NHAI plans monetisation of 1,692 km of highways across 9 states in FY 2026–27; 17 projects identified

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has finalised a tentative list of National Highway stretches proposed for monetisation during the Financial Year 2026–27 under the Toll-Operate-Transfer (TOT) and Infrastructure Investment Trust (InvIT) frameworks. The list excludes assets planned for monetisation through the Raajmarg Infra Investment Trust (RIIT).

"In order to unlock value from operational National Highway assets, NHAI has finalised a tentative list of National Highway stretches proposed for monetisation under the Toll-Operate-Transfer (TOT) and Infrastructure Investment Trust (InvIT) modes during the Financial Year 2026–27. However, the list does not include the assets proposed to be monetised through Raajmarg Infra Investment Trust (RIIT) for FY 2026–27," the official release from the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways read.

Part of broader asset monetisation strategy

The initiative is part of the government of India’s broader asset monetisation strategy aimed at unlocking value from operational highway assets to mobilise long-term capital for new infrastructure development. It also seeks to encourage private sector participation, improve operational efficiency, and accelerate the expansion and modernisation of the national highway network.

1,692.5 km of highways identified across 17 projects

According to the proposal, the identified highway assets span a total length of 1,692.5 km across 17 projects. These stretches are spread across nine states, including Haryana, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Maharashtra.

Key highway corridors included

The highway stretches include key economic and logistics corridors such as sections of NH-9 in Haryana, NH-20 and NH-43 in Jharkhand, NH-150A and NH-63 in Karnataka, NH-52 and NH-27 in Rajasthan, NH-38 and NH-785 in Tamil Nadu, NH-163 in Telangana, NH-34 and NH-29 in Uttar Pradesh, NH-31 in Bihar, and NH-52 and NH-361 in Maharashtra.

Selection based on traffic and connectivity potential

NHAI stated that these assets have been selected based on established traffic potential and their strategic connectivity significance. The monetisation process will be undertaken through transparent and structured mechanisms under TOT and InvIT models, which have been increasingly used to attract institutional investors into India’s highway infrastructure sector.

Bundling and final list may be revised

The authority added that the bundling of assets will be finalised at a later stage by the competent authority. It also clarified that the list remains tentative and may be modified, with the possibility of additions or deletions before the final monetisation rounds.

According to the NHAI circular, dated May 26, it said, "The bundling of the assets shall be decided later by the Competent Authority." "The list shall be tentative and the Authority shall reserve the right to add/ modify or delete stretches in the list," it added.

Expected impact on infrastructure funding

Officials said the move is expected to help unlock capital from operational assets, which can then be reinvested into new highway construction and upgradation projects. This, in turn, is aimed at strengthening logistics efficiency, improving connectivity, and supporting long-term economic growth across the country.

"The initiative also reinforces NHAI’s commitment towards developing a modern, resilient, and sustainable National Highway network to support economic growth, enhance logistics efficiency, and provide seamless connectivity across the country," the release concluded.