Note:- For activities or ratings of instruments falling under the purview of Financial Sector Regulators other than SEBI, the grievance / dispute redressal mechanisms and investor protection mechanisms provided by SEBI shall not be available.
Rating Rationale
Acuite has assigned the long term rating of ACUITE A+ (read as ACUITE A plus) on the Rs. 17500.00 Cr. bank facilities of Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation Limited (MSRDC). The outlook is 'Stable'
Rationale for rating
The rating assigned reflects the strategic importance of MSRDC as the implementation agency for key road infrastructure projects in the state of Maharashtra. MSRDC undertakes the construction of various projects through its SPVs. Further, the entity is wholly owned by the Government of Maharashtra and receives continued operational and financial support from the state government. Additionally, majority of MSRDC’s debt is guaranteed by the state government. However, the rating is constrained by the high debt onboarding and long gestation period of the projects. These risks are moderated to some extent by MSRDC’s long track record of operations.
About the Company
Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation Limited (MSRDC) was established in 1996 by the government of Maharashtra. The entity is engaged in undertaking construction and operation of various road infrastructure projects. MSRDC is charged with the responsibility of planning, designing, constructing and managing select road projects, flyovers, bridges, light rail transit, sea links and water transport etc. in Maharashtra and integrated road development projects in select cities of the state. It also provides roadside amenities and any other infrastructure tasks specifically assigned to it.The operations are overseen by the deputy Chief Minister, who is the chairman of the entity.
Unsupported Rating
Not Applicable
Analytical Approach
Acuite has considered the standalone business and financial risk profile of MSRDC Limited to arrive at the rating.
Key Rating Drivers
Strengths
Strategic importance to the state government to implement key infrastructure projects
MSRDC was established by the GoM in 1996 to undertake road infrastructure projects across the state. The entity receives assistance from the government in the form of financial aid, guarantees against debt as well as assistance in land acquisition. The financial assistance is received in the form of grants, loans and guarantee for debt availed. The board and management comprises of government officials appointed by the state, with the deputy Chief Minister being the chairman. Over the years, the entity has been the implementation agency for some of key projects of the state namely Samruddhi Mahamarg, Mumbai Pune Expressway,Bandra Worli Sea link, etc
Financial flexibility and resource mobilization ability
MSRDC was established to implement road infrastructure development projects for the Government of Maharashtra. The entity generates revenues from toll collection, project monetisation receipts and lease rentals. Further, the entity earns significant interest on its large cash balances. The corporation also receives government grants on a timely basis for its various projects. Further, as a strategically important arm of the GoM and strong historical track record of executions, it enjoys financial flexibility in terms of raising funds from financial institutions at favourable rates, securitized against project cashflows with long moratorium periods.
Fiscal position of government of Maharashtra
Maharashtra is India’s leading industrial state; it’s gross state domestic product (GSDP) is expected (at current prices) to be Rs. 54.09 Lakh Cr. for FY2026-27 as against Rs 51.01 Lakh Cr. for FY2025-26 (RE). The fiscal deficit of Maharashtra for FY2026-27 is targeted at 2.8 percent of GSDP against 3.0% percent in FY2025-26 (RE).
Weaknesses
Significant capex plans elevating the debt levels
The authority is currently executing some key projects such as Versova Bandra sea link, Jalna Nanded expressway, Pune ring road project, etc. These projects are majorly funded through a mix of external debt and grants. Therefore, with the increasing project execution pipeline, the external debt has increased. Moreover, this debt is expected to increase further in the near to medium term, owing to debt drawdowns for ongoing projects and new developments to be financed through additional borrowings.
Project execution risk
Large scale infrastructure projects generally have long gestation periods, also face delays owing to issues such as land acquisition, regulatory hurdles, environmental clearance, etc. which may lead to significant time and cost overruns. However, considering the long track record of project execution by MSRDC, the risk is mitigated to some extent.
Rating Sensitivities
Potential triggers (individual or collective) for an upward rating action:
Reduction in debt levels thereby lowering finance costs and leading to positive cash accruals
Timely completion and monetisation of projects
Potential triggers (individual or collective) for a downward rating action:
Significant increase in debt levels or lowering of inflows leading to rise in gearing above 1.5 times
Any change in support extended by GoM
Liquidity Position
Strong
The corporation has an operational track record of three decades, that has helped it to accumulate healthy cash and bank balances, which stood at ~Rs. 4935.88 Cr. on March 31, 2025 (Prov.). While the continuous capex leads to fluctuation in the cash balances, the continued inflow of grants and interest income is expected to keep the liquidity position of the entity, strong over the medium term. MSRDC received grants of ~Rs. 6000 – 7000 Cr. and interest income of ~Rs. 90 – 100 Cr. in FY2025 (Prov.)
Outlook: Stable
Other Factors affecting Rating
None
Particulars
Unit
FY 25 (Provisional)
FY 24 (Provisional)
Operating Income
Rs. Cr.
1462.46
1297.02
PAT
Rs. Cr.
(745.79)
(70.04)
PAT Margin
(%)
(51.00)
(5.40)
Total Debt/Tangible Net Worth
Times
0.83
0.45
PBDIT/Interest
Times
0.63
0.90
Status of non-cooperation with previous CRA (if applicable)
Note:- For activities or ratings of instruments falling under the purview of Financial Sector Regulators other than SEBI, the grievance / dispute redressal mechanisms and investor protection mechanisms provided by SEBI shall not be available.
Contacts
List of instruments and names of regulators of the instruments