Davinder Sandhu

KPMG has been mandated by Virgin Hyperloop One (VHO) to undertake the financial feasibility and business plan for developing a 140 km hyperloop transport network, between Mumbai and Pune.

This will include developing a regulatory roadmap for VHO, to facilitate safety and regulatory approvals for the new technology. The Mumbai-Pune alignment will lay the template for future projects. KPMG will work closely with technical consultants and costing specialists, in preparing a business case… Show more

KPMG has been mandated by Virgin Hyperloop One (VHO) to undertake the financial feasibility and business plan for developing a 140 km hyperloop transport network, between Mumbai and Pune.

This will include developing a regulatory roadmap for VHO, to facilitate safety and regulatory approvals for the new technology. The Mumbai-Pune alignment will lay the template for future projects. KPMG will work closely with technical consultants and costing specialists, in preparing a business case, and advise on appropriate structuring for project funding and execution.

This is an important moment for Hyperloop technology, the next potential mode of transport. The project will reduce urban congestion, bring down transport-related emissions, and decrease road accidents. Additionalities include establishment of a industrial eco-system that will support design and production of hyperloop technologies, leading to creation of jobs for India's youth. Show less

The project will define a framework for setting up of an India-wide E-logistics Market Place. Under this marquee project, we will assist the Government of India in bringing all Logistics Service Providers, Freight Forwarders, Regulatory agencies like Deptt of Revenue (GSTN & Customs), other National databases like trains operations, ports, vehicle registration etc – all on to a single platform, to service both EXIM and Domestic cargo movements. This is a unique opportunity to collaborate with… Show more

The project will define a framework for setting up of an India-wide E-logistics Market Place. Under this marquee project, we will assist the Government of India in bringing all Logistics Service Providers, Freight Forwarders, Regulatory agencies like Deptt of Revenue (GSTN & Customs), other National databases like trains operations, ports, vehicle registration etc – all on to a single platform, to service both EXIM and Domestic cargo movements. This is a unique opportunity to collaborate with multiple stakeholders in both the government and private sector, and design a delivery platform that aids trade, creates good jobs, and open up a national market place for India's villages and small towns. Show less

India has an extensive network of inland waterways in the form of rivers, canals etc. The total navigable length is 14,500 1km out of which about 5,200 2km of the rivers and 4,000 3km of canals can be used by mechanized crafts. Inland waterways transport is a fuel efficient, cost effective and environment friendly mode. According to the Ministry of Shipping, Government of India, cost of transportation by inland waterways would incur INR 1.064 per tonne-km, while by railways and road it would… Show more

India has an extensive network of inland waterways in the form of rivers, canals etc. The total navigable length is 14,500 1km out of which about 5,200 2km of the rivers and 4,000 3km of canals can be used by mechanized crafts. Inland waterways transport is a fuel efficient, cost effective and environment friendly mode. According to the Ministry of Shipping, Government of India, cost of transportation by inland waterways would incur INR 1.064 per tonne-km, while by railways and road it would respectively be INR 1.365 per tonne-km and INR 2.506 per tonne-km respectively.

IWAI has mandated KPMG to provide “Consultancy services for Asset Management and Operation Framework Development for National Waterway-1.” The key scope of the engagement is to devise an asset management and operation framework for the assets that have been developed or envisaged to be developed by IWAI, recommend tariff mechanism to ensure cost recovery, and develop a business and execution plan for marketing and development of NW-1. It also includes development of plans for three proposed MMLPs at Varanasi, Sahibganj and Haldia. Show less

India has launched an ambitious initiative for urban transformation of 100 cities with the Smart City program. Ranchi city has developed a vision of greenfield development over 670 acres, using Area Based Development, with a modern and sustainable multi-use urban environment. KPMG has been selected as the Project Management Consultant, in consortium with Tractabel of Germany. The target is to complete area planning, project DPRs, finalize components of urban policy, leverage private financing,… Show more

