In 2025-26, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) will set aside Rs 250 billion worth of infrastructure investment trust (InvIT) units for retail investors. The bold attempt to draw in small investors coincides with the implementing agency’s goal of constructing 10,000 km of highways and monetising more than Rs 500 billion worth of highway assets this year.
Additionally, in an effort to draw in higher-calibre experts, NHAI will forego the custom of choosing the lowest bidder to create detailed project reports (DPR) for highways. Since the poorer quality DPRs are frequently held responsible for the poor quality of highways and an increase in traffic accidents, the development becomes significant as it deviates from the long-standing practice of L1 tendering. Additionally, a permanent cadre of staff would be provided to the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) to help build important road projects along India’s borders.
The overall goal is to reform the sector in a way that meets worldwide standards.