Drastic changes needed in Infrastructure sector  

The CII's IETF 2003 has yeilded in unusual results. The CEOs conclave (where in 60 odd CEOs have deliberated) has suggested some drastic changes and reforms in Telecom, Power, Roads, railways, aviation, urban infrastructure & housing and water. According to CII (which conducted the conclave), the following are some of the drastic changes outlined by the CEOs.  

Telecom 
· A unified common licensing regime that precludes artificial separations of geography or services.  

· Regulator to pave way for single license and no restrictions on choice and capability of technologies.

· Improved affordability of services can be achieved through reduced import duties, reduction in license fees and a more optimum spectrum allocation.

· A policy that brings down regulatory interference and reduces uncertainty for all players involved. 

Power

 · Security of payment is a major concern and since rotating LC's (Letter of Credit) and State Government Guarantees are not the answer direct distribution by generating companies is a practical solution to the problem. 

· Sanctity of contracts has to be recognized by the State Governments who continue to default on PPAs (Power Purchase Agreements).

· For attracting investment, a stable regime is required, while today several new initiatives like the Availability-based Tariff (ABTs), impending Electricity Bill are creating further uncertainties in the minds of the investor.

· The State Electricity Regulatory Commissions have come out with pragmatic tariff but these are not being implemented.  
Roads  

· The National Highway Development Project’s (NHDP) success story needs to be replicated.  · Good caliber and experienced contractors to be utilized.  
· More trunk routes and rural roads should be developed.  

· A stricter sense of regulation needs to be enforced over toll roads. 
Railways 

· Clearances for commercial usage of railway land to be facilitated.

· Freight and passenger tariffs to be rationalized and brought closer to real costs.
Aviation  

· Privatization of Air India and Indian Airlines to be carried out immediately,  

· Proliferation of international airports should checked with a view to developing 3 or 4 large international hubs. 

· In order to optimize capacity utilization, private airlines to be allowed forays into neighboring countries.

· The DGCA should be restructured so as to become an efficient technical regulator.  

Urban Infrastructure & Housing  

· The problems of rapid urbanization to be addressed.  

. Private participation in housing to be encouraged. 

· A Model Municipal Law should be in place    
Water  

· Investments to the tune of US$ 10 billion required  

· More realistic tariffs to precede privatization.