Indian Railway Finance Corporation (IRFC) has provided a substantial loan of Rs 9,821 crore to the Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Ltd (DFCCIL). This loan is intended to refinance DFCCIL’s foreign currency debt initially obtained from the World Bank for the Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor project.
The formal signing of the loan agreement took place at the Railway Board in New Delhi. Rahul Kapoor, Director Finance at DFCCIL, and Deepa Kotnis, Executive Director Finance at IRFC, were present for this significant event. Chairman & CEO of the Railway Board, Satish Kumar, along with senior officials from both organisations, also attended.
Infrastructure Financing Milestone
IRFC highlighted that this transaction represents a crucial development in India’s infrastructure financing sector. It demonstrates the increasing capability and maturity of Indian financial institutions to support large-scale infrastructure projects through domestic funding solutions. The refinancing deal is seen as a testament to this growing financial strength.
By refinancing the existing World Bank loans with rupee-denominated financing, DFCCIL aims to reduce its exposure to exchange rate fluctuations. This shift from foreign currency debt offers several advantages, including enhanced financial stability for the project.
Role of IRFC in Financial Efficiencies
Manoj Kumar Dubey, Chairman & Managing Director of IRFC, remarked on the significance of this refinancing effort. “This refinancing marks a landmark step in India’s infrastructure financing journey and reflects IRFC’s pivotal role in bringing financial efficiencies to the railway ecosystem,” he stated.
The Rupee Term Loan Agreement was executed with careful planning and collaboration between IRFC and DFCCIL. This agreement underscores the commitment of both organisations to enhance India’s railway infrastructure through effective financial strategies.
This refinancing initiative not only supports DFCCIL’s financial health but also strengthens India’s position in managing large-scale infrastructure projects with domestic resources. The move is expected to set a precedent for future projects seeking similar financial restructuring.
With inputs from PTI
