Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs) were introduced in India as an innovative financing mechanism to address the growing need for infrastructure development....
These trusts enable infrastructure developers to monetize operational assets, reduce debt, and attract long-term investments from both domestic and international markets.The concept of InvITs in India gained momentum with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) framing regulations for their operation in 2014. These regulations provided a transparent framework covering governance, disclosure requirements, and listing norms, ensuring investor protection and aligning with global standards.
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The first InvIT in India was launched in 2017 by IRB Infrastructure Developers, marking a significant milestone in the country's infrastructure financing journey.
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Shortly afterward, IndiGrid InvIT, focusing on power transmission assets, was introduced.
These early InvITs were structured as publicly listed entities, allowing both retail and institutional investors to participate, thereby broadening the investor base for infrastructure projects.
Over the years, InvITs in India have evolved significantly. Initially focused on roads and power sectors, their scope has expanded to include telecom towers, gas pipelines, and renewable energy assets. SEBI further supported the sector's growth by introducing private unlisted InvITs, which cater to large institutional investors like pension funds and sovereign wealth funds, offering greater flexibility and fewer regulatory requirements. Additionally, the government’s push for asset monetization under initiatives like the National Monetization Pipeline (NMP) has provided strong momentum for the growth of InvITs.
Several key milestones have defined the development of InvITs in India:
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In 2019, tax reforms clarified capital gains taxation and exempted dividend distributions, making InvITs more attractive to investors.
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The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the resilience of InvITs, with significant foreign investments pouring into this asset class during 2020 and 2021.
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The inclusion of InvITs in SEBI's framework for mutual fund investments also enhanced their accessibility to retail investors.
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Notably, in 2021, the launch of Tower Infrastructure Trust, India's first telecom InvIT, showcased diversification into new asset categories.
Today, InvITs have mobilized billions of dollars and play a vital role in financing India's infrastructure growth. They are poised for further expansion into sectors such as water supply, urban infrastructure, and railways. Regulatory changes, lower investment thresholds, and increased retail participation are expected to boost their adoption further. With a growing focus on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) compliance, InvITs are also likely to attract sustainable investments from global funds.
1. Minimum Investment:
2. Rights and Governance:
3. Regular Returns:
4. Transparency: