KKR has launched the Highways Infrastructure Trust (HIT), a roads infrastructure investment trust (InvIT) in India. The new vehicle is KKR’s third InvIT in India, following the launch of the Virescent Renewable Energy Trust, India’s first renewable energy InvIT, and India Grid Trust, a transmissions InvIT.
Together, these platforms operate and manage 33 assets valued at over $3.8 billion across 22 states or union territories across India.
HIT’s initial portfolio comprises of six roads assets with a total length of more than 450 kilometers across six states in India. The assets, which include a diversified mix of toll and annuity roads, are located in Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Meghalaya, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana. In addition, HIT is considering a pipeline of acquisition targets, including through its sponsor. The platform possesses significant growth potential and seeks to invest in high-quality assets, including through bolt-on acquisitions.
HIT has been assigned a ‘Provisional AAA/Stable’ rating for its loan facilities from CRISIL, S&P’s India affiliate. The rating reflects the assets’ favorable location and geographical diversity, as well as strong track record of revenue.
HIT’s launch takes place on the back of growing demand to expand India’s road network, the second-largest globally, as passenger traffic and commercial vehicle traffic continue to increase. Today, India’s road network is responsible for 90% of total passenger traffic and the movement of almost 65% of all goods across the country.
