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Engineering & Construction

Infrastructure in India
A vast land of construction opportunity

pwc 1
Contributors Jonathan Hook, Michael Cracknell, Vasant Gujararthi, Ravi Bhamidipati,
Amrit Pandurangi, Girish Mistry, Hemal Zobalia, Vishwas Udgirkar, Mukesh Rajani,
Graham Dredge, Jimit Devani and Raj Julleekeea.
Principal author Elizabeth Montgomery
Graphic design Hamilton-Brown

PricewaterhouseCoopers
Contents

Welcome 3
Introduction 5
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and the regulatory environment 6
Opportunities 7
Roads and highways
Rail
Ports and airports
Power
Public private partnerships

The tax environment for E&C companies investing in India 11


Structural considerations for developers
International tax considerations
Higher depreciation – what lies ahead?
Indirect tax issues

Challenges for local players and foreign companies looking to enter the market 14
Building a sustainable future in India 16
Concluding thoughts 17
Further reading 18
PricewaterhouseCoopers expertise in the E&C industry in India 20

Infrastructure in India: A vast land of construction opportunity 1


“Expanding investment in infrastructure can play
an important counter cyclical role. Projects and
programmes [are] to be reviewed in the area
of infrastructure development, including pure
public private partnerships, to ensure that their
implementation is expedited and does not suffer
from [the] fund crunch.”
Mr. Manmohan Singh, Indian Prime Minister,
(quoted in newspaper reports, October, 2008)
Welcome

In this paper, we examine the opportunities created, how onshore versus offshore Reasons to invest in India:
for the engineering and construction (E&C) services and supplies are managed in a
industry in India, one of the fastest growing • One of the world’s fastest growing
particular contract, and indirect tax economies – and growth expected to
economies in the world. We also focus on implications can all have a major impact
the structuring opportunities and some of continue at 7-7.5% despite the global
on the bottom line. Further, foreign players downturn
the challenges overseas participants are are likely to need to identify promising
likely to encounter. • Few restrictions on foreign direct
local companies, then make a case for a
investment (FDI) for infrastructure
India’s economy is big and getting bigger. profitable partnership, in order to achieve
projects
PricewaterhouseCoopers estimates a win-win situation in India. Still, there is a
that India will become the world’s third strong rationale for many E&C companies • Tax holidays for developers of most
largest economy by 2050. Liberalisation to invest in India sooner, rather than later. types of infrastructure projects, some
Not only are there substantial of which are of limited duration
of government regulations and a
deliberate strategy on the part of the opportunities now, but establishing • Opening up of the infrastructure sector
Indian Government to promote relationships and a presence in the market through PPPs
infrastructure spells opportunity for E&C can help to ensure continuing project
companies. potential over the medium- and long-term. Projected spending from FY07-FY12
Nearly all of the infrastructure sectors Looking ahead, we believe that it is in selected infrastructure segments:
present excellent opportunities, with roads imperative that infrastructure development • Electricity: US$167 billion
and highways, ports and airports, railways occurs in a sustainable manner, in India • Railways: US$65 billion
and power standing out as particular and around the globe, if the impact of
• Road and highways: US$92 billion
bright spots, with staggering sums of climate change is to be slowed to broadly
investment planned. Public private acceptable levels. The Indian Government • Ports: US$22 billion
partnerships (PPPs) are gaining in must maintain a commitment to ensuring • Airports: US$8 billion
importance, and are benefiting from that rapid growth does not happen at an
government support – targeted PPP untenably high environmental cost, and
participation is US$150 billion. Companies infrastructure projects will play a key role
experienced in structuring these types of in ensuring the success of ‘green growth’.
deals should be able to use their expertise Those E&C companies taking a holistic
to good effect in the Indian marketplace. approach to building a sustainable
infrastructure will have a strong
Operating in India requires a thorough
competitive advantage.
understanding of the local market.
Companies need to do their homework in
order to understand a host of tax and
regulatory issues before bidding on
projects or setting up operations. Whether November 2008
or not a permanent establishment is

Jonathan Hook

Global Engineering IndiaRavi Bhamidipati


Engineering &
& Construction Construction leader
leader
“The link between infrastructure and economic
development is not a once and for all affair.
It is a continuous process; and progress in
development has to be preceded, accompanied,
and followed by progress in infrastructure, if we
are to fulfill our declared objectives of generating
a self-accelerating process of economic
development.”
Dr. V. K. R. V. Rao [noted Indian economist, early 1980s]
Introduction