India has launched an ambitious initiative for urban transformation of 100 cities with the Smart City program. Ranchi city has developed a vision of greenfield development over 670 acres, using Area Based Development, with a modern and sustainable multi-use urban environment. KPMG has been selected as the Project Management Consultant, in consortium with Tractabel of Germany. The target is to complete area planning, project DPRs, finalize components of urban policy, leverage private financing, and commence development within 3 years. Show less

India is the fastest growing economy in the world, but production and distribution efficiency is hobbled by high logistics cost. ADB has appointed KPMG to prepare a road map for Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, to move on an MMLP policy that establishes a hub and spoke model catering to India's existing and upcoming economic corridors. Based on an as-is analysis of current state of logistics, we are advising the Ministry, and four major sub-sovereign governments, on identification of… Show more

India is the fastest growing economy in the world, but production and distribution efficiency is hobbled by high logistics cost. ADB has appointed KPMG to prepare a road map for Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, to move on an MMLP policy that establishes a hub and spoke model catering to India's existing and upcoming economic corridors. Based on an as-is analysis of current state of logistics, we are advising the Ministry, and four major sub-sovereign governments, on identification of suitable sites, signing of MoUs, and the establishing of policy protocols for bringing about an MMLP culture in Indian supply chain scenario. Show less

Government of India has offered 400 railway stations for commercial development by private companies. A major realty company has responded to the call for Expression of Interest. The assignment is to be this company's Bid Advisor, for taking go/no go decision, and then deciding on final bid, based upon expected cash flows from station development over a 45 year period. This involves understanding expected transport patterns, urban development at the site, and the potential of increase in land… Show more

Government of India has offered 400 railway stations for commercial development by private companies. A major realty company has responded to the call for Expression of Interest. The assignment is to be this company's Bid Advisor, for taking go/no go decision, and then deciding on final bid, based upon expected cash flows from station development over a 45 year period. This involves understanding expected transport patterns, urban development at the site, and the potential of increase in land values, and determination of financial viability. Show less

Pratibimba is an analytics tool, that predicts likely performance issues in the future, and helps decision makers in preventing time and cost overruns. Karnataka Government has expressed confidence in KPMG’s understanding and capacity to aid in efficient delivery of public services and projects.

Government of India has initiated the National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Project (NCRMP) with a view to address cyclone risks in the country. The Project development objective of the NCRMP is to reduce vulnerability of coastal communities to cyclone and other hydro meteorological hazards through:
(i) improved early warning dissemination systems
(ii)enhanced capacity of local communities to respond to disasters
(iii)improved access to emergency shelter, evacuation, and protection against… Show more

Government of India has initiated the National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Project (NCRMP) with a view to address cyclone risks in the country. The Project development objective of the NCRMP is to reduce vulnerability of coastal communities to cyclone and other hydro meteorological hazards through:
(i) improved early warning dissemination systems
(ii)enhanced capacity of local communities to respond to disasters
(iii)improved access to emergency shelter, evacuation, and protection against wind storms, flooding and storm surge in high areas
(iv)strengthening DRM capacity at central, state and local levels in order to enable mainstreaming of risk mitigation measures into the overall development agenda.
The NCRMP is funded by Government of India, with sizable funding from World Bank. Show less

UNDP is supporting Royal Government of Bhutan in updating its existing 2006 Transport Policy. We will work with all stakeholders to prepare a Bhutan National Transport Policy 2017, to align with the SDGs and make transport sector inclusive, and financially and environmentally sustainable. The draft will be submitted in accordance with policy protocols of Bhutan Gross National Happiness Commission and will be taken up by the National Parliament for discussion and approval.

The ADB funded TA will conduct a baseline study of Mongolia's existing logistics practices. After identifying key areas for improvement that can maximize impact, and taking input from the earlier study on the proposed Bogkhan railway bye-pass, the study will recommend necessary steps for quantum improvement in Mongolia's logistics efficiency.

