NEW DELHI,18.08.20-The government and regulators have taken effective steps at appropriate times to save the liquidity for the infrastructure projects and create effective demand in the market for continuity of businesses, deliberated Mr. Padmanabhan Raja Jaishankar, Managing Director, IIFCL, Govt. of India, in a session organized by PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry on 'Infrastructure Investment During COVID Times'.

Mr. Padmanabhan Raja Jaishankar mentioned that long term infrastructure projects with economic prospects appear to be severely impacted by the lockdown induced disruptions. We have to understand that all this has diminished consumer confidence and at the same time induced more risk. In today's times, there is a need to have relay financing for uplifting and giving stability to the infrastructure industry.

Mr. Padmanabhan Raja Jaishankar deliberated that there is a need of a significant push in the restoration of infrastructure financing of mega-infrastructure projects.

Public and private sectors need to play their respective roles in reviving infrastructure projects. National Infrastructure Pipeline has got investment from big companies and, banks with almost 40% of its projects already in the implementation stage and rest under development.

Dr. Pawan Singh, Managing Director and CEO PTC India Financial Services (PFS) while deliberating about Infrastructure Financing mentioned that infrastructure financing requires special attention as it's a different form of financing. He talked about the challenges faced in infrastructure financing while touching upon asset-liability.

He also enlightened the delegates about the reforms and regulations undertaken by the government and other institutions in improving infrastructure financing.

Dr. D K Aggarwal, President, PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry in his presidential address mentioned that Infrastructure is one of the success mantras for growth and development of our economy and making India self-reliant.

Infrastructure is also an employment generating industry in the country. He emphasized the need to strengthen the local supply chain for making India self-reliant. There is a need to reduce the cost of logistics and update infrastructure technologies.

The government needs to spend on infrastructure and, it needs to be front-loaded. This is the right time to spend the money being allocated on infrastructure that will aid revival of demand and give a boost to India's infrastructure sector, said Dr. Aggarwal.

Dr. D K Aggarwal mentioned that there is a need to develop long term funds in the infrastructure development that need to come from development financing institutions that will give stability to this industry. We need to create a vibrant bond market that will help raise money for infrastructure projects.