deeper draft, added to the problems of the KSPL. Accordingly, KSPL once again appealed to the
government for flexibility and amendment in terms and conditions.
After a detailed evaluation and analysis, GoAP, in 2009, agreed to amend the concession agreement
by way of a supplementary agreement. The amendments included an extension in the concession
period from the original tenure of 20 years to 30 years, with a further option for extension by 20
years in two blocks of 10 years each, elimination of the stipulation with respect to the MGA for
revenue sharing with the GoAP and allowing KSPL to undertake additional/ new developments at
the port at the same terms and conditions of the existing agreement.
In 2009, the principal shareholder L&T sold its stake in KSPL to Kakinada Infrastructure Holdings
Pvt. Ltd. (KIHPL). KIHPL also purchased the 2% stake held by SMIPL and now holds the single
largest stake in KSPL. The revised shareholding pattern of the company is as follows: KIHPL 41%;
Everlink Asia Investments Ltd. (owned by the Salgaocar Group) - 30% and Konsortium Ports Pte
Ltd. (and its associate) - 29%.
KSPL plans to expand its capacity by 3 million tonnes by constructing an additional berth with
facilities for handling edible oil, other liquid and general cargo at an investment of ` 150 200 crore.
Exit
At the end of the concession (presently March 2029), KSPL shall transfer all the immovable project
assets to GoAP free of cost.The movable assets are to be transferred to GoAP subject to payment
of the book value of assets at the time. However, the concession period is extendable by 20 years
in two blocks of 10 years each.
101
Sensitivity
Risk period
Comments
0-5 years
Government
A) Pre-Operative Risks
Delays in
acquisition
land Low
External linkages
Low
0-5 years
Government
Financing risks
Low
0-5 years
Private sector
Social Risk
High
0-4 years
Private sector
High
0-5 years
Private sector
High
0-5 years
Private sector
Construction Risk
High
0-5 years
Private sector
Approvals
Moderate
0-5 years
Private sector
Throughout
Private sector
102
Risk type
Sensitivity
Risk period
Comments
Market Risk
High
Throughout
Private sector
Competition Risk
High
Throughout
Private sector
Low
Last 1 year
Private sector
Change in Law
High
Throughout
Private sector
Force Majeure
High
Throughout
Private sector
E) Other Risks
Demonstration Effect:
KDWP was amongst the first minor ports to be privatised in India. Accordingly it paved the way for
other port projects to be taken up on the PPP route.
103
Interviews:
104
Fourteen
Case Study 11:
Gangavaram Port
14.1 Project Description
Located on the East Coast of India in the State of Andhra Pradesh (district of Visakhapatnam
around Latitude 17 37' N and Longitude 83 14' E, about 15 kms south of Visakhapatnam Port),
Gangavaram Port has been developed as all weather, multipurpose, deep water port with a depth
of up to 21 meters, capable of handling Super Cape size vessels of up to 200,000 DWT.
The master plan has a provision for 29 berths with a capacity of 200 MTPA to be developed in three
phases over 15-20 years. In Phase I, five berths have been constructed with an estimated handling
capacity of 35 MTPA. One berth is dedicated to iron ore, the second berth is for handling coal and
there are three multi-purpose berths to handle containers and other cargo. The port has a total
land area of 2800 acres for port facilities development.
The port also has good connectivity to the national railway system with its own independent
railway siding, while a four-lane road from the port connects to National Highway 5, the KolkataChennai arm of the Golden Quadrilateral.
105
Project Details
Particulars
Project IRR (Post-tax)
22%
Equity IRR
30%
Average DSCR
2.2
69:31
The financial model of the private operator is not available in the public domain. Hence, financial
ratios of the feasibility study that was prepared by an independent consultant prior to tendering
have been provided as an indication of the viability of the project.
Figure 11
Process Analysis
Project Life Cycle
Incepon
First Round
First conceptualized in
1994
Second Round
Project Preparaon
Procurement
Development
Delivery
Exit
Procurement:
The first round of bids was received in 1996 wherein the two pre-qualified consortia submitted
their bids. The proposals were assessed for commercial viability, for the financial offer made to
106
the Government by way of Minimum Guaranteed Amount (MGA) of revenue per annum and
percentage revenue share per annum, and quantum of Phase I port investment. The evaluation
revealed concerns regarding the validity and practicality of the market assumptions (traffic and
tariff) and the underlying viability of the projections. Both the bids had elements of speculation and
presented an untenable proposition for the Government. Therefore, after much deliberation, the
Government decided to terminate the bid process. The first round of tendering suffered due to
several shortcomings:
1. A comprehensive feasibility study, with realistic traffic projections was not prepared prior
to tendering
2. The bid evaluation criteria had several parameters for evaluation, some of which
encouraged bidders to put in speculative or unrealistic offers that were unsustainable.The
bid criteria gave separate weights for MGA, revenue share and investment commitments.
Thus larger commitments, even though unrealistic, could lead to higher scores.
The shortcomings of the first round were corrected by the Government during the second round
of bidding. An independent consultant was appointed to prepare a comprehensive feasibility study
and manage the tender process.The comprehensive feasibility study was prepared in 2001, pursuant
to which, through an international tender process, the concessionaire was selected in 2002. The
project development costs were initially borne by APIIC. APIIC was eventually paid ` 5 crore by the
developer on signing the concession agreement.
However, the contract finalisation was a long drawn process that started in late 2002 and culminated
with the signing of the concession agreement in 2004. As several of the contractual issues were not
adequately addressed during the project preparation and the pre-bid stage, over 80 issues were
required to be negotiated and finalised during the contract finalisation stage. The major issues
included differences of opinion about land valuation at termination, duration of the concession
period, equity investments of lead promoter, performance parameters and penalties and step-in
rights of lenders.
Development:
While the above issues were mutually resolved and the concession agreement was signed, the
project progress was further hampered due to delays in land acquisition. The government had
committed to providing land to the project that had not been acquired by the government till the
contract finalisation. There were also local protests in relation to rehabilitation and resettlement
that led to a prolonged process. However once these issues were resolved, the project was able
to successfully financially close in a short period of time and was awarded the Asia-Pacific region's
Infrastructure Deal of the Year' by Thomson's Project Finance International. The construction of
the first phase of the port commenced in December 2005.
Delivery:
The project was successfully commissioned in August 2008. The port is currently operational and
handling substantial vessels and cargo.
