Government plans new norms for BOT road projects

The central government is planning to issue a set of guidelines for allocating road projects on a build-operate-transfer (BOT) basis to ensure a certain level of preparedness prior to awarding projects, as it seeks to revive private investment in the sector. The MoRTH, besides making amendments in the concession agreement and exit clauses, will firm up the guidelines to eliminate risks and revive this mode of project construction. Reportedly, NHAI has already recommended changes in the BOT framework that are now being reviewed by the MoRTH.