Indian Infrastructure- Industry Analysis

The infrastructure sector has become the biggest focus area of the Government of India. Under Union Budget 2018-19, US$ 92.22 billion was allocated to the sector.

Increased impetus to develop infrastructure in the country is attracting both domestic and international players. Private sector is emerging as a key player across various infrastructure segments, ranging from roads and communications to power and airports. In order to boost the construction of buildings in the country, the Government of India has decided to come up with a single window clearance facility to accord speedy approval of construction projects.

The cumulative growth in the index of eight core industries was 4.7 per cent year-on-year in April 2018. Significant allocation to the infrastructure sector in the 12th Five-Year Plan, and investment requirement of US$ 1 trillion is expected to create huge demand for construction equipment in India. The country needs around 55 new airports by 2030 with an investment of US$ 36-45 billion. In the road’s sector, the government’s policy to increase private sector participation has proved to be a boon for the infrastructure industry with a large number of private players entering the business through the public-private partnership (PPP) model. During the next five years, investment through PPP is expected to be US$ 31 billion. India has a requirement of investment worth Rs 50 trillion (US$ 777.73 billion) in infrastructure by 2022 to have sustainable development in the country.

Indian infrastructure sector witnessed 91 M&A deals worth US$ 5.4 billion in 2017. Private equity and venture capital (PE/VC) investments in the sector reached US$ 3.3 billion with 25 deals during January-May 2018. All villages in India will be connected through a road network by 2019 under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY). In August 2017, a new Metro Rail Policy was announced to boost private investment in the sector. In January 2018, the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) partnered with UAE-based DP World to create a platform that mobilise investments worth US$ 3 billion into ports, terminals, transportation, and logistics businesses in India. The Government is also working on improving energy infrastructure in the country and investment opportunities worth US$ 300 billion will be available in the sector in the coming 10 years.