The Indian economy is booming, with realistic, even given the global credit Private sector participation is integral
rates of Gross Domestic Product crunch, and assured observers that to these plans. PPPs have been
(GDP) growth exceeding 8% every the country’s Government will take identified as the most suitable mode for
year since 2003/04. This ongoing action if necessary to support the implementation of projects – and
growth businesses and indeed, are rapidly becoming the funding
is due to rapidly developing services the financial markets. Mr. Singh has also norm. Their share of the total planned
and manufacturing sectors, increasing singled out infrastructure investment as infrastructure improvements is projected
consumer demand (largely driven by particularly vital. to be around 30% (US$150 billion). Power
increased spending by India’s middle and road projects top the list, and other
class) and government commitments to Indeed, even with a somewhat slower
transportation sectors such as railways,
rejuvenate the agricultural sector and rate of growth, the Indian economy is still
ports, and airports are also targeted for
improve the economic conditions of expanding significantly, and substantial
investment in infrastructure continues major investments.
India’s rural population. Construction
is the second largest economic activity to be required in order to sustain India’s Companies looking to capitalise on the
in India after agriculture, and has been economic progress. The country’s situation need to plan their strategy
growing rapidly. The production of capacity to absorb and benefit from new for entering the market carefully.
industrial machinery has also been on the technology and industries depends on the Understanding the local market,
rise – and the increasing flow of goods has availability, quality and efficiency of more including selecting complementary local
spurred increases in rail, road and port basic forms of infrastructure including partners, is vital. Tax optimisation is a
traffic, necessitating further infrastructure energy, water and land transportation. In key cost
improvements. some areas, roads, rail lines, ports and component – while substantial tax benefits
airports are already operating at capacity, are provided for infrastructure projects,
In the fiscal year ending March 2008, so expansion is a necessary prerequisite developers need to be savvy about
India’s GDP grew by more than 9%. to further economic growth. structuring their contracts. Good tax
This robust rate of expansion was planning can have a potentially decisive
initially forecast to continue in the 2008- The Indian Government recognises this
imperative. As per the Eleventh Five Year impact, especially in bidding situations,
2009 fiscal year. In summer 2008, and help to avoid unnecessary litigation
however, the combined impact of Plan, more than US$500 billion worth of
investment is planned to flow into India’s later.
slowing Indian consumption, a higher
domestic cost infrastructure by 2012. Construction
of capital and reduced capital access projects account for a substantial portion
of the proposed investments, making
from international capital markets raised
the E&C sector one of the biggest
concerns by some analysts that the rate
beneficiaries of the infrastructure boom
of growth might be slowing. In October
in India. The regulatory environment is
2008, India’s Prime Minister, Mr.
relaxing to encourage further foreign direct
Manmohan Singh, affirmed the
investment (FDI).
Government’s view that a rate of growth
of 7-7.5% remains
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and the regulatory
environment

Major infrastructure development requires Figure 1: FDI routes


a substantial influx of investment capital.
The policies of the Indian Government Approval Route Automatic Route
seek to encourage investments in – Permission required – Freely permissible (100%)
domestic infrastructure from both local
and foreign private capital. The country
is already a hot destination for foreign
investors. As per the World Investment
Report of the UNCTAD, India was rated • Existing Airports – beyond 74% • Greenfield airports
the second most attractive location (after • Atomic Minerals • Construction & maintenance of infrastructure
China) for global FDI in 2007. • In case of joint venture or technology
like ports, harbors, roads and highways

Currently, India has FDI of about US$21 collaboration agreement in the same field • Power generation, transmission and
distribution and power trading (atomic
billion per year, well below the targeted
energy not permitted)
US$30 billion. In order to increase
FDI inflows, particularly with a view to • Mass rapid transport systems
catalysing investment and enhancing • Townships, housing, built-up infrastructure
infrastructure, the Indian Government has and construction-development projects
introduced significant policy reforms. For
example, it now permits 100% FDI under
the automatic route for a broad range of
sectors (see Figure 1) – only certain post- to promote the construction sector, the the development of certain sectors in India
investment intimation is required. For Indian Government has relaxed some may be hampered due to lack of adequate
FDI in a few sectors, a prior approval is of the exchange control restrictions and co-ordinated planning. Projects
required, which takes around 6-8 weeks. and is now allowing foreign nationals/ which are approved may face difficulties
As part of policy reforms, the Indian citizens to acquire immovable property in if related projects are substantially
Government is constantly simplifying the India, subject to certain conditions and delayed. One example is Bangalore’s new
approval route process, including setting procedures. international airport, one of the largest
up several agencies to expedite PPP projects to date. The project is facing
Hurdles to investment remain. Although
FDI approval. Further liberalisation is growing pains related to insufficient road
India has a well-developed legal
expected as the Government continues to and rail connections to the new facility,
system, the current legal and regulatory
emphasise infrastructure investment. in part due to delays of expected high-
environment sometimes acts as an
speed rail and highway projects under the
In August 2008, a press report stated that obstacle to the necessary injections
auspices of other government bodies.
Morgan Stanley was looking to invest of foreign private capital into India’s
up to a quarter of its US$4 billion global infrastructure. Major infrastructure
infrastructure fund in emerging markets, projects are governed by the concession
notably India and China – and that in India, agreements signed between public
Morgan Stanley would face competition authorities and private entities. Tariff
from Australia’s Macquarie Group, JP determination and the setting of
Morgan, Goldman Sachs and Deutsche performance standards vary somewhat by
Bank, all looking to channel foreign sector. In the roads and highways sector,
investors’ money into Indian infrastructure. the ministry generally sets tolls – while in
While some of this planned investment major ports projects, and many of those
may be reduced or delayed given the in electricity generation, an independent
current environment in the credit markets, regulator will decide relevant tariffs. In
India is still likely to garner substantial the airport sector, a new independent
FDI, particularly if its economy is able to regulator is planned for 2009 and is likely
maintain a fairly strong rate of growth in to play a major role in determining tariffs in
the face of a global recession. concession agreements for the segment.
In some instances, ministry or regulator
From an exchange control perspective, control over potential proceeds can act as
India is moving towards full current a disincentive to the private infrastructure
account convertibility. Most revenue developer.
transactions are freely permitted,
except certain transactions like royalty, As is the case in many countries, there
is no single regulator which formulates
consultancy fees, etc., which are
the policy for all infrastructure projects.
subject to certain limits. Capital account
There is also no standardisation in the
transactions need prior approval, except
concession agreements across the
where specifically permitted. In order
different infrastructure sectors. As a result,
Opportunities

