The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has received approval from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) for its sponsored Raajmarg Infra Investment Trust (RIIT) to operate as a public Infrastructure Investment Trust (InvIT).
According to an official release, the approval marks a key step in NHAI’s asset monetisation programme, aimed at unlocking the monetisation potential of national highway assets while creating a long-term investment instrument primarily for retail and domestic investors. The initiative is expected to broaden public participation in India’s national highway infrastructure development.
Earlier, NHAI had incorporated Raajmarg Infra Investment Managers Pvt. Ltd. (RIIMPL) as the investment manager for RIIT. RIIMPL has been set up as a collaborative venture with equity participation from leading banks and financial institutions, including State Bank of India, Punjab National Bank, NaBFID, Axis Bank, Bajaj Finserv Ventures Ltd., HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, IDBI Bank, IndusInd Bank and Yes Bank.
NHAI’s Member (Finance) NRVVMK Rajendra Kumar will serve as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (Additional Charge) of the investment manager company.
Commenting on the approval, NHAI Chairman Santosh Kumar Yadav said the SEBI clearance represents a key milestone in expanding public participation in the growth of India’s national highway infrastructure. He said the initiative would help create long-term investment opportunities while supporting NHAI’s asset monetisation objectives and strengthening the country’s highway network.
