Project loan provisions to affect bank earnings, limited pass-through to RBI
ECONOMY & POLICY

Project loan provisions to affect bank earnings, limited pass-through to RBI

Banks are set to experience a significant impact on their earnings due to new project loan provisioning norms, with limited ability to pass through the costs to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). The new guidelines, aimed at tightening risk management in the banking sector, require higher provisions for project loans, which will strain banks' profitability.

Under the revised norms, banks must allocate more capital to cover potential losses from project loans, reflecting a more cautious approach to lending. This move is intended to enhance the stability and resilience of the banking sector but will also reduce the profitability of banks as they adjust their balance sheets to meet the stricter requirements.

Analysts predict that the increased provisioning will lead to a decline in earnings for banks, particularly those with significant exposure to infrastructure and large-scale projects. The limited pass-through to the RBI means that banks cannot easily transfer these additional costs, compelling them to absorb the financial impact. This situation could lead to tighter credit conditions, as banks might become more selective in their lending practices to manage the increased financial burden.

Banking industry experts suggest that while the new norms are beneficial for long-term stability, they pose short-term challenges for banks' financial performance. The reduced profitability might also affect banks' ability to raise capital and fund new projects, potentially slowing down the pace of infrastructure development.

The RBI's move to implement these stringent provisioning norms underscores its commitment to maintaining a robust banking system, even at the cost of short-term earnings pressure on banks. As banks adapt to these changes, the focus will be on maintaining financial health while continuing to support economic growth through prudent lending practices.

Banks are set to experience a significant impact on their earnings due to new project loan provisioning norms, with limited ability to pass through the costs to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). The new guidelines, aimed at tightening risk management in the banking sector, require higher provisions for project loans, which will strain banks' profitability. Under the revised norms, banks must allocate more capital to cover potential losses from project loans, reflecting a more cautious approach to lending. This move is intended to enhance the stability and resilience of the banking sector but will also reduce the profitability of banks as they adjust their balance sheets to meet the stricter requirements. Analysts predict that the increased provisioning will lead to a decline in earnings for banks, particularly those with significant exposure to infrastructure and large-scale projects. The limited pass-through to the RBI means that banks cannot easily transfer these additional costs, compelling them to absorb the financial impact. This situation could lead to tighter credit conditions, as banks might become more selective in their lending practices to manage the increased financial burden. Banking industry experts suggest that while the new norms are beneficial for long-term stability, they pose short-term challenges for banks' financial performance. The reduced profitability might also affect banks' ability to raise capital and fund new projects, potentially slowing down the pace of infrastructure development. The RBI's move to implement these stringent provisioning norms underscores its commitment to maintaining a robust banking system, even at the cost of short-term earnings pressure on banks. As banks adapt to these changes, the focus will be on maintaining financial health while continuing to support economic growth through prudent lending practices.

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Aadhaar Authentications Cross 27 Billion in FY25

Aadhaar authentication transactions surged past 27.07 billion in FY 2024–25, including 2.47 billion in March alone, reflecting its growing adoption across sectors such as banking, finance, telecom, and public service delivery. Since its inception, the cumulative number of Aadhaar authentication transactions has exceeded 148 billion.The Unique Identification Authority of India’s (UIDAI) AI/ML-based face authentication technology is also witnessing a sharp rise in usage. In March 2025 alone, over 150 million face authentication transactions were recorded. This biometric modality is now used ..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

IEPFA Holds Preparatory Meet for 'Niveshak Shivir' Initiative

The Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA), under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of India, hosted a preparatory meeting on April 28, 2025, with Nodal Officers from stakeholder companies via video conference. The session, chaired by IEPFA CEO Smt. Anita Shah Akella, focused on finalising operational plans for the upcoming ""Niveshak Shivir"" initiative—a joint effort between IEPFA and the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI).""Niveshak Shivir"" aims to improve investor services and streamline the claims process by reaching out to cities with a high nu..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

India, France Sign Deal for 26 Rafale-Marine Jets for Navy

India and France have signed an Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) for the acquisition of 26 Rafale-Marine aircraft for the Indian Navy, comprising 22 single-seater and four twin-seater jets. The deal also includes training systems, simulators, associated equipment, weapons, and performance-based logistics, along with additional equipment for the Indian Air Force’s existing Rafale fleet.The IGA was signed by India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and French Minister of Armed Forces Sébastien Lecornu. The agreement, along with supply protocols for aircraft and weapons, was exchanged in the..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?