Sensitivity
Table 27
Risk period
Primary
risk bearer
Comments
0-5 years
Government
A) Pre-Operative Risks
Delays in land
acquisition
High
107
Risk type
Sensitivity
Risk period
Primary
risk bearer
Comments
External linkages
High
0-5 years
Government
Financing risks
Medium
0-5 years
Private sector
Planning
Medium
0-5 years
Private sector
Approvals
High
0-5 years
Private sector
Medium
0-5 years
Private sector
Construction Risk
Medium
0-5 years
Private sector
Approvals
Low
0-5 years
Private sector
Low
Throughout
Private sector
Operations &
Maintenance Risk
Medium
Throughout
Private sector
Market Risk
High
Throughout
Private sector
Financial Risks
Medium
Throughout
Private sector
108
Handover risk
Medium
Last 3 years
Private sector
Medium
Last year
Private sector
Risk type
Sensitivity
Risk period
Primary
risk bearer
Comments
Concessionaire
event of default
Medium
Throughout
Private
sector
Governments
event of default
Low
Throughout
Government
Change in Law
Low
Throughout
Private
sector
Force Majeure
Low
Throughout
Private
sector
Sponsor risk
Medium
Throughout
Government
E. Other Risks
109
The most apparent efficiency gain is seen in the manner in which the capital expenditure has been
incurred by the private sector. Based on available data, it can be observed that two major factors
appear to contribute towards this efficiency gain:
1. The private operator created greater capacity compared to the feasibility study concept and
in doing so achieved efficiency in capital expenditure. A simplistic analysis of average capital
expenditure per berth highlights an 11% efficiency gain. It is appropriate to place a word of
caution here. The capital expenditure in a port consists of infrastructure, superstructures
and equipment. Therefore, if more superstructures or equipment investments are made
then some of the infrastructure investments can get spread over a larger base, thereby
achieving greater economies in infrastructure created.
2. Another contributing factor to the efficiency in capital expenditure was the ability of the
private operator to negotiate better financing terms with the lenders. This resulted in a
lower interest rate (9% as compared to 15.5% interest rate in Feasibility Study and a longer
tenor of debt. Readers may note that interest rates are a function of prevailing market
conditions and the interest rates were declining during the period of financial closure for
the project. Therefore, there would have been a fortuitous timing in the investment cycle
that could have contributed to this efficiency.
As more data on the actual performance of the port is not publicly available and the fact that the
port has just completed its first year of operations, a more comprehensive analysis of VfM is not
possible. The table 28 presents the brief analysis.
Table 28
Project analysis
Feasibility Study
Project Cost
Berths
Maximum vessel size
Cargo in Year 1
Interest Rate
Tenure
Efficiency in Project Cost
Actual Achieved
` 1528 Cr
` 1700 Cr
1,20,000 DWT
2,00,000 DWT
10 MTPA
8 MTPA
15.50%
9%
10 years
14 years
11%
finalisation period.This was largely due to the fact that some of the fundamental issues, such
as, contractual issues, land acquisition and rehabilitation issues had not been adequately
addressed prior to tender. It can be seen that once these issues were resolved, the project
was financially attractive and bankable. Today the project is a success story.
4. Government sponsors need to be fully cognisant of the commitments they
make and the obligations they may impose. While this issue has not arisen in this
project, the fact that the government made commitments for additional land for the project
as and when required, without ascertaining the extent of such a requirement or whether
the government would be in a position to provide additional land, is a cause of concern.
This exposes the government to the risk that specified land may not be made available
thus derailing the entire project, or secondly the land cost may not be completely passed
on to the project (as the government agreed on a reasonable land price per acre during
contract finalisation and the land cost was treated as governments equity contribution
into the project). The actual land cost details are not publicly available and it cannot be
ascertained whether indeed the entire land cost was passed on or not. It can be argued
that this is one of the obligations of the government and not providing additional land
may lead to a government event of default. While the requirement of additional land is
a reasonable need for the project to grow, the governments needs to be careful while
committing on the same. In this instance, a more appropriate option could have been to
introduce the concept of intent on best effort basis rather than a commitment.
5.
It is recommended that where firm commitments are made they should be definitive or
within a decision making framework that can be managed by both parties failing which the
government sponsors may find themselves in a serious predicament.
Fifteen
Case Study 12:
Mumbai Metro
15.1 Project Description
To address both present and future public transportation needs, the Government of Maharashtra
(GOM) through the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has planned
a 146 kilometre long rail based Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS) for Mumbai.
This project is the first corridor of the proposed MRTS. The Versova Andheri Ghatkopar line shall
be an elevated line with a route length of 11 kms, with 12 stations and a car depot situated at D.N.
Nagar.The line will have a minimum curvature of 100 meters and minimum ground clearance of 5.5
meters. The length and width of the coaches that shall ply on the route will be 22 metres and 3.2
metres, respectively. Other technical features of the project include 25 KV AC overhead equipment,
cab signalling with automatic train protection, and a maximum speed of 80 kmph with an average
speed of 33 kmph.
Mumbai Metro One is going to run on a dedicated elevated corridor and shall have high levels
of comfort for the passengers viz. fully air-conditioned world class coaches, provision for lifts
and escalators at stations, modern automatic fare collection system and high levels of passenger
security systems.
The existing sub-urban trains connect the northern and southern parts of the city. This project will
provide East-West rail based connectivity to Central and Western suburbs. The total time taken
for the journey from Versova to Ghatkopar would be approximately 21 minutes, as against a typical
time taken of 90 minutes by other modes of transport.
112
systems, track work, fare collection system, etc. All these are owned by the SPV. The assets shall be
constructed or procured through contractors and equipment suppliers. For example, the signalling
system shall be installed by Siemens while the communications system by Thales Inc. and the rolling
stock shall be procured from CSR Nanjing. The land for the depot has been taken on a long term
lease which is renewable from the owners of the land.The SPV holds the exclusive rights to develop
and use the land for the MRTS Project.
Component ` crore
Viability Gap Funding
Table 29
650
Debt
1240
Equity
466
Total
2356
The cost of borrowing for the rupee component, which constitutes about 75 per cent of the total
debt, will be 12.25 per cent, while the foreign currency loan will be at 3.5 per cent above LIBOR
(London Inter-Bank Offered Rate). The loan has been secured for a moratorium period of 2 years
and a total loan repayment period of 15 years.
The project has also taken into consideration a service debt facility of around ` 70-80 crore in the
project cost to ensure that cost overruns are taken care of during the tenure of the project. Senior
Lenders have also been notified of and have approved of these provisions.
Project details
Particulars
Table 30
With VGF Support
Project IRR
8%
Equity IRR
15%
70:30
113
Figure 12
Process Analysis
Project Life Cycle
Incepon
First Round
Development Commenced in
February 2008
Feasibility
Procurement
Development
Delivery
Exit
Procurement
The project was approved by the Government of Maharashtra in August 2004 and global bids were
invited in the same month for the project through an Expression of Interest (EoI). Almost 150
bidders responded to the EoI and a pre-bid meeting was held in November 2004.
The suggestions of prospective bidders were incorporated in the agreements being prepared for
the project. The bid process conducted was essentially a two stage bid-process, i.e. technical and
financial stage.
Only those consortia whose technical bids met the technical criteria were allowed to submit
financial bids. Technical bids were invited for the project in May 2005. The consortia that submitted
bids were:
114
Financial proposals were submitted in January 2006 only by the Reliance Energy and IL&FS consortia.
The Siemens consortium withdrew their bid.
After the bid process, negotiations commenced with the lowest financial bidder, i.e. Reliance
Energy and Connex France.Veolia Transport and Hong Kong MRT were the other members of the
consortium providing technical know-how. From February to May 2006 negotiations were carried
out with the lowest financial bidder.
