Gadkari looks to revive BOT model for highway projects

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) may bid out a tenth of its road awards next fiscal year through the BOT (build, operate and transfer) route, road ministry officials said on Monday, even as Union road minister Nitin Gadkari highlighted the model for its efficiency.

- 

In BOT projects, private investors take the risk of financing, building and operating highway projects over a concession.

period of 20-30 years. The developer then recoups investments through user charges or tolls, thereby taking some amount of financial risk. BOT projects have often seen the best road building technologies and highest efficiency. Gadkari said BOT plays a critical role in enhancing the nation's infrastructure quality, economy and employment prospects.

"The BOT model can help in doing quality and maximum work in less time. More innovative models can be brought. This can help in multiplying the economy, reduction in logistics costs, employment generation and better public service," Gadkari said while addressing a plenary session of key stakeholders including regional officers of the road ministry, the NHAI, and National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corp. Ltd in New Delhi on Monday.