Toll income of the National Highway of India (NHAI) is going to more than triple in the next three years to over Rs 1.40 lakh crores annually according to Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari. Speaking at the India Ideas Summit organised by the US-India Business Council, he also said that there are various models available for investment in Indian roads.
“From the United States, a lot of investors are investing in NHAI, our rating is AAA and toll income is Rs 40,000 crores per year. By the end of 2024, it will be Rs 1.40 lakh crores per year,” he said.
Highlight the investment models available for road infrastructure, Gadkari spoke about monetising plans for the road. He listed Build Operate Transfer (BOT), Hybrid Annuity, and Infrastructure Investment Trust (InVIT) models.
Pitching India as an investment destination that will yield returns, Gadkari said, “The way in which India is the fastest growing economy, I feel it is a golden opportunity for investment. The returns are good for technology and knowledge.”
He said that the budget of the Roads ministry is Rs 2 lakh crores and people are giving a good response to investment plans.
Highlighting the infrastructure being developed by his ministry, Gadkari said, “Even near Delhi we are making a road network of Rs 60,000 crores. We are making logistic parks of Rs 2 lakh crores, 640 road side amenities with heliports there, we have 26 roads which can be used as air strips as well.”