What segments present the best road infrastructure. Plans announced by are likely to reach the US$700 million-
opportunities for E&C companies? The the Government to increase investments US$800 million range. About 53 projects
Planning Commission of India has planned in road infrastructure would increase funds with aggregate length of 3000km and an
extensive expansion in the roads and from around US$15 billion per year to over estimated cost of around US$8 billion
highways, ports, civil aviation and airports, US$23 billion in 2011-12 (see Figure 2). are already at the pre-qualification stage.
and power infrastructure segments – all of The quantum of funds invested as part
which provide substantial opportunities for The procurement process favours players
of these programmes will significantly with good experience and sound financial
E&C companies. exceed that invested in recent history.
strength.
Such programmes would be funded via
Roads and highways a mix of public and private initiatives (see The opportunities do not stop there. More
Table 1). than 10 states are also actively planning
India’s roads are already congested, The Indian Government, via the National the development of their highways. While
and getting more so. Annual growth is Highway Development Program (NHDP), the average size of these projects is
projected at over 12% for passenger is planning more than 200 projects in smaller than the NHDP projects, most will
traffic and over 15% for cargo traffic. The NHDP Phase III and V to be bid out, still be substantial, in the US$100 million-
Indian Government estimates around representing around 13,000km of roads. US$125 million range. All told, more than
US$90 billion plus investment is required The average project size is expected to 4,500km of state highways are likely to be
over FY07-FY12 to improve the country’s US$150 awarded by the end of 2010.
million-US$200 million. Larger projects

Figure 2: Projected Investment in the Road & Highways Sector in the Eleventh Plan

23,387
Investment (US$ million)

25,000 19,971
17,273
20,000 15,976
15,104
15,000
10,000
5,000

2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12

National Highways State Roads Rural Total


North East Roads
Roads

Table 1: Road Infrastructure Detailed Projections (US$ million)

State Roads (Highways, Major Ru


National Highways District Roads, Other ral North Total
Roads) Ro East
NHDP1 NHD Non-
Year Public P NHDP Total Public Private Total
Privat (Public)
2007-08 3,173 3,70 463 7,33 4,347 1,333 5,680 1,875 212 15,104
2 8
2008-09 3,305 3,96 486 7,757 4,528 1,428 5,956 2,025 238 15,976
6
2009-10 3,464 4,49 510 8,469 4,745 1,618 6,364 2,150 291 17,273
5
2010-11 3,834 5,68 536 10,05 5,253 2,047 7,299 2,300 317 19,971
5 5
2011-12 4,707 6,47 563 11,74 6,488 2,345 8,834 2,463 344 23,387
8 7
Total 18,483 24,32 2,557 45,36 25,361 8,771 34,132 10,813 1,401 91,711
6 5

1 NHDP – National Highway Development Programme


Rail at many ports is currently inadequate, Cochin and Bangalore supplementing the
even where ports have already been efforts of the Airports Authority of India.
The Indian Government has also modernised. An estimated investment of
recognised existing infrastructure gaps The Government has proposed the
around US$22 billion is targeted for port
and capacity constraints in the rail system, establishment of an Airport Economic
projects in the five year period from FY07-
and as a consequence plans large scale Regulatory Authority (AERA) to promote
FY12. The National Maritime
investment over the five years from efficiency, competitive pricing and
Development Programme includes 276
FY07-FY12. Projected investments total a customer-focused service. State
projects, with
US$65 billion, of which 40% is expected governments are also getting involved
a required investment of about US$15
to be contributed by the private sector. and looking to facilitate the development
billion over the next ten years, with
One major PPP programme is already in of new airports. The total investment
private investment targeted at around
its initial phases. The Dedicated Freight on new airports has been proposed at
US$8 billion. In addition to improving
Corridor project is designed to alleviate about US$10 billion by 2012. Greenfield
road and rail connections, projects
congestion on the rail routes between airport projects are planned in resort
related to port development (construction
Delhi and Mumbai and Delhi and Kolkota destinations and emerging metros
of jetties, berths, container terminals,
by building long-distance, cargo-only such as Goa, Pune, Navi Mumbai,
deepening of
rail lines, at an estimated cost of US$6 Greater Noida and Kannur. Further, 35
channels to improve draft, etc.), will
billion-7 billion. non-metro airports are proposed for
provide major opportunities for E&C
development. Prequalification of bidders
Other proposed initiatives include the companies.
for development of Amritsar and Udaipur
development of manufacturing plants Recent deregulation of the sector now
airport has already been completed,
for rolling stock with long-term permits 100% FDI, and an independent
and bids for 10 non-metro airports are
committed procurement for several tariff regulatory authority has been set up
scheduled to be invited shortly.
years, and the setting up of logistics to facilitate projects at major ports.
parks. City metro systems are also in As the density of airports increases in
Air traffic has increased rapidly in recent
the pipeline. The first corridor of the various regions, increased competition is
years, although this slowed in 2007. While
Mumbai Metro Project has already been likely to bring new issues into focus, such
a number of Indian airlines have faced
awarded to Reliance Infrastructure and as corporate performance management.
challenging market conditions in 2008,
the Government has asked the final Airports will look to diversify their revenue
and the rate of growth is likely to be
shortlisted companies sources through the development of
significantly less than initially projected,
to submit detailed financial bids for the city-side infrastructure. Airlines will also
Indians are still flying in much greater
second phase of the Mumbai Metro. be looking for new technology solutions
numbers. Estimates made in 2007 by the
to maximize revenues and reduce costs.
Indian Railways is also looking for Indian Government’s Committee on
MRO (Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul)
private partners to help modernise Infrastructure suggest that passenger
facilities could therefore also present new
railway stations to world-class levels, traffic will grow at a CAGR
business opportunities.
and for projects focused on increasing of over 15% in the next 5 years. Indian
connectivity with ports. manufacturers are also looking to the skies The need for improved aviation
– the same source anticipates that infrastructure extends beyond the
cargo traffic will grow at over 20% p.a. construction of new airports – existing
Ports and airports over the next five years. metro airports also require significant
modernization and upgrading. EPC
Increasing connectivity with inland Even if these estimates prove somewhat
contractors are expected to be sought
transport networks is just one of many optimistic, the growth already achieved
for Chennai and Kolkata airports in the
challenges currently facing India’s ports, has put tremendous pressure on airport
immediate future.
which have seen massive swells in the infrastructure. The Indian Government has
amount of goods transported. Traffic is projected that an investment of around
estimated to reach 877 million tonnes US$8 billion in the five year period from Power
by 2011-12, and containerised cargo is FY07-12 will be needed to help cope
expected to grow at 15.5% (CAGR) over with additional demand, and private Increased manufacturing activities
the next 7 years. India’s existing ports sector participation is expected to play a and a growing population are also
infrastructure is not sufficient to handle key role. The private sector has already causing a surge in power usage. India
the increased loads – cargo unloading stepped up to the challenge of airport
infrastructure development in several
cases, with private participation in recent
years at Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad,
has the fifth largest electricity grid in
the world with 135 GW capacity, and
the world’s third largest transmission
and distribution (T&D) network. Large
investments are needed to meet growing
demand and provide universal access.
The policy and regulatory framework
is pro-investment – shifting away from
‘negotiated and guaranteed’ to ‘open and
market competition’. Given the increased
competition, diversity, and number of
opportunities, project and collaboration
risk must be more carefully assessed and
managed.
An investment of US$167 billion is
projected for electricity projects in the five
year period from FY07-FY12. The massive
number and scope of potential projects
has attracted a number of new investors,
lenders and operators. All new awards
are through open, competitive bidding.
A rush is on to develop new assets,
harness natural resources, and attract
global finance – but an industry focus and
strategy is necessary to properly tap into
this opportunity.
E&C companies may want to consider
involvement in the construction of power
stations, and T&D networks, particularly
if sustainable building and generation
technologies can be leveraged. The Indian
Government is also looking to encourage
the generation of wind and solar power
by providing generation-based incentives
to those companies who do not claim
accelerated depreciation, so E&C
companies with experience in building
these types of alternative energy projects
may find excellent opportunities.