The REL-led consortium expected an Equity IRR of 26% but the government was able to negotiate
for a lower return in line with international experience. The consortium finally agreed on an Equity
IRR of 15% on their investment. This brought down the VGF to ` 650 crores.
An application for VGF was submitted to the Government of Maharashtra in June 2006 after the
successful bidder was chosen. The project faced delays in obtaining approval for Viability Gap
Funding (VGF) as the project was conceptualized before the model concession agreement was
put in place. Its concession agreement was based on the model concession agreement of National
Highways Authority of India.
Moreover, the Public Private Partnership Appraisal Committee (PPPAC) at the central government
level had not been constituted till that time and only tentative guidelines were in place for the PPP
agreements.Therefore, at that time various options to obtain grant funding were explored including
obtaining grant funding through the JnNURM scheme. However, the JnNURM funds were capped
at 10% of the project cost. The issue was finally resolved by grant of VGF in the form of a special
one time grant given to the state. The GoI agreed to give a special grant of 20% of the project cost.
In addition, the GoM approved a grant of 7.5% of project cost. The documentation and approval
process took some time and the formal approval for VGF of ` 650 crores was obtained much later
by January 2009.
Development
The development phase of the project was initiated in parallel to the VGF approval process. Major
milestones achieved in the development phase are presented below:
Signing of the Concession Agreement and Shareholders agreement took place on March
7, 2007
MMOPL and Government of Maharashtra entered the State Support Agreement on April
20, 2007
All major contracts for the project have been awarded. At present, 90%of the Right of Way has been
handed over to MMOPL. Utilities, mapping, condition survey, and the work for utility shifting has
been completed. 70% of the foundation work has been completed. Girder launching has started
at certain stretches. The construction of the Depot, Substation and Stations has also commenced
along the route of the project. Work has also commenced on the construction of 2 overhead
bridges at Andheri Station and the Western Express Highway.
115
The construction completion date for the project is expected to be mid 2011.
Sensitivity
Risk Period
Primary
Risk Bearer
Comments
Pre-Operative Risks
Delays in land
acquisition
High
0-5 years
Government
Financing Risks
Medium
0-5 years
Private Sector
Planning
Medium
0-5 years
Private Sector
Regulatory,
administrative &
approval delays
Low
0-5 years
Private Sector
116
Design Risk
Medium
0-5 years
Private Sector
Construction Risk
Medium
0-5 years
Private Sector
Change in Scope
Risk
Low
0-5 years
Government
Risk Type
Sensitivity
Risk Period
Primary
Risk Bearer
Comments
Financing Risk
Medium
0-5years
Private Sector
Low
0-35 years
Private
Sector/
Government
Operations &
Maintenance Risk
Medium
0-35 years
Private Sector
Market Risk
High
0-30 years
Private Sector
Performance Risk
High
0-30 years
Private Sector
Handover Risk
Low
35th year
Private Sector
Private Operator
Event of Default
Low
0-35 years
Private Sector
MMRDA Event of
Default
Low
0-35 years
Government
Handover Risks
117
Risk Type
Sensitivity
Risk Period
Primary
Risk Bearer
Comments
Interface Risk
(with other metro
corridors)
Medium
Throughout
Private sector
Force Majeure
Low
Throughout
Shared
(Depending
on the type
of event)
Other Risks
Low
Throughout
Private sector
the private sector participation the construction and operations of a critical infrastructure
facility for a period of 30 years with a reduced requirement of upfront money. The cost of
the project compares favourably with other international projects. For e.g. the 80 km, US
$ 3.7 billion Gautrain Project in South Africa is being implemented at a construction cost
of US $ 46 million/km. This compares favourably with the Mumbai Metro 1 which is being
built at a cost of US $ 44 million/per km.The Delhi Metro which cost US $ 3.22 billion for
Phase-I and Phase-II has a cost of construction of US $ 44.6 million per km is also in the
same range.
2. Substantial risk transfer: The private sector has undertaken substantial project risks, such
as financing, construction, operations and traffic/ revenue risks. Traffic risk, which is one of
the major risks of a user fee based model, is completely vested with the private operator
with no clauses that provide for any compensation by the state government if the rider
ship of the metro is low. The transfer of major risks during the operational phase has
ensured that the private operator will place its best efforts in the operating the system so
as to ensure sustainability of operations.
While the above factors do point to the fact that there was substantial merit in adopting the PPP
approach, we must acknowledge the implicit risks that the public sector would continue to retain.
There have been several international precedents where governments have taken back certain risks
or bailed out ailing public infrastructure projects on the grounds of protecting public interest. For
example, the Mexican toll road crisis where the government had to take on the financial liabilities
of ailing toll road operators or the bail out of the Thai BTS. Indeed such financial support or bailout packages were, perhaps, necessary for those economies. However, these are implicit risks for
the government due to the nature of public service or infrastructure facility being rendered and
the governments stated or implicit obligations to its citizens for the provision of the same should
be noted.
119
procured as per the land procurement schedule provided in the agreement. However, this
land was under private ownership and under dispute.This exposed the government to the
risk of land not being available for the depot thereby bringing in a possibility of derailing
the project. The issue was finally resolved by the private owner of the land agreeing to
allocate 75% of the land for the development of the project on the condition of the
government granting him the right to the Floor Space Index (FSI) available over the entire
plot of land for 25% of the land. This land has been provided on a nominal lease rent to
the concessionaire for the concession period. It is recommended in the future concerns
such as these are addressed before the project procurement stage itself to ensure smooth
functioning of the project.
5. Clear Specifications on Asset Transfer on termination: On the termination of the project
through the efflux of time, 5 years before the expiry of the concession period a survey of
the assets would be carried out to determine whether they are in working condition as
given in the agreement. The survey is to be carried out by an independent engineer based
on a schedule of specifications on the condition of assets. However, the schedule in the
concession agreement does not have clear and robust specifications. There is thus a risk
of a difference of opinion between the concessionaire and the government and this can
potentially lead to a dispute. The government could manage this better by incorporating
clear and robust specifications on the condition it would want the assets to be handed
over to the government.
6. Public Support for the project: For a project of this magnitude, it is important for the
government agency to garner adequate public support to ensure smooth implementation.
MMRDA ensured adequate public support for land acquisition and road expansion
activities by a dialogue with the affected individuals. Despite these efforts, the project was
susceptible to delays and similar difficulties are also being experienced in phase 2 of the
project.
7. Role of Good Project Preparation:The viability gap funding used in the project (` 650 crore)
makes up a significant component (27.5 percent) of the project cost. This project cost has
been shared between the central and state governments. The initial quote submitted by
the successful bidder quoted an amount (` 1250 crore) which was subsequently revised to
the current figure through negotiations. Thus, there is an increased need for good project
preparation prior to the procurement process to ensure that the fair bids are received
for the projects. This would eliminate private operators colluding with each other and/or
speculative bids.
