Land acquisition infrastructure development and BOOT model adoption for private universities in India

Abstract The establishment of private universities in India is increasingly constrained by complex land acquisition processes, rising land costs, and high infrastructure investment requirements. This study investigates these challenges and examines the feasibility of the Build–Own–Operate–Transfer (BOOT) model within a Public–Private Partnership (PPP) framework as a strategic solution. A quantitative explanatory research design was adopted using survey data from 245 edupreneurs across Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, and Jharkhand. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), and Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). The findings reveal three key dimensions: Land Acquisition Challenges (LAC), Alternative Land and Policy Support Mechanisms (LAPSM), and Infrastructure Development and Collaboration Models (IDCM), explaining 75.67% of total variance. Structural model results indicate that all three constructs significantly influence BOOT model adoption, with LAC exerting the strongest effect (β = 0.317, p < 0.01), followed by LAPSM (β = 0.286, p < 0.05) and IDCM (β = 0.217, p < 0.05). The model demonstrates moderate explanatory power (R² = 0.401). The study concludes that BOOT models represent a viable institutional response to structural land constraints, particularly when supported by policy instruments such as land banks, leasing frameworks, and government facilitation. The findings contribute to PPP literature by integrating institutional, economic, and behavioural perspectives in the context of higher education infrastructure development in India.