NHAI Drives Highway Investment with Rs 6,220.90 Crore Asset Monetization

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) accepted a Rs 6,220.90 crore bid from National Highways Infra Trust (NHIT) for the monetization of two highway sections. This move is part of NHAI's strategy to attract private investment and develop its highway network using asset monetization tools.

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has embarked on a significant asset monetization journey, accepting a Rs 6,220.90 crore offer from National Highways Infra Trust (NHIT) for two highway sections totaling 310 kilometers. This development is part of NHAI's broader initiative to unlock the value of existing assets and foster private sector participation in highway development.

The strategic move utilizes the Toll-Operate-Transfer (ToT) model and Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvIT) to reinvest the generated funds into fresh National Highway projects. In this financial year alone, a staggering Rs 28,077 crore of highway assets have been monetized. The most recent assets span Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh, underscoring NHAI's national reach.

NHAI Chairman Santosh Kumar Yadav highlighted the pivotal role InvITs play, channelizing capital for highway network expansion across the nation. NHIT, a key player, has raised significant capital with participation from high-profile investors, demonstrating robust confidence in Indian infrastructure. NHIT units boast a market cap of approximately Rs 28,000 crore, listed on NSE and BSE.

(With inputs from agencies.)