MoF to assist NHAI in becoming financially viable

NHAI’s total debt has increased from Rs 747.42 billion in March 2017 to Rs 3.07 trillion in March 2021. During 2020-21, NHAI paid Rs 188.4 billion as interest, while additional borrowings during the past one year amounted to Rs 580 billion. Interest payments are expected to rise significantly in the next two to three years. Since 2017, NHAI has availed of external borrowing worth Rs 30 billion. The pandemic has only worsened the debt trap. Hence, the MoF will help NHAI in this financial crisis. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) blames numerous ongoing litigation cases for this crisis. Currently, there are 140 arbitration cases pending before various arbitral tribunals, with Rs 918.75 billion claims from contractors and Rs 446 billion counterclaims from NHAI. Moreover, another 240 cases are in courts, with claims of Rs 216 billion.