Public private partnerships


Funding India’s wide-ranging, US$500
billion programme of infrastructure
expansion over a five-year period is
likely to be beyond the means of total
government funding, so policies have
been designed to facilitate private
investment to the maximum level possible.
If the Indian Government’s targeted are also increasing their interest. Until
level of private sector involvement and recently, only a very limited number of
investment are met (approximately 30%), large domestic players were fully
the quantum of funding required would conversant with PPP models and had the
be around US$150 billion – dwarfing capability to deliver on them. However,
the investment achieved over the past local developers and contractors are
decade by comparison. Achieving this catching up fast
level of investment is ambitious. Several and domestic capacity has increased
frameworks and plans are already in substantially in recent months.
place, however, that may facilitate
reaching these goals. E&C companies looking to participate
in this burgeoning segment do face
The PPP/PFI market in India is still at a certain hurdles. The typical PPP project
relatively early stage. However, over the design and preparation process is still
past decade or so, there has been an largely technically-oriented, with limited
increasing trend at the central as well as appreciation of the overall financial and
state government level to use PPPs for commercial risk issues involved. Often
meeting critical infrastructure gaps. The information distortions in the market
results have been quite encouraging. have led to large variations in the bids/
Establishing a PPP is now considered offers received during the procurement
to be the default option for major process. Further, the procurement
infrastructure projects in sectors such as process is often highly prescriptive, rather
roads, railways, airports, ports and other than participative. The emphasis is on
transport segments. First preference will conforming to public sector requirements,
be given to the PPP model, and only in which may not offer value for money
cases where projects are expected to fail and does not encourage innovative
to attract private sector interest will more solutions, rather than evolving the project
traditional models be considered. configuration to be delivered over the
Most infrastructure sectors have an overall long-term in a partnership approach.
long-term plan and programme that And while the public sector is dictating
provides guidance on the projects that the terms, it is quite often not willing to
are likely to come up for development. shoulder concomitant risk. The current
Key policy frameworks for procurement concession structure is highly asset
of projects through PPPs have also oriented, rather than focusing on service
been drafted. For example, the NHDP delivery. Private sector participants are
discussed earlier in this paper details a often required to assume considerable
long-term plan for the roads and highways risk, including demand risk, and the
segment, with seven defined phases apportionment of risk is in some cases
and largely clearly identified projects quite inefficient.
(along with project costs) and an agreed
timeframe. The roads and highways Financing for PPP/PFI projects can also be
segment also has a generally successful a key constraint, as long-term fi and
PPP model concession framework. The instruments have been in scarce supply.
NHDP is mandated to a dedicated agency PPP projects have so far been largely
that also has clearly earmarked source fi domestically using plain vanilla
of funding coming in to support the debt with relatively low gearing.
programme. Almost all the other sectors Commercial banks are the major source of
have similar plans. debt with generally short tenor (being
about 50% of concession period). At the
Over the last 3-4 years, there has been current time,
a push towards expanding the scope it is diffi to predict how the fi
of PPPs for the provision of urban situation will evolve over the short-
infrastructure through establishment of term.
another government programme for urban Certainly, access to credit has become far
renewal across the country. This is likely more restrictive on a global basis, however
to further increase the scope, scale and if India’s growth continues to outperform
number of PPPs in the country. most other economies, it could emerge as
Not surprisingly, international interest in a preferred destination for investment.
Indian PPPs has soared in 2008, with India has become an attractive PPP
over 50 international players showing market and its attractiveness is likely
interest in a variety of types of projects in increase in the future. Contractors
the first three quarters of the year. Local able to negotiate and partner with the
players relevant ministries should find excellent
10 PricewaterhouseCoopers
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Infrastructure in India: A vast land of construction opportunity 11


