VINCI to Acquire Nine Indian Highway Assets in 1.6B USD Deal

French infrastructure company VINCI has signed an agreement with Macquarie Asset Management to acquire a portfolio of nine highway projects in India, strengthening its presence in one of the world’s fastest-growing infrastructure markets.

The deal, announced on March 26, includes nearly 700 kilometres of toll roads in India located across Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat. These highways are part of important national routes, including stretches of NH-16, a key corridor connecting major cities along India’s eastern coast and boosting India infrastructure growth.

The total value of the transaction is estimated at around ₹150 billion (approximately $1.6 billion), making it one of the largest highway acquisition deals in recent years. The acquisition is expected to be completed by the end of 2026, subject to necessary approvals from regulatory authorities.

These road assets operate under the Toll-Operate-Transfer model awarded by the National Highways Authority of India. Under this system, private companies manage existing highways and generate revenue through toll collection revenue for a fixed concession period, which in this case extends between 2048 and 2058.

For VINCI, this move marks a return to India’s road sector after nearly a decade. The company sees strong potential in the country’s expanding road infrastructure sector, driven by rising traffic volumes and economic activity. This also reflects growing global investment in India and confidence in long-term returns.

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VINCI’s subsidiary, ViaPlus, is expected to support the integration of digital tolling systems and smart mobility solutions. These upgrades are aimed at improving traffic flow and accelerating smart mobility solutions in India, enhancing the overall user experience on these highways.

Meanwhile, Macquarie is exiting the portfolio as part of its investment strategy, having acquired the assets in 2018 through India’s first TOT auction. The sale highlights strong foreign investment in highways and continued interest in India transport infrastructure.

Overall, the deal underscores India’s position as a key destination for infrastructure investment opportunities while reinforcing VINCI’s strategy of expanding its footprint in high-growth markets.