+
Toll rate freeze dampens investor sentiment
ECONOMY & POLICY

Toll rate freeze dampens investor sentiment

The decision of the Union government not to revise toll rates on the national highways is perceived as politically strategic but economically unsound, potentially deterring investors from engaging in the proposed sale of road assets.

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, with the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections in mind, has opted to delay the adjustment of toll charges on national highways. However, it is anticipated that toll rates will be increased following the elections.

According to an official familiar with the matter, international investors expressed discouragement following the government's decision to freeze toll rates until the polls. They also expressed concerns that such interventions in the future could diminish stakeholder interest. The customary revision of toll rates, which typically occurs annually on April 1, has been deferred this year due to the Lok Sabha elections.

In addition to toll rates, another potential concern for investors is the quality of the roads being offered in the market, as these factors significantly influence the interest of international stakeholders.

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways aims to generate up to Rs 600 billion in the current financial year (2024-25) through a combination of instruments including Toll Operate Transfer (TOT) and Infrastructure Investment Trust (InvIT), as stated by the aforementioned official.

In the preceding financial year (2023-24), the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways successfully raised Rs 403.14 billion through asset monetization, surpassing the target of Rs 289.68 billion. This achievement encompassed projects under Toll Operate Transfer (TOT) and Infrastructure Investment Trust (InvIT).

The decision of the Union government not to revise toll rates on the national highways is perceived as politically strategic but economically unsound, potentially deterring investors from engaging in the proposed sale of road assets. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, with the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections in mind, has opted to delay the adjustment of toll charges on national highways. However, it is anticipated that toll rates will be increased following the elections. According to an official familiar with the matter, international investors expressed discouragement following the government's decision to freeze toll rates until the polls. They also expressed concerns that such interventions in the future could diminish stakeholder interest. The customary revision of toll rates, which typically occurs annually on April 1, has been deferred this year due to the Lok Sabha elections. In addition to toll rates, another potential concern for investors is the quality of the roads being offered in the market, as these factors significantly influence the interest of international stakeholders. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways aims to generate up to Rs 600 billion in the current financial year (2024-25) through a combination of instruments including Toll Operate Transfer (TOT) and Infrastructure Investment Trust (InvIT), as stated by the aforementioned official. In the preceding financial year (2023-24), the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways successfully raised Rs 403.14 billion through asset monetization, surpassing the target of Rs 289.68 billion. This achievement encompassed projects under Toll Operate Transfer (TOT) and Infrastructure Investment Trust (InvIT).

Related Stories

Gold Stories

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Infrastructure Opportunity Outlook by IMPACCT.Info

India’s infrastructure pipeline is witnessing dynamic activity across stages — from immediate bidding to future planning. IMPACCT segments these into three categories: Immediate, 3–6 Month, and Future Opportunities, enabling businesses to identify, prepare, and participate in high-value tenders and projects across sectors.To read full article Click Here ..

Next Story
Real Estate

Glass, Reframed!

Glass façades, quintessential aesthetic building envelopes globally, have been widely adopted in India as well. But when the focus is high-performance building systems that deliver energy efficiency, comfort and architectural identity, glass isn’t the only preference. Combination solutions, involving glass and some other material, improve façade outcomes. Some combinations come at comparable prices, some at a higher price. Here is a selection of performance-oriented solutions...To read the full story Click Here ..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Beyond Building Faster

India’s cities are expanding at an unprecedented pace, bringing new infrastructure and development opportunities while also intensifying challenges around mobility, public spaces, liveability and supporting infrastructure. The question, therefore, is not simply whether India can build faster, but whether it can build cities that work better.At a CW webinar, Are We Designing Better Cities – or Just Building Faster?, moderator Ar. Samir Shaikh, Founding Principal, AR&UD Studio, brought together perspectives from design, development, master planning and technology...To read the full artic..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

SPECIAL OFFER
QR Code