The tax environment for E&C companies investing
in India

E&C companies looking to invest in India Table 2: Types of taxes which may be applicable for E&C companies operating in India
need to consider a variety of tax issues.
Overall tax rates can be relatively high,
Nature of tax Governing Authority Rate of Tax (in %)
so careful tax planning is vital. Some
of the relevant taxes applicable to E&C Income Tax Central Government 33.99
companies are listed in Table 2.
Fringe Benefit Tax Central Government 33.99
Transfer pricing regulations were
introduced in India in 2001. Although Custom Duty Central Government Up to 31.70
transfer pricing regulations are a relatively Excise Duty Central Government Up to 14.42
recent phenomenon, the authorities have
taken an aggressive stance. There is no Service Tax1 Central Government 12.36
advance pricing arrangement (APA) yet
in India, so the implications of transfer Sales Tax/Value Added Tax (‘VAT’)1 State Government 4.00 to 12.50
pricing remain somewhat uncertain. 1
India is planning to implement a unified goods and service tax (GST) in 2010 at a rate still to be determined.
The Government’s strong focus on
promoting infrastructure development
also extends to tax policy, with a number
of policy measures and incentives now in
place for the construction of infrastructure Table 3: Overview of tax holiday terms for various infrastructure segments
facilities, including a numbers of tax
holidays, although Minimum Alternate
Tax (MAT) of 11.33% may be payable on
Sector Applicability Time-frame Eligibility
book profits during this period. Relevant dividen • Includes water supply
Power • ‘Undertaking’
tax holidays, their applicability, and the d project, water
which generates
eligibility of each infrastructure sector are treatment system,
payme power
irrigation project,
detailed in Table 3. nts, • ‘Undertaking’ which sanitation and sewerage
there transmits or system or solid waste
would distributes power management system
Structural considerations for be an • ‘Undertaking’
developers up to which carries out
10% substantial
Dividends paid by an Indian company renovation and
cash Ports & Airports
are subject to a Dividend Distribution modernisation+
trap in
Tax (‘DDT’) of around 17%. • Indian companies
the
developing and/or
In February 2008, the Finance Minister Indian
operating &
announced some relief whereby a operati maintaining ports
dividend paid to a parent company by its ng and airports
subsidiary would not be liable to DDT, • Applicable also to
subject to prescribed conditions. Earlier, Railways Inland waterway,
corporates had a lean structure with one Inland port,
company having many divisions catering Navigational
to different businesses. channel in the sea
• Indian companies
Following the recent change in DDT, many Roads & Highways developing and/or
corporates may be considering operating &
restructuring their corporate structure so maintaining rail
that different business streams have system
separate Indian operating companies with
one common Indian parent. While such
• Indian companies
types of structuring may help the parent developing and/or
company operating &
to unlock shareholder value and should not Water maintaining roads
impose any additional levy of DDT, it and highways
should be noted that introducing a new • ‘Roads’ – includes
corporate layer at the Indian level will toll roads, bridges
bring the shares in the Indian operating • ‘Highways’ –
company within the Indian capital gains tax includes housing
net. or other integral
activities
Additionally, even if DDT is not due on
• 10 consecutive years out of 15 years ity
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companies, as in accordance with Indian establishment position, where if the contract would include both onshore and
regulatory provisions, only 90% of a Indian tax authorities successfully offshore activities (see Figure 3). Taxability
company’s distributable reserves may be argue that there is an Indian permanent of payments received by foreign
paid as dividends. establishment of the foreign operations companies under EPC contracts has
Therefore, a construction company in India, then there maybe significant become a matter of great debate and
working on multiple projects in India adverse tax implications. It is therefore litigation. Onshore
should consider all relevant factors important to carefully manage the supplies and services are normally taxable
bespoke to their requirements before operations carried out at the Indian level. in India. Offshore supply of goods and
structuring their operations. In practical terms in the E&C industry, services under a composite contract are
activities generally take a long duration something of a grey area. The Indian
to complete, and hence PE clauses revenue authorities often attempt to bring
International tax considerations (especially fixed base and service PE) the entire EPC contract, including the
come into play in this industry more often. offshore supplies and services, within the
Effective tax structuring into India is vital Table 4 details common types of PEs and range of taxes in India. The tax authorities
as this impacts on how attractive a
their considerations. may cite a business connection in India,
project is to target investors and has a
direct influence on the net internal rate of and also note the presumed indivisibility of
return. It is therefore particularly Cash and profits repatriation EPC contracts.
important that international investment Profit repatriation – There are various Nonetheless, some recent landmark
opportunities options on repatriating profits from the judicial rulings with regard to EPC
are structured appropriately to take into structure, such as dividend distributions, contracts in India suggest that tax
consideration tax, accounting, regulatory share sale, capital reductions, etc, all with outcomes for each of the components
and legal aspects. We have outlined differing tax impacts. of the contract must be determined
below some of the key areas to consider.
independently. These rulings have brought
Engineering, procurement and about a general principle that profit from
Entry and exit strategy construction (EPC) contracts – offshore supplies would not be taxable in
Holding company location – Appropriate onshore versus offshore India, subject to the following conditions:
planning in respect of a holding company In the E&C industry, the execution of • Principal to principal transaction
jurisdiction is necessary to minimise projects is undertaken substantially by • Title (i.e. risk and ownership) in the
Indian withholding tax and Indian capital way of an engineering, procurement and offshore supplies passed to the buyer
gains on the sale of shares in Indian construction (EPC) contract. A typical on high seas (outside India)
companies. EPC contract will have the following • Sale consideration is received outside
Financing – In order to introduce debt into scope of work in a single project: India
India, there are various issues that need • Supply of equipment (offshore and • Sale is at arm’s length
to be considered such as the Indian onshore)
External Commercial Borrowings rules, • Installation/commissioning Although the above rulings suggest that
withholding tax issues on distributions out offshore supply and services may not to
• Services (offshore and onshore)
of India and the availability of a tax be taxed in India, the taxability depends
deduction for the distribution at the Indian • Software/technology transfer (offshore on the specifics of each case. Further, the
level. and onshore) revenue authorities have not accepted
Under a typical EPC contract, a non- the above rulings and the matter is
Holding the investment resident contractor performs a multitude pending before the higher judicial
of activities. The scope of work under an authority. E&C companies should take
Permanent Establishments – One of care to structure contracts in a tax
EPC
the risks with managing investments in efficient manner, taking
India is managing the Indian permanent into account the particulars of each project.

