Jusco has entered into a concession agreement with Haldia Development Authority (HDA) along with a consortium consisting of Ranhill Utilities Berhard (Malaysia), and Infrastructure Development Finance Company Limited (IDFC) for development and operation of the Haldia Water Supply Scheme on public private partnership model. The consortium has been selected through an open and transparent global bidding process. Haldia Integrated Development Agency Ltd. (HIDAL), a joint venture of HDA and IL&FS, was the project advisor. The proposed water supply project shall almost double the water availability at Haldia at a competitive cost and will make Haldia an attractive location for existing and future industries.

The landmark concession agreement was signed by Lakshman Seth, chairman, and Parwez Ahmad Siddiqui, IAS, chief executive officer, on behalf of HDA and Sanjiv Paul, MD, Jusco, Ahmad Zahdi Jamil, CEO, Ranhil Utilities Berhard, and Pradeep Singh, MD, IDFC Projects on behalf of SPV.

The concession includes setting up of a new 25 MGD water treatment plant on a BOT basis alongwith operation and maintenance of the existing and new water supply system for a total period of 25 years at an expected investment of about Rs100 crore. The new 25 MGD WTP will be constructed using dissolved air floatation (DAF). As per the concession agreement, the entire facility shall revert back to HDA at no cost, on the expiry of the concession period.

The agreement specifies strict quality and service standards, lays down a detailed customer service rules and emphasis on improving customer service and response. The focus is on reduction of water losses through induction of latest technology and improvement in operational efficiency.

Under the uniquely structured agreement, HDA shall have a predetermined annual guaranteed income along with revenue sharing. The guaranteed income to HDA over the concession period is estimated to be Rs1,220 crore. This is a path breaking initiative in the water sector in the country.

Jusco's experience of more than nine decades in water sector will help in the execution and subsequent O&M of the facilities. Jamshedpur is the living example of the existing O&M of Jusco which has world-class quality standards and uninterrupted water supply to more than 5 lakh people.