MoRTH eases eligibility criteria for linear projects players

The Indian government has relaxed the eligibility criteria for bidders wishing to participate in the public-private partnership (PPP) model for highway projects. Previously, only infrastructure players with experience in highway construction were eligible to bid, but now those who have developed other linear projects, such as airport runways, railway tracks and ports, are also eligible. However, to ensure that only experienced companies bid, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has stipulated that bidders must have a credit rating of BBB or above and a minimum net worth. Additionally, bidders must have completed at least one similar project, amounting to 20% of the estimated project cost. This new provision aims to prevent inexperienced "fly-by-night operators" from bidding unrealistically and hampering project outcomes. For projects under the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM), which involves cost-sharing with the government, bidders can also qualify with experience in rural infrastructure, real estate projects that demonstrate road development, or the construction of bridges and culverts.