India's Infrastructure Investment Trusts Set for Rs 1 Lakh Crore Growth in FY26
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
New Delhi, March 19 (NationPress) India’s Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs) are projected to witness a remarkable increase in their assets under management, expected to grow by approximately Rs 1 lakh crore in FY26, as reported on Thursday. The analysis from CareEdge Ratings highlights that the AUM for these trusts surged from Rs 3 lakh crore in FY22 to an estimated Rs 6.25 lakh crore by FY25.
The report indicates that the overall leverage, or the ratio of total external debt to enterprise value, is anticipated to stabilize at around 49 percent in FY26. This stability is driven by enhanced valuations from equity raises and declining interest rates.
The count of InvITs has expanded from 11 in FY22 to 22 in FY25, with asset management heavily concentrated in the telecom sector at approximately Rs 3.06 lakh crore and the roads sector at Rs 2.46 lakh crore, collectively representing nearly 90 percent of the industry's total AUM.
There are robust prospects for portfolio expansion in areas such as roads, transmission, warehousing, and renewable energy. The medium-term outlook is bolstered by the National Monetisation Pipeline-II, the array of operational HAM assets, and increased activities within transmission and warehousing.
The potential for investment in transmission is substantial, with planned expenditures of around Rs 4.86 lakh crore expected by 2030–31, as outlined in the Central Transmission Utility’s Master Rolling Plan, resulting in a steady supply of operational assets.
According to Maulesh Desai, Director at CareEdge Ratings, "The credit profile of the sector remains robust, supported by a diverse and operational asset pool. However, there is considerable room to improve creditor protections and to expand the domestic investor base, especially since retail investors, mutual funds, and insurance companies have low participation levels currently."
InvITs have raised Rs 88,000 crore of equity during the period from FY23 to FY25 and are projected to secure Rs 16,500 crore in this fiscal year. The bond market's role is expected to remain moderate, with non-convertible debentures making up about 20 percent of the anticipated outstanding debt, according to forecasts from CareEdge.
Furthermore, the credit agency anticipates that India's installed renewable capacity will rise to 460 GW by FY30, paving the way for a significant pipeline of operational assets.
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