Shareholders Agreement
Interviews:
120
Sixteen
Case Study 13:
Hyderabad Metro
16.1 Project Description
Hyderabad is a growing city that covers 625 square kilometres of municipal corporation area
and 6,852 square kilometres of metropolitan area (Metropolitan area includes 16 mandals in
Hyderabad District, 22 mandals in Ranga Reddy District, 10 mandals in Medak District, 5 mandals in
Nalgonda District and 3 mandals in Mehboobnagar District). It is a hub for Information Technology
/ Information Technology Enabled Services (IT/ITES), Biotech and Pharmaceutical sectors along with
being a tourist attraction.
The burgeoning population has put Hyderabads transportation system under immense pressure.
The city requires a robust, dependable, comfortable, affordable and sustainable transportation
system. To address this need, the Government of Andhra Pradesh (GoAP) has planned a Mass
Rapid Transit system (MRTS) covering three high traffic density corridors of Hyderabad. The
project is planned to be developed on a PPP basis through the Build Operate Transfer (BOT)
mode.
This project will cover 3 dedicated elevated corridors i.e. Corridor 1: Miyapur L. B. Nagar (29.87
kms) having 27 stations, Corridor 2: Jubilee Bus Stations Falaknuma (14.78 kms) having 16 stations
and Corridor 3: Nagole Shilparammam (26.51 kms) having 23 stations.There will be three depots,
one for each Corridor, located at Miyapur, Falaknuma and Nagole. Corridors 1, 2 and 3 will be
designed for peak hour peak distribution traffic (PHPDT) of 50,000, 35,000 and 50,000 respectively.
The speed of the system would vary from 34 kmph to 80 kmph and the trains would have a
frequency of 3 to 5 minutes.
A Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) named Maytas Metro Limited (MML) was formed with Maytas
Infrastructure holding 26% equity, Government of Andhra Pradesh (GoAP) holding 11% Nav Bharat
Ventures holding 16% and IL&FS and Ital-Thai holding 5% each. MML owned the remaining 37%,
which it proposed to sell partially or completely, at a premium by roping in more partners.
Payment
Upfront
` 11 crore
Appointment Date
` 50 crore
4th Year
` 200 crore
` 100 crore
` 1,750 crore
The cost of the project was to be financed with a debt to equity ratio of 2:1. Therefore the
consortium had to raise debt of ` 7,876 crore and contribute equity of ` 3,938 crore without any
VGF support.
122
Process Analysis
Figure 13
Incepon
Feasibility
Procurement
Development
First Round
Delivery
Exit
16.5 Process Analysis
Conceptualisation and Feasibility
The Government had been exploring the viability of various mass transit systems that are efficient,
economically viable and environment friendly in Hyderabad.
In this context, a detailed feasibility study was carried out by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation
(DMRC) in 2005. The study recommended a metro length of 61 kms over 3 corridors. However,
the government increased the length of line 3 by 5 kms. The study further recommended that
property development would be required to partly fund the cost of the project and that the
Hyderabad Metro be bid out on a BOT basis. It also recommended a VGF of around 40% of the
project cost to make the project potentially bankable and economically viable.
Procurement
The project was approved by the GoAP and global bids were invited through an Expression of
Interest-cum-Request for Qualification (EoI-cum-RFQ) in November 2005. The EOI-cum-RFQ had
stringent technical and financial criteria. The following seven consortia submitted their EOI along
with their bids for pre-qualification.
Essar Constructions (Mumbai), Srei (Kolkata), SembCorp, STE (Singapore) and Singapore
MRT;
Magna Allmore (Malaysia), Siemens AG (Germany), ETA (Dubai) and NCC (Hyderabad);
123
ITD cem (Delhi); and IVRCL (Hyderabad), Hitachi (Japan) and BHEL.
Five of these consortia were pre-qualified by the GoAP, with the Metrail and ITD Cem consortia
not qualifying. The Government of India considered the project for financial assistance under the
VGF scheme and then allowed the GoAP to proceed with the RFP Process.
The RFP document, including the model concession agreement, manual of specifications and
standards as well as the state support agreement, was issued to all the pre-qualified bidders in May
2007. The RFP process comprised technical and financial proposals. All the pre-qualified consortia
qualified technically and were asked to submit their financial bids in May 2008.
The Maytas-led consortium agreed to pay ` 30,311 crore to the government during the concession
period of 35 years, while the Magna Allmore led consortium agreed to pay ` 250 crore to the
government. The two other bidders--Reliance sought a VGF grant of ` 2,811 crore from the
government and Essar sought a grant of ` 3,100 crore respectively. The GVKled consortium did
not submit a financial bid. Based on these bids, the Maytas consortium was awarded project.
Development
The project was to achieve financial closure by March 17, 2009.
Major milestones achieved in the development phase are presented below:
Extension granted for financial closure and performance guarantee on March 17, 2009.
The Concession Agreement with Maytas Metro was eventually cancelled on July 7, 2009 due to the
failure of MML in arranging the Performance Security and achieving financial closure for the project
Due to the large differences between the bids submitted by each of the consortia the GoAP took
the decision to re-bid the project. The RFQ for the new process was released on July 16, 2009
and the date for the submission of the RFQ was January 16, 2010. 8 bidders qualified for the RFP
process and were asked to submit financial bids for the project i.e.
1. Larsen & Toubro Ltd;
2. Lanco Infratech-OHL Concesiones SL consortium;
3. Reliance Infrastructure-Reliance Infocomm consortium;
4. Essar-Leighton-Gayatri-VNR consortium;
5. GVK-Samsung C&T Corporation consortium;
6. GMR Infrastructure Ltd;
7. Transstroy-OJSC Transstroy-CR 18G-BEML consortium; and
8. Soma-Strabag AG (Austria) consortium.
The date for the submission of RFP bids was revised to June 07, 2010.
124
Sensitivity
Table 33
Risk Period
Primary
Risk Bearer
Comments
Pre-Operative Risks
Delays in land
acquisition
High
0-5 years
Government
Financing
Risks
Medium
0-5 years
Private
Operator
Planning
Medium
0-5 years
Private
Operator
Regulatory,
administrative
& approval
delays
Low
0-5 years
Private
Operator
Medium
0-5 years
Private
Operator
Construction
Risk
Medium
0-5 years
Private
Operator
125
Risk Type
Sensitivity
Risk Period
Primary
Risk Bearer
Comments
Change in
Scope Risk
Low
0-5 years
Government
Financing Risk
Medium
0-5years
Private
Operator
126
Technology
Risk
Low
0-35 years
Private
Operator /
Government
Operations &
Maintenance
Risk
Medium
0-35 years
Private
Operator
Market Risk
High
0-30 years
Private
Operator /
Government
Performance
Risk
High
0-30 years
Private
Operator
Risk Type
Sensitivity
Risk Period
Primary
Risk Bearer
Comments
Handover Risks
Handover
Risk
Low
35th year
Private
Operator
Private
Operator
Event of
Default
Low
0-35 years
Private
Operator
GoAP Event
of Default
Low
0-35 years
Government
Force
Majeure
Low
Throughout
Private
Operator
Change in
Law Risk
Low
Throughout
Private
Operator
Other Risks
127
the operational phase along with imposition of a stiff performance security (` 240 crore)
ensures that the private operator places its best efforts in the operating the system so as
to ensure sustainability of operations.
