Budget wishlist: Here are the key challenges in infrastructure sector

Implementation of reforms related to corporatisation of ports needs acceleration

Key challenges

Domestic air traffic recovered considerably post-second Covid wave, the outlook on international travel is still uncertain. This has delayed recovery of non-aero revenues, especially from duty free, which is severely impacted due to collapse of international traffic.

Airline profitability is further challenged by the burden of indirect taxes which is in excess of 20% of their revenues, due to inability to get input credits

Roads has one of the largest expenditure commitments under NIP. However, with borrowing restricted to Rs 65,000 crore for NHAI, and budgetary support likely to be constrained by large fiscal deficit, identifying off-balance sheet finance will be