Road to Asset monetisation

27 Sep 2023 CW Team

Not surprisingly, the Government is now intently focusing on mopping up funds from the private sector to further expand the existing highway network and service the highway authority’s debt. A proposed National Monetisation Plan (NMP) detailed in 2021 estimated raising Rs.6 trillion through the core assets of the Central Government between 2021 and 2026. Monetising 26,700 km of four-lane and above national highways was expected to contribute 27 per cent (`1.6 trillion) of this sum.

Crisil has estimated that NHAI’s need for funds will double to Rs.10 trillion over the next five-year period vis-à-vis the previous five years, and that 15 per cent of this sum could be generated by the monetisation of assets. It has also estimated that if this funding comes through, NHAI could construct 25,000 km of national highways between 2022 and 2026, compared to 17,228 km between 2017 and 2021.

Infra trusts to the rescue

To support the Government’s NMP, in October 2021, NHAI created the National Highways Infra Trust (NHAI InvIT), an infrastructure investment trust.

“Asset monetisation through the NHAI InvIT will play a big role in the repayment of principal amounts so that NHAI achieves its plan to significantly reduce its current outstanding debt by 2029-30,” notes Puneet Narang, Partner, Major Projects, Business Consulting, KPMG in India. “Essentially, the NMP aims at tapping into institutional and private-sector investment for the creation of new infrastructure.”

To read the full story, CLICK HERE.

In the last fiscal, India’s premier road construction authority, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), kept up the rapid expansion momentum of recent years, constructing over 30 km of roads daily while new highway awards topped 12,375 km. Such diligent expansion of the country’s highway network in recent years has left the authority with a massive Rs.3.42 trillion debt (at the end of March 2023).Not surprisingly, the Government is now intently focusing on mopping up funds from the private sector to further expand the existing highway network and service the highway authority’s debt. A proposed National Monetisation Plan (NMP) detailed in 2021 estimated raising Rs.6 trillion through the core assets of the Central Government between 2021 and 2026. Monetising 26,700 km of four-lane and above national highways was expected to contribute 27 per cent (`1.6 trillion) of this sum.Crisil has estimated that NHAI’s need for funds will double to Rs.10 trillion over the next five-year period vis-à-vis the previous five years, and that 15 per cent of this sum could be generated by the monetisation of assets. It has also estimated that if this funding comes through, NHAI could construct 25,000 km of national highways between 2022 and 2026, compared to 17,228 km between 2017 and 2021.Infra trusts to the rescueTo support the Government’s NMP, in October 2021, NHAI created the National Highways Infra Trust (NHAI InvIT), an infrastructure investment trust. “Asset monetisation through the NHAI InvIT will play a big role in the repayment of principal amounts so that NHAI achieves its plan to significantly reduce its current outstanding debt by 2029-30,” notes Puneet Narang, Partner, Major Projects, Business Consulting, KPMG in India. “Essentially, the NMP aims at tapping into institutional and private-sector investment for the creation of new infrastructure.”To read the full story, CLICK HERE.

Infrastructure Urban

06 Apr 2026

InsideFPV Delivers ₹10 Crore Kamikaze Drone Order Under MoD’s EPR Route

InsideFPV, a Surat-based drone technology manufacturer, has successfully executed a ₹10 crore defence contract to supply indigenous kamikaze drones under the Ministry of Defence’s Emergency Procurement Route (EPR). The company completed the delivery of hundreds of FPV kamikaze drone platforms within a rapid two-month timeframe, highlighting its ability to meet urgent military procurement timelines.The supply orders were fulfilled under the emergency procurement mechanism, which is aimed at fast-tracking acquisitions for immediate operational needs. InsideFPV’s quick execution reflects it..

Infrastructure Energy

06 Apr 2026

Vedanta Resources Secures Fitch Upgrade to ‘BB-’, Best Rating Since 2015

Vedanta Resources Limited (VRL), a global player in metals, oil & gas, critical minerals, power and technology, has received a credit rating upgrade from Fitch Ratings, marking its strongest bond rating in over a decade.Fitch has raised Vedanta Resources’ Long-Term Foreign-Currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR) to ‘BB-’ from ‘B+’, while maintaining a Stable Outlook. The agency also upgraded VRL’s senior unsecured rating, along with the ratings of US dollar-denominated bonds issued by Vedanta Resources Finance II Plc and guaranteed by VRL, to ‘BB-’.The upgrade represents Vedan..

Real Estate

06 Apr 2026

NAREDCO NextGen NCR Chapter Launched

The NAREDCO NextGen NCR Chapter was recently launched at Excelerate 2026 in Mumbai, marking a key step towards integrating emerging real estate leaders from the National Capital Region with the national platform. The initiative aims to promote sustainable and responsible urban development through collaboration and knowledge exchange.The event brought together young developers, entrepreneurs, and professionals from across NCR, including Noida, Gurugram, Ghaziabad, Faridabad, Bhiwadi, and Meerut. Discussions focused on urban development, finance, sustainability, innovation, and policy, emphasisi..