12 PricewaterhouseCoopers
Higher depreciation – what Figure 3: Elements of a Typical EPC Contract
lies ahead?
EPC Contract
In order to make infrastructure projects
more attractive for companies and
investors, the Indian Government is
re-examining the existing depreciation
policy for such entities. The infrastructure
sector may be eligible for a higher rate Engineering Supply Erection,
& Design of Installation &
of depreciation in book value for BOOT
Equipm Commissioning
(build, own, operate, transfer) projects.
The Government is still examining this
proposal and also evaluating whether
depreciation
Offshore servicesOnshore services Offsh Onsh Onshore
could be a policy for amortisation of the ore ore
Sup Sup
entire expenditure for such companies.
Private players are needed to invest in
infrastructure projects on the BOOT
basis, and in the future, infrastructure
companies may benefit from the creation
of a sinking fund by such companies for
the concession period. Such a fund would
depend on the life of the project and the
concession period could vary widely,
depending on the contractual conditions of
the specific project. Table 4: Types of Permanent Establishments, when they occur, and issues to consider

Indirect tax issues


Type of PE Occurs when a foreign Issues to consider
The majority of the E&C services company:
rendered by a company in India are Fixed base PE Has a virtual presence in India, Implications should be known prior to
subject to either service tax, VAT, or either establishing a project office in India.
both, depending on whether the services by way of a branch office or any
rendered by other manner which depicts a virtual
presence in India.
E&C companies are in the nature of a
construction contract or service contract.
Agency PE Has a dependent agent in India Ensuring that an Indian company
Apart from the above, there are certain does not act as a dependent agent
for the foreign company.
other indirect tax issues which need to be Service PE Renders services in India through its Planning of international assignments
addressed appropriately, especially employees or personnel for a period to ensure that employees do not stay
relating to contract structuring. aggregating more than a specified in India for a period exceeding the
Companies need period in any twelve month period, specified period.
to ensure that indirect taxes are taken although this depends on the specific
terms of each tax treaty.
into account as they make decisions
around how to structure a particular
project.
Challenges for local players and foreign companies
looking to enter the market

“Foreign firms do Without doubt then, there is huge Domestic production of equipment and
not get their own opportunity in the Indian infrastructure
space in the short- and medium-terms
machinery is ramping up fast, but in the
short term, a foreign partner may be
infrastructure to at least. The policies of the Indian able to help fill in any gaps. There are
Government, which have been many factors that influence the role of
execute projects, such evolving very rapidly in recent years, the local players vis-à-vis foreign players
continue to encourage the private – for example, the criteria used for the
as skilled manpower, sector in taking on a larger and more selection of developers is an important
plants & equipments diverse role – from being an
infrastructure builder (under
influencer on what role the foreign
players will take.
and construction a publicly fi arrangement) to an Risk-sharing on a PPP project also needs
infrastructure developer (under PPP to be carefully considered. The revenues
materials etc. They structures which include private fi of most infrastructure projects in India will
These developments have led to a be denominated in the local currency.
usually try to employ large Foreign players will need to consider the
locally available number of infrastructure projects open up
as opportunities for the private sector.
currency and tax issues already
mentioned in some detail, particularly on
resources in order to Considering the liberal FDI guidelines,
a PPP project where
significant private investment is also sought.
cut costs.” these lucrative projects present both an
opportunity and a threat to local players. In International EPC contractors, including
Quote from a Government representative many cases, foreign players are believed Toyo Engineering, Jacobs H&G, Uhde,
to have greater technological expertise, Tecnimont and Aker Kvaerner, are already
deeper pockets and more extensive leading players in India. At the same time,
experience compared to domestic many Indian companies e.g. Larsen &
companies. These advantages could Toubro (L&T), Gammon, Bharat Heavy
mean overseas companies winning work Electrical Limited (‘BHEL’), Engineers India
at the expense of local players, or Ltd and Thermax have either scaled up
partnering with them. Domestic E&C their skill sets or extended their operations
companies to overseas projects.
may therefore look at foreign entrants in
India has a very well established
the market as tough competitors – or as
infrastructure developer market. Local
strong potential partners.
firms have evolved in recent times into
If most of the forecasted projects go fully-fledged national players (and in
ahead as planned, there should be more some cases international players). In
than enough work for everyone. Wharton certain sectors, such as highways, power
Business School’s 2007 analysis of India’s and
construction boom pointed out that the water, the local firms also have significantly
proposed US$50 billion infrastructure progressed on the technological front.
spend per year in India is nearly two and Some of the India-based companies
half times the current turnover of the entire such as L&T, Punj Lloyd, Reliance,
existing domestic construction industry GMR,
(US$15 billion and growing fast), and that Suzlon, Tata Power, etc. are very active in
many of the major E&C companies have the international markets and thus, can no
massive order backlogs. Wharton also more be deemed ‘local’ E&C companies.
flagged talent shortages as an issue in Indeed, they are global organisations
key skilled trades such as fitting, welding, based out of India. These and other large
masonry and plumbing – so drawing on firms clearly look at foreign players as
the talent pool of foreign partners may both partners and competitors. However,
help in supplementing and training local smaller and medium-sized infrastructure
tradesmen. India is also facing shortages construction companies and developers
of construction equipment and machinery. (such as KMC, Nagarjuna, IVRCL,
Gammon, etc.) are often happy to partner
with foreign players without necessarily
considering them as competitors. “Foreign companies offer an excellent
The recent guidelines issued by the opportunity for a comprehensive tie-up to win
Indian Government for the selection
of PPP developers have also led to a projects and share the spoils. An attendant
slightly distorted behaviour in the local
marketplace. The guidelines favour
benefit is the transfer of technology to us at the
larger players, even when the project
investments and execution can be easily
end of it all.”
carried out by mid-sized companies. Quote from an Indian E&C company
This has led to situations where many
of the small/medium-sized local players
are looking at partnering with the foreign
players primarily for the purpose of
getting qualified and winning the job,
rather than to actually bring in investment “Entry of foreign players needs to be viewed as
or expertise. It is expected that such
behaviour will soon change as the a positive development to add value and state-
guidelines become more reflective of
market dynamics and mid-sized Indian
of-the-art technology to our highway projects.
companies mature. These firms will bring with them greater expertise
Foreign players looking to enter into the
Indian marketplace and team with local
in areas of highway construction technology,
players need to evaluate carefully the project management, project implementation
cost competitiveness of their prospective
participation. India has witnessed and monitoring expertise as well as technology
huge interest from a number of foreign
infrastructure companies in the past, transfer. The resultant benefits include savings in
but not many have really been able to
offer a cost-competitive proposal. Since
cost, time and improved quality of works, to the
India has evolved its own model of cost benefit of all.”
competitive delivery in many sectors
(for example, in telecoms), local players Quote from a Government representative
have an incentive to work with foreign
companies only if the partnering offers
a competitive edge over other bidders.
There have been few such success stories
so far where the foreign player has offered
a particularly cost-competitive product “Let us tie up with foreign companies from
or service. In instances where we have
seen the successful entry of foreign countries where we intend to do business in.
players (such as in the port sector), foreign
companies have often been able to bring
While we can help them enter India, they could
technology or management advantages, help us in expanding our business outside India
or expanded reach into international
markets, to supplement the capabilities of in countries where they operate.”
local partners. Quote from an Indian E&C company
Building a sustainable future
in India

