Public assets set to meet private capital

First REIT for real estate monetisation likely by December

- PRASANTA SAHU

THE CENTRE IS preparing an ambitious push to unlock value from its vast real estate holdings by monetising underutilised public assets through Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs).

Office complexes, guest houses, hotels, railway stations, bus terminals, stadiums, hospitals and community centres in government colonies are being assessed for inclusion.

Asset monetisation has emerged as a key priority for the next five years as the government looks to raise upfront revenues, attract private capital and ease fiscal pressures without fresh borrowing. The focus is on recycling brownfield assets rather than selling them outright, improving utilisation while retaining public ownership.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman flagged the strategy in her February 1 Budget speech, announcing plans to accelerate monetisation of central public sector enterprise (CPSE) real estate through dedicated REITs. Officials estimate land and building monetisation could initially generate ₹10,000-15,000 crore annually in upfront revenues and investments.