While the above factors do point to the fact that there was substantial merit in adopting the PPP
approach, we must acknowledge the implicit risks that the public sector would continue to retain. In
this case the project itself was scrapped and a re-bid ordered.There have been several international
precedents where governments have had to either taken back certain risks or cancelled ailing
public infrastructure projects on the grounds of protecting public interest. Indeed, such financial
support or bail-out packages were perhaps, necessary for those economies. However, these are
implicit risks for the government due to the nature of public service or infrastructure facility being
rendered and the governments stated or implicit obligations to its citizens for the provision of the
same should be noted.
This opportunity of the utilization of land on a commercial basis coupled with the metro
project led to widely divergent bids from the bidders. The bids were on the basis of the
consortium recovering its capital investment from the real estate development. While the
Siemens Consortium bid a negative viability gap of ` 250 crore, the Maytas Consortium
bid a very high a negative viability gap of ` 30,311 crore. On the other hand, the two other
bidders--Reliance sought a VGF grant of ` 2,811 crore from the government and Essar
sought a grant of ` 3,100 crore.
The real estate market is very volatile and cyclical in nature. An adverse outlook for
the sector would have the risk of compromising the development and construction of
the project. Thus, ideally real estate development should be a smaller component of the
project which would allow the private operator to complete the project despite downturn
in the real estate sector. DMRC, which conducted the feasibility study for the project, in
fact recommended that the quantum of real estate development should ideally be not
more than 7-8 percent of the total project cost.
Moreover, real estate development typically provides faster returns on capital invested
than investment in the metro rail system. A large component of real estate development
would expose the project to the risk of the actual construction and quality of the metro
being compromised as the private operator would have a greater incentive to complete
the real estate development rather than constructing the metro.
An alternative available to the government was to undertake the real estate development
by itself and/or bringing in a private operator to develop this land through a separate
procurement process. This development revenue could have been used to cross-subsidize
the construction/operational phase of the project.
Another alternative would have been to break-up the project into smaller components
(e.g. The 3 corridors could have been bid out to different bidders to minimize the risk of
operator default.)
2. Traffic Risk: The concession agreement transferred the traffic risk to a large extent on
to the government. As per the agreement, if the target traffic was lesser than 275 lakh
passenger kms then the concession period would be increased. Similarly, if the traffic was
128
more than the target traffic, the concession period would be reduced. Ideally such traffic
estimates should not be a part of the Concession Agreement and this market risk should
totally vest with the Private operator. This would incentivise the operator to provide a
better level of service and thus increase the number of passengers travelling on the Metro
line.
3. Right of Way: The creation of the right of way for the viaduct of the Hyderabad Metro
also posed a major challenge as the proposed route passed through populated areas of
the city. This hurdle was overcome by using persuasive techniques like giving an additional
Floor Space Index (FSI) for development. The local municipal corporation i.e. Greater
Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) was also closely involved in this negotiation
process. The project also attempted to mitigate the risk of the project being stalled due
to vested interests and/or affected private parties by using government lands for the
developments of depots, stations etc. as much as possible.
4. Promoter Backing: The winning consortium of Maytas Metro was adversely affected
due to the issues besetting the promoters of the Maytas Infrastructure Limited. The
perpetrator of the SCS irregularities i.e. R Ramalinga Raju owned a stake in Maytas
Infrastructure which was promoted by his son Teja Raju. Though the Maytas Metro
Project was to be implemented as a separate Special Purpose Vehicle there was a loss of
investor confidence in the promoters of the project. Consequently, the project was not
able to achieve financial closure. Thus, promoter profile and backing is critical to project
sustenance and success.
Interviews:
129
Seventeen
Case Study 14:
Bhiwandi Electricity Distribution
Franchisee
17.1 Project Description
The worsening power deficit scenario in Maharashtra warranted immediate action on the part of
the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL). Since the gestation
period for addition of generation capacity is long, MSEDCL decided to focus on load-side energy
management and utilise the savings thereof to curtail the growing deficit to some extent. MSEDCL
also decided to bring in private sector expertise for increasing efficiencies in the distribution system
in certain selected circles (networks) through a distribution franchising arrangement.
The Electricity Act 2003 allows the holder of a distribution licence to contract out some or all
of the distribution activities to a franchisee. The distribution franchise arrangement applied to the
distribution circle in the town of Bhiwandi, about 48 km north-east of Mumbai is a pioneering project
and the first input distribution franchisee project following the introduction of the concept in the
Electricity Act. In an input model, the agency is responsible for supply of power at the input point
and the franchisee is responsible for all obligations of distribution license in the franchisee area i.e.
Supply of power
Consumer Service
Bhiwandi was chosen for the project since it had a reputation of being a chronic defaulter on its
power bills and had a poor distribution network with a very high level of Aggregate Technical and
Commercial (AT&C) losses. It had, at the time, 160,000 customers (total population of about one
million) over a geographical area of 721 sq kilometres. The power demand of the Bhiwandi circle,
with a significant number of textiles /garment manufacturing units (mainly power looms), at the
time, was about 800 MVA, translating into an annual energy input of about 2,500 gigawatt hours
(GWh).
Torrent Power AEC Limited (TPAL) was the private entity appointed by MSEDCL for this project.
130
The franchisee has the right to use the distribution assets of MSEDCL in the franchise area
for carrying out his responsibilities and obligations.
The franchisee is responsible for the following functions of the MSEDCL for the term of
the DFA:
Distribution and supply of power to the consumers of MSEDCL in the franchise area,
Compliance with all the standards including the Electricity Supply code and the
Standards of Performance and other regulatory provisions.
MSDECL has to incur a certain minimum capital expenditure towards the distribution
network as per its minimum investment plan for five years.
The franchisee is given full autonomy for planning and execution of its capital expenditure
(other than the capital expenditure planned and committed by MSEDCL) with the
objective of meeting an agreed minimum reduction in losses and improvement in collection
efficiency. The value of any assets added has to be certified by MSEDCL as acceptable.
The consumers are charged the same tariff as applicable to other consumers of MSEDCL,
and as determined by the independent regulatory agency Maharashtra Electricity
Regulatory Commission (MERC).
MSEDCL will make termination payments to the franchisee upon expiry or in the event of
default by MSEDCL / franchisee for the capital expenditure incurred by the franchisee at
the depreciated value of the distribution assets created.
131
The situation in the Bhiwandi circle at the time of takeover was as follows:
Distress load shedding due to a deficit of 300 MVA in Extra High Voltage (EHV) network
Unregistered customers
Getting official connections or an additional load sanctioned was very difficult and time
consuming, leading to an increasing tendency on the part of consumers to resort to illegal
connections.
In an effort to solve problems of high distribution losses, lower collection efficiency, and inefficient
distribution network, MSEDCL decided to utilize the provisions of Electricity Act 2003 and bring in
private expertise through distribution franchising in the Bhiwandi circle.
132
Solution / Action
Regulatory uncertainty
Solution / Action
Commitment of
minimum input power
from MSEDCL
Capital expenditure
Employee deputation
Existing contracts
After due consultation with all the stakeholders, the input based franchisee structure was finalised
for implementation.