Whilst the need for greater infrastructure in key social and economic infrastructure In our view, it is imperative that debate on
investment is clear, equally important is are maximised. the issue of sustainability in infrastructure
the need to sustainably manage such provision is heightened and that the
Global climate change creates further
investments. The Indian Government’s challenge that it presents is effectively
success in infrastructure provision will be challenges. New infrastructure must not
met. Government and infrastructure
measured not by the quantum of funds only support social and economic goals, it
agencies will also need to retain sufficient
invested, but on how infrastructure must also do so within acceptable focus on issues of feasibility and
contributes to the achievement of India’s environmental parameters. In our analysis prioritisation when the primary focus shifts
economic, social and environmental The World in 2050: Implications of global to delivery.
objectives. Importantly, infrastructure growth for carbon emissions and climate
investment should be considered as a change policy2, we set out a number of E&C companies looking to bid on major
means to an end, not an end in itself. possible scenarios for climate change projects need to ensure that they are
based on projected growth rates. In only taking a holistic approach which
Challenges in infrastructure provision are one of the scenarios, ‘Green growth + incorporates sustainability issues into the
not unique to India. Uncertainty, scarcity Carbon capture and storage (CCS)’, were design of the project, both in the planning
of available funds for investment, and emissions held to levels that are broadly and the delivery stages. Those that do so
competing priorities present challenges to considered to be ‘acceptable’ by have a unique opportunity to make a
all governments in infrastructure planning climatologists. major difference in a growing economy
and delivery. Sustainability requires that while enhancing their own bottom line.
future generations are not compromised Given that India’s growth rate is likely to
by the investment decisions of current continue at high levels, it is important that
generations. Sustainably managing considerations of issues such as fuel mix,
infrastructure through the appropriate encouraging more fuel efficient modes of
pricing, funding and prioritisation transport such as rail, and the possible
frameworks is important to ensure the use of CCS technology, come fully into
benefits that accrue from the significant discussion and are implemented whenever
investment that India is currently making possible.

2
Available to download at www.pwc.com
Concluding thoughts

Although it may not always be easy to


navigate the plethora of views, opinions
and perceptions expressed by various
local stakeholders, a vast opportunity
exists
for foreign contracting companies looking
to invest in Indian infrastructure. Already,
a number of contractors from Europe,
Australia, China, Malaysia and Korea
have made their presence felt in India.
Further, many E&C companies,
particularly from Japan, Spain, France
and the UK are
also now aggressively looking out for
opportunities to enter India for business.
Overall, the opportunities to develop a
significant business in India are extremely
promising for E&C companies, if they
have carefully selected strong local
partners, structured contracts sensibly to
maximise tax benefits where appropriate,
and taken a long-term, sustainable
perspective. Foreign companies who do
not acknowledge the opportunity in good
time may miss out on a critical opportunity
to establish a long-term presence in one
of the world’s largest growth markets.
Further reading:

Other publications from PricewaterhouseCoopers relating to the E&C


industry are available to download free of charge at www.pwc.com/e&c

International Mobility in the Engineering & Construction Industry


In this paper, we take a close look at trends and best practice across the E&C industry
with regard to moving people to work abroad. We draw on interviews with 24 companies
in the sector from around the globe, covering areas such as international assignment
policy, compliance, reward, cost effectiveness and talent management.

