Sebi gives its go-ahead to road ministry’s proposed public InvIT

Core Insights - The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has approved the Raajmarg Infra Investment Trust (RIIT), which aims to unlock the monetization potential of National Highway assets and create a long-term investment vehicle for retail and domestic investors [8] - The first issuance of InvIT units for retail and public investors is expected to be launched in February 2026 [1][8] - Over the next three to five years, approximately 1,500 km of completed and operational national highways will be introduced into the public InvIT, providing significant investment opportunities for the public [2][8] Investment Vehicle Details - A public InvIT allows retail investors to directly invest in and earn income from a pool of operational infrastructure projects [2][8] - Units of public InvITs will be listed and traded on stock exchanges such as the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), similar to mutual funds or equities [4][8] Financial Background - The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has monetized assets worth Rs 48,995 crore through the Toll-Operate-Transfer (TOT) model and raised around Rs 43,638 crore across four rounds of private InvITs, attracting significant domestic and international investors [5][8] - Raajmarg Infra Investment Managers (RIIMPL) has been established as the investment manager for RIIT, with equity participation from leading banks and financial institutions [6][8] Strategic Importance - The approval of RIIT is seen as a significant milestone in enhancing public participation in India's National Highway infrastructure development [8] - The initiative is expected to deepen public involvement and accelerate the development of a robust National Highway network across the country [7][8]