Global Economics Paper No.187
Global Economics Paper No.187
Global Economics Paper No.187
C 259995
Tushar Poddar September 16,2009
Thanks to Jim O'Neill for his advice and guidance, Michael Buchanan and Kathy Matsui for comments on an earlier draft, Pragyan Deb and Pranjul Bhandari for research assistance
Contents
Introduction: Can India Afford Its Massive Infrastructure Needs? I. The infrastructure need and its price tag II. India can finance its infrastructure needs domestically Projecting savings ratesthe demographic dividend What portion of savings can be used for infrastructure? The government to remain the largest financier III. India has the balance sheet strength to fund its infrastructure deficit The household balance sheetthe main source of funding The external balance sheetroom to grow The banking balance sheetstill robust The corporate balance sheetitching to expand The government balance sheetthe main risk IV. Infrastructure can generate high returns The power of increasing returns and the 'Can Do' curve India's return on equity is high Why infrastructure would be a good investment now V. Risks and policy priorities Conclusion Box 1: India's infrastructure deficit Box 2: Savings projections Box 3: How other countries have financed infrastructure Box 4: Recent initiatives by the government to boost infrastructure Box 5: Reform priorities Appendix 1: Projecting infrastructure demand Appendix 2: Debt sustainability analysis Recent Global Economic Papers 4 8 10 10 12 12 15 15 16 17 18 19 21 21 22 23 25 26 8 14 20 24 25 27 29 30
September 16,2009