PwC Annual Global CEO Survey – E&C summary


A summary document containing the highlights from our interviews with over 50 CEOs
and executives within the sample who were from E&C companies. We compare the
results of their responses with the global average across all industries – with some
interesting findings.

Global Economic Crime Survey – E&C industry supplement


Examines the views of over 300 E&C industry executives and compares and contrasts
their thoughts with those of their peers across all industries, as well as with E&C
executives’ views from our 2005 survey. The results suggest that E&C executives need
to take economic crime more seriously.

Building New Europe’s Infrastructure – Public Private Partnerships in Central


and Eastern Europe
Explores the current developments and future opportunities within the infrastructure
sector of the CEE region. In the paper, we outline the opportunities in infrastructure
projects in CEE, EU funding, challenges and key success factors on bidding and
delivering on projects in CEE – a region requiring significant infrastructure investment.

Building Knowledge
A quarterly series of short papers on highly topical issues for E&C companies, hitting
directly to the heart of the business issue addressed.
Additionally, further reading on investing and operating in India, including
the following, is available to download at www.pwc.com/in

Destination India
Gives potential foreign investors a bird’s eye view of the tax and regulatory framework in
India. A foreign investor looking at investment opportunities in India, needs to decide its
entry strategy and business model while bearing in mind the gamut of Indian laws and
regulations impacting such foreign investment. The publication attempts to provide an
introductory summary of the policies, laws and regulations in India and a guide to the
more important aspects of doing business in India

Buying into India


Highlights a number of opportunities and challenges for investment in India with a
particular focus on Industrial Products, setting out the significant variations from state to
state in terms of the labour market, quality of infrastructure, and governmental attitudes
to investment amongst other things.

India Spectrum
This quarterly newsletter encompasses a summary of recent important judicial and
legislative developments in the field of direct tax, indirect tax, transfer pricing, exchange
control regulations, and mergers & acquisitions.
PricewaterhouseCoopers expertise in the E&C
industry in India

In India, PricewaterhouseCoopers has development includes advising on some Key contacts for E&C in India:
extensive experience of working with E&C of the first port projects on a PPP basis,
companies and has a dedicated group of providing bid advisory and financial
over 350 professionals advising clients close assistance and strategic advice to
in the industry. The infrastructure team large Indian/international port
India E&C leader
works closely with our Real Estate, PPP developers, as well as advice to key
& Government practices. Our knowledge logistics player in strategic investments Ravi Bhamidipati
management programme focuses on and valuations
ravi.bhamidipati@in.pwc.com
the building of close networks and the for ports. We are currently advising a
sharing of information and expertise. Our government ministry on the development +91 (22) 6669 1308
assignments in all regions of the sub- of an international container trans-
continent have included both private and shipment terminal.
Advisory
public sector clients.
PricewaterhouseCoopers experts were
We have played an integral part in also involved in the first rail BOT project Amrit Pandurangi
the evolution of the highways sector, in India. We have experience advising amrit.pandurangi@in.pwc.com
serving as a thought leader for the railways on PPP structuring options for +91 (124) 4620 517
NHAI & Department of Road Transport railway projects and have also advised
and Highways. We have assisted NHAI on assignments for PPP structuring/ Vishwas Udgirkar
in the award and financial close of 35 bankability studies. We are also advising
vishwas.udgirkar@in.pwc.com
projects (total length of about 1700km) the Ministry of Railways on strategy
and cost of around US$3.5 billion. We formulation for the development of +91 (124) 4620 557
also assisted the NHAI in the manufacturing facilities for rolling stock.
preparation and finalization of the Model
As PPP projects are still relatively new Tax
Concession
to India, there are many taxation issues
Agreement being used for NHAI Projects. Girish Mistry
which are either evolving or still to be
Other projects include: Review of Model
determined. Therefore, adopting the girish.mistry@in.pwc.com
Concession Agreement (MCA), BOT Toll
correct tax position is important. Although +91 (22) 6689 1433
agreement & BOT Annuity agreements,
there are various tax incentives provided
OMT (Operation Maintenance Transfer)
to infrastructure companies, greater focus Hemal Zobalia
agreements. Further, we assisted the
is required to optimise the utilisation of
NHAI in evaluating various development hemal.zobalia@in.pwc.com
tax incentives. Further, there are various
models for National Highways and are
other important issues such as permanent +91 (22) 6689 1466
assisting State Governments in various
establishments and the taxability of EPC
aspects of policy formulation for the road
contracts, which need to be considered at
sector. International tax
the time of entering into a contract.
Our team has also advised both public Raj Julleekeea
Tax is also a key cost component. It is
and private entities on aviation issues,
imperative that companies structure raj.julleekeea@uk.pwc.com
spanning from work on the concession
their contracts in order to achieve tax +44 (0)1895 522 398
agreement for Bangalore International
optimisation. Good tax planning can
Airport and advising the Airport Authority
have a potentially decisive impact,
of India on a feasibility study of five
especially in the bid process, and can
non-metro airports, to bid support for
provide a clear competitive advantage.
a development project in Mumbai, to
PricewaterhouseCoopers was named
advising the AAI/Ministry of Civil Aviation
2007 India Tax Firm of the Year by
on formulating cargo policy.
International Tax Review (ITR)
Our experience in the area of ports magazine.

20 PricewaterhouseCoopers
Our Engineering & Construction industry practice is comprised of a network of more
than 4,000 industry professionals located in over 50 countries around the world.

Our Global E&C network – recognised and enhance value for its clients and their with our clients are central to the delivery
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