Govt to consider bailout package for road developers

18 Feb 2013 Evaluate

In a major relief for road developers, National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is seeking to push a 'relief package' as several of road developers are under stress and finding it tough to raise debt and equity to finance projects. Considering the recent poor performance of highway sector in the wake of changed economic scenario, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) on February 18 will consider ways to revitalize the highway sector.

The bailout is being discussed as large players such as GMR and GVK walked out of projects. So far this year, NHAI has awarded contracts to build under 1,000 km of highways compared to the revised target of 4,800 km. However, PMO had set a target of 9,500 km, twice the revised level. NHAI is expected to allow a staggered payment, which will allow road developers to pay a lower upfront premium this year and postpone a part of the amount during the latter part of the contract period to make the projects viable.

Developers pay the annual upfront payment as premium to government that increases 5% every year during the contract period that can extend to 30 years. To revive the sector, in the first year the premium amount could be reduced substantially to provide some relief, however, for the later part of the contract period, the premium amount paid by the companies could be increased to 10-15%  annually instead of 5%, so, that the net present value of the premium (NPV) won't change.

Other issues like allowing 100% dilution of equity of developers in projects which have already been completed and tolling has started is also expected to come up at the PMO meeting. After having several rounds of talks with the highway developers, NHAI has been pushing this for all completed projects. This will infuse more equity into the sector, enabling developers to get funds to start the projects. However, the proposal is facing resistance from the planning commission and the expenditure department.

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