Procurement:
Expression of Interest (EoI): MSEDCL developed the principles of EoI and sought submissions
by 8th April 2005. An overwhelming 116 applications were received.
RfP Process: The transaction was a single stage bidding process, wherein the bidders were asked
to submit a technical and financial proposal.The RFP was issued on 10th February 2006.The following
five bidders purchased the bid documents:
Two bidders namely, TPAL and M/s Crompton Greaves Limited submitted their offers along with
the necessary documents on 20th April 2006.
The evaluation criteria for the technical bid were based on two parameters, namely, Experience and
Track Record and the Financial Capability of the bidder.
133
Table 35
Parameter
Indicator
1.
2.
Table 36
Financial Capability
S. No.
Parameter
Indicator
1.
Size of operations
2.
3.
Corporate Governance
The financial bid was based on the levelised (annualised) input rate to be quoted by the bidder for
the power inputted by MSEDCL. The bidder was required to quote the levelised input rate for the
franchisee period after factoring in the stipulated minimum loss reduction and collection efficiency
improvements. MSEDCL had also set internal input rate benchmarks for evaluating the financial
bids.
After the technical evaluation, both the bidders were declared technically qualified and eligible for
opening of price bids.The financial bids were opened on 10th May 2006 - Crompton Greaves quoted
a levelised tariff of ` 2.02 per unit while TPAL quoted ` 2.04 per unit as input rate. As TPAL quoted
the higher bid among the two, it was declared selected bidder.
The RfP contained only principles of franchisee agreement. The agreement was finalised after
negotiations between TPAL and MSEDCL. Subsequent to signing the DFA on 20th December 2006,
on 25th January 2007, a day before TPAL took over operations at Bhiwandi on 26th January 2007, a
supplementary agreement to DFA was signed between MSEDCL and TPAL. This agreement made
some improvements / corrections in the DFA.
Development:
The process of handing over of electricity distribution assets started in July 2006 after the issue of
the Letter of Intent (LoI) to TPAL.The following activities were completed as a part of the handover
process:
MSEDCL continued its own operations and in parallel helped TPAL in establishing its
presence in Bhiwandi.
A joint audit team comprising representatives of MSEDCL and TPAL was formed to
confirm opening level details.
A walk down survey for counting and verification of all the assets was conducted.
An infrastructure roll out plan as per the terms of the agreement was submitted.
This handover phase from MSEDCL to TPAL lasted till January 2007 by when all the conditions
precedent in the DFA were satisfied.
134
Delivery:
TPAL has completed over two years as the distribution franchisee for the Bhiwandi circle. TPAL,
on takeover of the area, did a consumer survey and started regularizing illegal connections. Post
creation of new assets, it concentrated on augmentation and overhaul of the existing distribution
lines. TPAL also invested in improving the metering system of consumers. All these actions resulted
in a reduction in distribution losses and an improvement in the collection efficiency in the Bhiwandi
circle. The results to date have been positive and are summarised below:
AT&C losses are estimated to have declined by 34% in the first two years of the franchise,
to 24% (12-month moving average) at the end of FY2008-09 (from 58% in December
2006, just before handover). Based on the pre-PPP project energy input of 2,500 GWh for
the Bhiwandi circle and using a per unit rate of 2 K/kwh, the annual value of the reduction
in AT&C losses can be pegged at about ` 170 crores, as against capital investment of about
` 250 crores by the DF over this period.
Approximately 55,000 new connections have been added including the regularised ones
The distribution transformer failure rate has reduced from 40% at the time of handover
to 7.5% at the end of FY 2009.
The duration of load shedding has reduced form 6 hours a day to 3.5 hours a day.
The metering coverage has increased from 23% at the time of handover to 95%
Consumers are satisfied due to the improvement in quality in power supply, faster
processing of applications for new connections, better complaint handling and easy bill
payments.
TPAL focussed on three important areas namely network upgradation, loss reduction and consumer
services to achieve the above results. The actions taken by TPAL are summarised below:
Immediately after the handover, TPAL initiated the process of regularisation of illegal
connections and metering. It replaced all existing meters with accurate and tamper proof
meters to ensure that all consumers are billed as per consumption.
TPAL conducted a survey jointly with Maharashtra State Transmission Company Limited
(MSETCL) for augmentation of the EHV capacity and prepared a 3 year EHV augmentation
plan which included reconfiguration of the EHV lines, addition of power transformers and
EHV substations and feeders. TPAL has added a total EHV capacity of 250 MVA in the
Bhiwandi area by the end of FY 2009.
TPAL replaced 1,700 distribution transformers and added a further 241 new distribution
transformers, thereby reducing the transformer failure rate.
TPAL also improved customer services by introduction of 24X7 call centre facility, online
collection centres, user-friendly bills, extending the operating time for customer care
centres and public awareness and community development activities.
Sensitivity
Table 37
Risk Period
Primary
Risk
Bearer
Comments
135
Risk Type
Sensitivity
Risk Period
Primary
Risk
Bearer
CONSTRUCTION PHASE
RISK
Comments
Operations Risk
Procurement risk
High
10 years
Shared
Tariff Risk
High
10 years
Shared
Market Risk
High
10 years
Distribution
franchisee
High
10 years
Distribution
franchisee
Other Risks
136
Medium
10 years
Distribution
Franchisee
Socio-political risk
Medium
10 years
Distribution
franchisee
Risk Type
Sensitivity
Risk Period
Primary
Risk
Bearer
Comments
Force majeure
Medium
10 years
MSEDCL
AT&C losses are estimated to have declined by 34% in the first two years of the franchise,
to 24% (12-month moving average) at the end of FY2008-09 (from 58% in December
2006, just before handover).
The distribution transformer failure rate reduced from 40% at the time of handover to
7.5% at the end of FY 2009.
The load shedding duration reduced from 6 hours a day to 3.5 hours a day.
The percentage of accurate metered sales increased from 23% at the time of handover to
95%
The efficiency gains brought to the power distribution system through the franchisee model
benefited all the stakeholders, thus creating a win-win situation. TPAL has benefited in terms of
the increased revenue from reduction in losses and improvement in collection efficiency due to
refurbishment of the existing network, regularising illegal connections, metering, etc. MSEDCL
benefited due to savings in terms of reduction in O&M expenditure, capital investments and interest
on working capital.The consumer benefited through increased reliability of power supply, improved
customer service.
Extensive deliberations on the selection of the PPP model and its structure at
inception
One of the key reasons for the success of the Bhiwandi model was that the interests of
various stakeholders (i.e. MSEDCL, the franchisee, consumers and MSEDCL employees)
were considered in the process of evolving the structure of the business model. The
model was designed keeping in mind various sector-specific issues such as power deficit,
regulated tariffs, subsidy, nature of distribution assets, etc.
Since the power distribution business involves the sale of electricity to a large number of
customers spread over a large geographical area, typically the distribution assets (i.e. the
network) are also spread out spanning a vast area. As a result, the exercise of estimation of
distribution losses, collection efficiency and total assets, the average billing rate is extremely
complex and prone to errors. It is therefore necessary in a distribution franchisee model,
that a joint audit be conducted for determining the value of these parameters, since they
are extremely critical and can impact the profitability and return of the selected bidder.
