In a significant move aimed at unlocking value from operational road infrastructure, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has finalised a tentative list of National Highway stretches proposed for monetisation under the Toll-Operate-Transfer (TOT) and Infrastructure Investment Trust (InvIT) frameworks for the financial year 2026–27.
Assets earmarked for monetisation through the Raajmarg Infra Investment Trust (RIIT) have not been included in the latest list.
The initiative forms part of the Government of India’s broader asset monetisation strategy focused on leveraging revenue-generating public infrastructure to mobilise capital for future development projects, encourage private sector participation, and accelerate the expansion and modernisation of the National Highway network.
17 Highway Projects Across 9 States
According to NHAI, the proposed monetisation pipeline includes 17 highway projects covering a total length of approximately 1,692.5 kilometres across nine states:
- Haryana
- Jharkhand
- Karnataka
- Rajasthan
- Tamil Nadu
- Telangana
- Uttar Pradesh
- Bihar
- Maharashtra
These highway stretches include strategically important economic and logistics corridors with established traffic flow and strong revenue potential.
NHAI has also made the complete list of identified projects publicly available on its official website to facilitate transparency and help investors plan participation efficiently.
Monetisation Through TOT And InvIT Models
The monetisation process will be carried out through structured and transparent mechanisms under:
- Toll-Operate-Transfer (TOT) model
- Infrastructure Investment Trust (InvIT) model
Both frameworks have emerged as key tools for attracting long-term institutional investment into India’s infrastructure sector.
Under the TOT model, private investors obtain rights to operate and maintain completed highway stretches for a fixed concession period in return for an upfront payment to the government.
The InvIT model, meanwhile, allows infrastructure assets to be pooled into a trust structure that generates returns for investors through operational revenues such as toll collections.
Focus On Infrastructure Expansion
Officials said the monetisation exercise is intended to generate additional financial resources that can be reinvested into new highway construction and infrastructure upgrades across the country.
The government believes that monetizing mature operational assets will help:
- Accelerate highway expansion projects
- Improve logistics efficiency
- Enhance private sector participation
- Strengthen long-term infrastructure financing
- Improve operational management standards
Boost To National Connectivity
NHAI stated that the initiative reinforces its commitment to building a modern, resilient, and sustainable National Highway network capable of supporting India’s growing economic and transportation needs.
The authority added that improved highway infrastructure is essential for boosting trade, reducing logistics costs, improving regional connectivity, and supporting economic growth across states.