The Eastern Corridor is 1,840 km long and extends from Ludhiana to Kolkata. The World Bank is supporting the Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor (EDFC) as a series of projects in which the three sections with a total route length of 1,146 km will be delivered sequentially, but with considerable overlap in their construction schedules.
These corridors will help India make a quantum leap in increasing the railways’ transportation capacity by building high-capacity, higher-speed dedicated… Show more

The Eastern Corridor is 1,840 km long and extends from Ludhiana to Kolkata. The World Bank is supporting the Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor (EDFC) as a series of projects in which the three sections with a total route length of 1,146 km will be delivered sequentially, but with considerable overlap in their construction schedules.
These corridors will help India make a quantum leap in increasing the railways’ transportation capacity by building high-capacity, higher-speed dedicated freight corridors along the Golden Quadrilateral.
Economic opportunities are also being explored along the freight corridor. The government is planning to set up 7 integrated manufacturing clusters using EDFC as the backbone. These clusters will be set up with an investment of about $1 billion on either side of EDFC.
In addition to the efficiency improvement and other operational benefits, the Project is expected to bring in significant reductions of Green House Gas (GHG) emissions. Show less

Transport and Power are two crirtical infrastructure needs of the mountainous state of Himachal Pradesh. The report suggested future directions, and recommendations were accepted by the State Government.

Panjab is a developed state in India, but the Transport, Power, and Telecom infrastructure is not ready for the future. To add a logistics edge to its agriculture base, the report made forward-looking recomemndations.

SAARC Development Fund (SDF) was established after the existing South Asian Development Fund (SADF) was found to be inadequate, both in terms of required quantum of funds and its limited scope of work. In order to avoid proliferation of funds, the SAARC Financial Experts (September 2005) looked at the entire gamut of issues relating to funding of SAARC projects and programmes, and amongst other recommendations, agreed that in lieu of proliferating sectorial financing mechanisms, the SADF be… Show more

SAARC Development Fund (SDF) was established after the existing South Asian Development Fund (SADF) was found to be inadequate, both in terms of required quantum of funds and its limited scope of work. In order to avoid proliferation of funds, the SAARC Financial Experts (September 2005) looked at the entire gamut of issues relating to funding of SAARC projects and programmes, and amongst other recommendations, agreed that in lieu of proliferating sectorial financing mechanisms, the SADF be further reconstituted into the SAARC Development Fund (SDF).

SDF intends to understand the opportunities, policies, and financial options available for the Economic and Infrastructure options in the SAARC member countries, and this project involved conducting study for this purpose.

The intent of this study was to assess the 8 SAARC member countries from an economic and Infrastructure lens, and understand the policies supporting economic, trade and infrastructure development, together with assessing potential sectors for funding support. The study will assist SDF in developing a pipeline of potential projects in South Asia. Show less

The Indore – Manmad – JNPT Port Mumbai rail connectivity has been planned with the following objectives:
• Reduce the overall logistics cost by providing a shorter route for passenger as well as the freight traffic.
• Provide an alternate route to the existing railway lines and hence reduce congestion on the over utilized existing railway network.
• Provide an evacuation capacity required to complement the port capacity addition planned in the region.
•… Show more

The Indore – Manmad – JNPT Port Mumbai rail connectivity has been planned with the following objectives:
• Reduce the overall logistics cost by providing a shorter route for passenger as well as the freight traffic.
• Provide an alternate route to the existing railway lines and hence reduce congestion on the over utilized existing railway network.
• Provide an evacuation capacity required to complement the port capacity addition planned in the region.
• Increase the rail co-efficient from the current level by diversion of traffic from road to rail.
• Promote the socio–economic development of the region by catalysing industrialization.
• Reduce pollution and carbon emission due to mode shift from road to rail.

The project envisages execution by an SPV in which expected stakeholders would be Ministry of Railways, Port Trust, and two sub-sovereign governments. Actual participation of the stakeholders in the project is contingent on the final financing/ structuring plan of the project. Show less

Disaster resilient housing project was started in 2005, for Tsunami affected families, on India's Andaman & Nicobar Islands. A team of island officials, pubic works department engineers, and contractors was lead in the field, to come up with solutions to fast track the project.