Newsletter
The government has a new plan to raise a lot more money from the assets it already owns.
What’s happening: under National Monetisation Pipeline 2.0, it aims to generate ₹16.7 lakh crore between FY26 and FY30. That’s much higher than the earlier ₹10 lakh crore target.
In simple terms, the government plans to raise more money by leasing out public assets like highways, railways, airports and power projects. Ownership typically stays with the government, but private players get the right to operate and earn from these assets for a fixed period.
This time, the push is stronger. Across 12 sectors, highways and logistics parks are expected to bring in the biggest chunk, around ₹4.42 lakh crore, or 26% of the total target.
The government is also looking at raising money by selling small stakes in public sector companies. For example, GAIL may move its city gas business into a separate company, GAIL Gas, and list it on the stock market around FY28. That IPO could raise about ₹3,100 crore.
Airports Authority of India is planning to sell stakes in one subsidiary and four joint ventures, aiming to raise ₹12,550 crore through different market routes. In the coal sector, Coal India is also expected to sell small stakes in its subsidiaries, with a target of ₹48,350 crore.
This matters because it can lead to better highways, airports and logistics as private players invest in efficiency. It can create jobs and fund new infrastructure without adding too much government debt. But it may also mean higher tolls or user fees. In short, it affects services you use and the costs you pay.
