IRB Infrastructure Trust Secures Major Odisha Highway Project
IRB Infrastructure Trust has won a crucial toll-operate-transfer (TOT) project from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) in Odisha, agreeing to an upfront payment of ₹3,087 crore. This development signifies the company's expansion into the eastern state and is a key component of NHAI's ongoing asset monetisation strategy.
Project Scope and Value
The awarded project involves a bundle of road stretches totaling 74.5 kilometers along the Chandikhole to Bhadrak corridor on National Highway 26. This corridor is an integral part of the government's extensive Golden Quadrilateral Project, aiming to enhance national connectivity.
Strategic Importance and Revenue Outlook
This acquisition is a significant step for IRB Infrastructure Trust, an infrastructure investment trust sponsored by IRB Infrastructure Developers Ltd. Company officials stated the award accelerates their goal of building an asset portfolio worth ₹1 lakh crore, positioning them as a leading private toll road developer in India. Chairman & Managing Director Virendra D Mhaiskar projects that the addition of this project, alongside others like TOT-17 and TOT-18, will increase annual toll revenues by approximately ₹1,000 crore by FY27.
Company's Dominant Position
With this new venture, IRB Infrastructure Developers reinforces its standing as India's largest private developer of toll roads and highways. The company now manages an asset base exceeding ₹90,000 crore spread across 13 states, encompassing its parent entity and two InvITs.