The bid process was conducted in a transparent manner with due consultation of the
prospective investors. This helped in creating trust and confidence among the investors.
137
In the input distribution franchisee model, the risks related to power purchase costs and
regulated tariff are substantially mitigated for the private partner. Further, the franchisee
has an incentive to implement operational efficiencies in the distribution system (i.e.
reduction of distribution losses and improvement in collection efficiency) since this would
result in higher margins to the franchisee for the same power purchase cost. The ability
of this PPP model to harness these profit-motivated efficiency incentives was crucial to
the success of the Bhiwandi project, especially in the Indian context of power deficit and
a regulated tariff regime.
Request for Proposal, Distribution Franchisee Agreement, and the Report on Evaluation of
Financial Bids
Presentation by TAPL
Interviews:
-
138
Eighteen
Case Study 15:
Amritsar Intercity Bus Terminal
Project
18.1 Project Description
Located along the Grand Trunk (G.T.) road, Amritsar city is not only the spiritual centre for the
Sikh community but has traditionally been a hub for trade related activities in this region. Given
the citys religious heritage, Amritsar attracts large number of tourists (as high as 50,000 per day)
who visit the Golden Temple. The proximity of Amritsar to the Wagah (India-Pakistan) border has
also provided an opportunity for it to develop as a trading centre for cross border commercial
activities. In addition, a significant section of the local population uses public transport such as buses
for movement across the state. These factors have had a growing impact on the existing urban
infrastructure, especially the transport infrastructure.
Spread on an area of 8.5 acres, the existing bus terminal of Amritsar city, which functioned as an
intercity terminus, was established in 1965 on the G.T. Road. This bus terminal complex included
all administrative areas, passenger waiting areas as well as amenities. As per the bus schedules
drawn up by the Department of Transportation (DoT), Government of Punjab (GoP), there were
as many as 1,800 to 2,000 bus arrivals per day at the Amritsar bus terminal. With the growing
demand pressures, traffic at the terminal far outstripping the available facilities and the existing
terminal building being in a state of disrepair, the DoT, GoP facilitated by the Punjab Infrastructure
Development Board (PIDB) decided on modernising and developing the existing Amritsar bus
terminal through the Build, Operate, Transfer (BOT) route. This project was among the first
bus terminal projects in India to be built and operated by the private sector through the BOT
route.
The Intercity Bus Terminal of Amritsar city was developed at the same location as the existing
bus terminal. The project involved demolishing the existing terminal building and complex and
development of a modern state of the art Intercity Bus Terminal to cater to the growing demands
of the city. The project is under operation by a private operator for a period of 11 years and 5
months, which includes the construction period. At the end of the concession period, the project
will transfer back to the concessioning authority free of all encumbrances.
Within the concession agreement, two potential revenue streams for the private operator were
identified. The first revenue stream was through the operations of the bus terminal. The private
operator had the right to collect from bus operators what was termed as adda fees which was
the charge payable by buses for use of the terminal facilities. The second source of revenue was
commercial rentals from shops located within the Intercity Bus Terminal complex. Other sources
of revenue included the sale of advertising rights as well as parking fees.
Process Analysis
Incepon
Acvies
Feasibility
Procurement
Development
Delivery
Exit
140
Procurement:
Based on the scope of work and project configuration identified, a two stage bidding process was
adopted. The RFQ for the project was issued on 28th November 2002 and 16 bids were received
of which 14 prequalified to the RFP stage. The RFP for the project was issued in April 2003 and a
proposal security in the form of a bank guarantee for ` 10 lakhs was sought.
To avoid any ambiguities in bid evaluation with respect to different bus terminal designs, the Amritsar
Intercity Bus Terminal design was frozen at the time of issue of RFP and the bid variable was defined
as the concession period. The private operator demanding the lowest concession period while
meeting the project criteria was to be identified as the successful bidder.
At the RFP stage four bids were received. Subsequent to meeting the evaluation criteria specified in
the RFP document, Rohan Rajdeep Infrastructure Developers Pvt. Ltd was declared the successful
bidder and was issued a notice of award for the concession agreement in September 2003.
In February 2004 the concessioning authority - the Secretary, Department of Transport, Government
of Punjab - entered into a concession agreement with Rohan Rajdeep Infrastructure Developer Pvt.
Ltd. for a period of 11 years and 5 months which included the project construction period.
Development:
The project development was undertaken in two stages. The first was the Conditions Precedent
period of 90 days and thereafter the Construction period of 18 months.
Conditions Precedent: As per the concession agreement, the private operator and the
concessioning authority were required to fulfil the terms of the Conditions Precedent within 90
days of signing of the concession agreement which could be extended based on mutual consent.
The concessioning authority was required to undertake the following:
Support the project through issue of necessary notifications authorising the private
operator to collect adda fees from buses using the Intercity Bus Terminal.
141
Given the impact of the adda fees on the financial viability of the project, issue necessary
notifications to make it mandatory for all intercity buses to halt and provide for embarkation
and disembarkation of passengers within the Amritsar Intercity Bus Terminal complex.
Facilitate the transfer of land at the project site from the Amritsar Municipal Corporation
to GoP and thereafter possession under a lease to the private operator along with the
registration of the land lease.
Furnish the performance security and bank guarantees as well as pay the project
development fee of ` 35 lakhs to the concessioning authority.
Ensure financial closure of the project and submit proof of the same to the concessioning
authority.
The concession terms specified that both the parties were required to issue compliance certificates
regarding attainment of Conditions Precedent. Based on the issue of such compliance certificates
by both parties, the concessioning authority was required thereupon to issue a notice to commence
to the private operator.
Construction: Keeping in mind the financial viability of the project, the concessioning authority
agreed that during the concession period, it would not undertake, on its own or permit any
other private operator, to develop a similar Intercity Bus Terminal within a 10 km radius of this
project. During the construction period, it was also responsible for construction, operations and
maintenance of a temporary bus terminal at a separate location.
Within 30 days of receiving the notice of commencement, the private operator was required to
mobilise resources to undertake construction activities. The project was to be developed based on
the standards specified in the concession agreement.The private operator was required to prepare,
maintain and get necessary approvals of the detailed drawing regarding the project design. As per
the concession terms, the private operator was required to institute a quality assurance system of
record keeping and timely inspection and was also required to submit monthly progress reports to
the concessioning authority.
The construction was required to be completed within 18 months of commencement. The private
operator was able to complete the work and commission the Intercity Bus Terminal within 17 months
itself. Necessary tests were carried out by the concessioning authority prior to issue of completion
certificate.Two months prior to the end of the construction stage, the private operator was given the
right to advertise license allotments for the passenger amenities in the Intercity Bus Terminal.
Delivery:
The Amritsar Intercity Bus Terminal construction was completed and commissioned in October
2005. The Intercity Bus Terminal includes 53 embarkation and 8 disembarkation bays covering long
distance and local bus routes. The Terminal has parking provision for 54 cars, 102 rickshaws/autos
and 1838 two-wheelers / cycles and 300 passenger seating berths. In addition to basic bus terminal
facilities, the Intercity Bus Terminal has other commuter requirements in terms of convenience
stores, refreshment stalls etc. For the convenience of passengers as well as drivers, provision for 10
dormitories has been made.
