MoRTH conference propels revival of BOT projects
ROADS & HIGHWAYS

MoRTH conference propels revival of BOT projects

In a bid to promote Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) for Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) projects and streamline business operations, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) orchestrated a conference in New Delhi. This gathering included key industry players such as Concessionaires/Contractors, Highway Operators, Investment Trusts, and representatives from Bankers/Financial Institutions, as well as Technical and Financial Consultants from the road sector. The inaugural session was graced by Nitin Gadkari, the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, alongside dignitaries like Anurag Jain, Secretary, MoRTH, Santosh Kumar Yadav, Chairman NHAI, and senior officials from various departments and authorities related to road infrastructure.

During the conference, Nitin Gadkari expressed the commitment to revitalise the BOT model, aiming to make it more investment-friendly and enticing for private partnerships. He emphasised that this revitalisation would not only fortify road infrastructure but also have a positive impact on the economy by creating employment opportunities and reducing logistical costs.

The conference featured presentations by senior officials of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) regarding proposed modifications to the Model Concession Agreement (MCA) of BOT (Toll). These modifications aimed to address concerns raised by stakeholders and eliminate discrepancies in various aspects, including termination payments, Concession Period adjustments based on actual traffic, reconsideration of actual traffic exceeding design capacity, and defining termination payments related to delays and force majeure causes. A new provision for Buy Back in case of Additional Tollway/Competing Road was also introduced.

Currently, due to implementation challenges in BOT Projects, projects are predominantly awarded on Engineering Procurement Construction (EPC) or Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM). To revive BOT projects, several initiatives such as Harmonious Substitution, One Time Fund Infusion, Rationalised Compensation, Premium Deferment, and allowing refinancing have been implemented. Looking ahead, 53 BOT (Toll) Projects covering a length of 5200 km and valued at Rs. 2.1 trillion have been identified, with bids for 7 projects covering a length of 387 km and worth Rs 270 billion already invited.

Aligning with the Government of India?s 'Vision 2047' Plan, numerous high-speed corridors are envisioned for development. The robust Public-Private Partnership in the road sector is considered pivotal to realising this vision, contributing significantly to the development, operation, and maintenance of a world-class National Highway Network in the country.

In a bid to promote Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) for Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) projects and streamline business operations, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) orchestrated a conference in New Delhi. This gathering included key industry players such as Concessionaires/Contractors, Highway Operators, Investment Trusts, and representatives from Bankers/Financial Institutions, as well as Technical and Financial Consultants from the road sector. The inaugural session was graced by Nitin Gadkari, the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, alongside dignitaries like Anurag Jain, Secretary, MoRTH, Santosh Kumar Yadav, Chairman NHAI, and senior officials from various departments and authorities related to road infrastructure. During the conference, Nitin Gadkari expressed the commitment to revitalise the BOT model, aiming to make it more investment-friendly and enticing for private partnerships. He emphasised that this revitalisation would not only fortify road infrastructure but also have a positive impact on the economy by creating employment opportunities and reducing logistical costs. The conference featured presentations by senior officials of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) regarding proposed modifications to the Model Concession Agreement (MCA) of BOT (Toll). These modifications aimed to address concerns raised by stakeholders and eliminate discrepancies in various aspects, including termination payments, Concession Period adjustments based on actual traffic, reconsideration of actual traffic exceeding design capacity, and defining termination payments related to delays and force majeure causes. A new provision for Buy Back in case of Additional Tollway/Competing Road was also introduced. Currently, due to implementation challenges in BOT Projects, projects are predominantly awarded on Engineering Procurement Construction (EPC) or Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM). To revive BOT projects, several initiatives such as Harmonious Substitution, One Time Fund Infusion, Rationalised Compensation, Premium Deferment, and allowing refinancing have been implemented. Looking ahead, 53 BOT (Toll) Projects covering a length of 5200 km and valued at Rs. 2.1 trillion have been identified, with bids for 7 projects covering a length of 387 km and worth Rs 270 billion already invited. Aligning with the Government of India?s 'Vision 2047' Plan, numerous high-speed corridors are envisioned for development. The robust Public-Private Partnership in the road sector is considered pivotal to realising this vision, contributing significantly to the development, operation, and maintenance of a world-class National Highway Network in the country.

Next Story
Technology

We’re building robots that flow, not just move

Founded in 2021, Flo Mobility is reimagining construction automation with vision-AI robots designed for seamless movement through complex sites. In conversation with CW, Manesh Jain, Founder & CEO, discusses the company’s origin, its LiDAR-free tech stack, and expansion plans in the Middle East and US.What inspired the name Flo Mobility? Why ‘Flo’ and not ‘Flow’?When we started the company in 2021, our focus was on building autonomous navigation systems for robots. Since our work centred around robot movement, ‘mobility’ naturally became part of the name. We wanted to co..

Next Story
Real Estate

We’re committed to setting benchmarks in sustainable luxury living

From a landmark land acquisition in Boisar to ambitious launches across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), National Capital Region (NCR), Bengaluru and Pune, Birla Estates is driving future-ready growth with a strong focus on sustainability, partnerships and premium living, firmly anchored in its LifeDesigned® philosophy. K T Jithendran, Managing Director & CEO, outlines the company’s premium, sustainable growth playbook in conversation with PRATAP PADODE, Editor-in-Chief, CW. Excerpts:Birla Estates recently acquired a 70.92-acre land parcel in Boisar, Maharashtra, for..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Mumbai’s land crunch and ageing homes call for structured renewal

Founded in 2022, Etonhurst Capital Partners is a real-estate fund management platform focused on the Indian market. As the firm achieves the first close of Rs 1.8 billion for its debut Rs 5 billion fund, Bamasish Paul, Co-founder, Managing Partner & CEO, discusses its sharp focus on redevelopment-driven value creation in Mumbai’s urban core with CW. Excerpts:Etonhurst Capital has achieved a significant milestone with the first close of Rs 1.8 billion for its Rs 5 billion fund. What factors contributed to this early success and how do you plan to attract further investments to r..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?