Public-Private Partnerships in Indian Highways: Exploring through the Prism of Public Administration Theories

This paper critically explores the strategic development and impacts of public-private partnerships (PPPs) in India's highway transportation sector through the lens of multiple public administration theories. Integrating New Public Administration, New Public Management, Public Value Management, New Public Service, and New Public Governance provides a comprehensive framework for analyzing PPPs. These theories collectively enhance our understanding of how PPPs can improve operational efficiency, financial viability, fairness, public value, and stakeholder engagement. New Public Administration emphasizes democratic governance and equity, ensuring PPPs are inclusive and socially equitable. New Public Management focuses on efficiency and market-oriented reforms, crucial for the financial and operational success of highway projects. Public Value Management directs attention to broader societal impacts, advocating for PPPs that deliver significant public value beyond economic returns. New Public Service stresses citizen-centric governance, urging active public involvement in planning and execution. New Public Governance promotes a collaborative approach, involving various stakeholders to enhance the quality and sustainability of public services. The paper evaluates these theoretical approaches in real-world PPP models, identifying challenges such as aligning diverse stakeholder interests and ensuring robust governance frameworks. It offers evidence-based recommendations for policymakers to optimize PPP frameworks, aiming to balance efficiency, equity, and public value in infrastructure development. This study contributes to academic discussions on PPPs and provides practical insights for enhancing the design and implementation of infrastructure projects in India, fostering more sustainable and socially responsible development in the highway sector.