Domestic credit rating agency, ICRA in its latest report has said that the increased capital outlay and execution targets set for key infrastructure sectors in Union Budget 2018-19, is likely to give a major push to construction sector. It also noted that with funding support from increased budgetary allocation, and higher Internal and Extra Budgetary Resources (IEBR) including debt funding from institutions like LIC, EPFO, most of the infrastructure segments are expected to witness the increased pace of contract awarding and execution in 2018-19.
According to the report, this may enhance order inflows and revenues of construction firms. It also noted that the proposal to lower the rating threshold for investment in corporate bonds will channelise much needed long-term capital from pension and insurance funds into the infrastructure sector. Besides, it pointed out that a significant part of this capex will be related to the construction sector business. As per ICRA’s estimates, the proposed infrastructure capital outlay plan could result in a construction business of up to Rs 3.3 lakh crore in 2018-19 - and will be a key driver for construction activities in the country.
The rating agency further stated that a major push from the government on roads and urban infrastructure segments has helped construction companies improve their order book position. It indicated that the government had in this year’s budget allocated Rs 5.97 lakh crore towards infrastructure capital outlay by state-owned entities, a 21 percent jump over last fiscal. It also mentioned that a majority of infrastructure capex by the Central government entities is to be implemented by five ministries/ departments -- railways, road transport and highways, petroleum and natural gas, power, and housing and urban affairs -- which together account for over 80 percent of the planned capex.
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