Subsequent to receiving the completion certificate from the concessioning authority, the O&M
period for the project commenced. During this period, the private operator was required to
operate and maintain the project based on the performance standards laid down in the concession
agreement. The private operator was also required to deploy necessary trained staff to undertake
operations of the Intercity Bus Terminal. The private operator had the right to levy, collect, retain
142
adda fees from all buses using the Intercity Bus Terminal as well as user charges for amenities
provided to passengers based on the rates specified in the concession agreement. Monthly traffic
reports covering the daily adda fees collections and bus traffic movements had to be submitted
to the concessioning authority. For the duration of the concession period, the private operator
had to pay a monthly lease rental of ` 50,000 to the concessioning authority for lease of Intercity
Bus Terminal site.
Exit: At the end of the concession period all immovable and movable property relating to the project
will transfer to the concessioning authority, free of all encumbrances. The concessioning authority will
be entitled to appoint a consulting engineer, six months prior to the termination date, for inspection
of the terminal facilities.The concessioning authority will issue a vesting certificate as proof of transfer
of all rights, titles and interests in the Amritsar Intercity Bus Terminal assets and facilities.
Sensitivity
Table 38
Risk Period
Primary Risk
Bearer
Comments
A) Pre-Operative Risks
Delay in Land
Acquisition
Low
0-90 days
from signing
of concession
agreement
Concessioning
Authority
Financing Risk
High
0-90 days
from signing
of concession
agreement
Private
Operator
Delay in
obtaining
Approvals/
Permits
Medium
0- 90 days
from signing of
the concession
agreement
Private
Operator
High
0-18 months
from
compliance
date (Date
of fulfilment
of conditions
precedent)
Private
Operator
Construction
Risk
Medium
0-18 months
from
compliance
date
Private
Operator
Delays in
construction
Medium
0-18 months
from
compliance
date
Concessioning
Authority
and Private
Operator
143
Risk Type
Sensitivity
Primary Risk
Bearer
Comments
Low
Throughout
Private
Operator
Policy Risk
Low
Throughout
contract term
Concessioning
Authority
Change in
Scope Risk
Medium
Throughout
contract term
Concessioning
Authority
and Private
Operator
Performance
Risk
High
Throughout
Concession
Period
Private
Operator
Operations &
Maintenance
Risk
Medium
Throughout
Concession
Period
Private
Operator
6 months from
termination
date
Private
Operator
Throughout
the concession
period
Private
Operator
D) Other Risks
Handover risk Medium
Default
by Private
Operator
144
Risk Period
Low
Risk Type
Sensitivity
Risk Period
Primary Risk
Bearer
Comments
Force Majeure
Medium
Throughout
Concession
Period
Concessioning
Authority
and Private
Operator
Default by
Concessioning
Authority
Low
Throughout
the concession
period
Concessioning
Authority
145
volumes of passenger traffic. The terminal provides a comfortable, safe and convenient
environment for passengers embarking and disembarking at this terminal. It is a significant
upgrade to the existing Inter city bus terminal infrastructure in Amritsar. In addition to
upgrade on basic passenger services like provision of adequate seating, designated bus bays,
electronic displays and car and bike parking areas, this terminal also provided for eateries
and convenience shopping area for passengers. There was also provision for dormitory
facilities for passengers or drivers requiring overnight stay.
No cash outlay for the concessioning authority during the construction as well
as O&M period. As a consequence of undertaking development of the modern Intercity
Bus Terminal through the BOT route, the concessioning agency did not have any cash
exposure in the project either during the construction stage or the O&M period. At the
end of the concession period, the Intercity Bus Terminal complex would transfer back to
the concessioning authority without any capital expenditure being undertaken by it.
Demonstration effect: The Amritsar Bus Terminal was only the second such project
to be undertaken in India and has met with good response with the effect that a number
of other bus terminals in Punjab as well other cities in India are being bid out in a similar
fashion.
146
notifications, a monitoring mechanism should also be created to ensure that all buses
comply with notifications. The necessary implementation mechanism between the various
divisions of the government also should be identified and put in place to ensure effective
implementation of predetermined schedules as well as levy of penalty for non compliance
to such schedules. This would help in improving the financial viability of such projects and
mitigate risks relating to such occurrences.
5. Detailed and clear definition of project design and scope. Detailed definition of
project scope and providing comprehensive design specifications for the construction
stage as well as performance parameters for the O&M period are critical in such projects
which are being undertaken for the first time in the private sector. This is to ensure that
the project is developed in line with expectations of the concessioning authority and
necessary standards are maintained by the private operator for both project development
and delivery.
Interviews:
Mr. G.P.S. Mann, Chief General Manager, Punjab Infrastructure Development Board
147
Nineteen
Abbreviations and Acronyms
AAI
ADB
AMTRL
APIIC
APTDPB
ASP
BHEL
BOMST
BOO
BOOT
BOQ
Bill of Quantities
BOT
BPCL
CAGR
CDM
CDR
CESL
CFS
CIDB
CII
CMDA
CPCL
CPI
CSR
DDA
DEA
DERC
DFA
DJB
DMRC
DOT
Department of Transport
DPR
DSCR
DST
DWT
ECA
EHV
EOI
Expression of Interest
EPC
ESR
FICCI
FIDIC
FIRE
FSI
GAIL
GHMC
GIS
GoI
Government of India
GOM
Government of Maharashtra
GoNCTD
GoP
Government of Punjab
GoWB
GPL
GRICL
GTAEPL
GTIL
HUDA
HUDCO
IDBI
IDFC
IIFCL
IIM
IIPDF
IRC
IRR
ISO
ISPL
ISPS
ITD
ITES
JNNURM
JNPCT
JNPT
JUIL
JUSCO
KDWP
KIHPL
149
KMC
KMDA
KMEC
KPB
KSPL
KUIDFC
KUWASIP
KUWSDB
LIBOR
LIC
LMC
LPCD
LWMC
MCD
MERC
MGA
MJP
MLD
MML
MMOPL
MMRDA
MNRE
MoA
Memorandum of Agreement
MoU
Memorandum of Understanding
MRTS
MSDECL
MSETCL
MSW
MTPA
MVA
NBWML
NCB
NDITA
NDMC
NHAI
NOC
No Objection Certificate
NPV
NRW
NSICT
NSICTPL
OHSAS
OMST
OSV
PCB
PCU
PHPDT
PIDB
PPPAC
PPP
PWD
RDF
REL
RFP
RFQ
SBI
SCADA
SCS
SMIPL
SPV
SSA
STP
SWM
TAMP
TCE
TCS
TEU
TNIUFSL
TNUDF
TPD
TUFIDCO
UEM
UGR
Underground Reservoir
ULB
UNFCCC
UPL
USA
USAID
USD
UTI
VFM
VGF
VHTR
VHTRL
WEBEL
WPI
WTP
Willingness To Pay
151
152
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