Reserve Bank of India releases draft direction on the prudential framework applicable to financing of project loans - (03 May 2024)

Banking

With a view to strengthen the extant regulatory framework governing project finance and to harmonise the instructions across all regulated entities, RBI released the draft Direction on the prudential framework applicable to financing of project loans. Due to the complexities involved in project finance, the revised guidelines seek to provide an enabling framework for the regulated entities for financing of project loans, while addressing the underlying risks.

Lenders desirous to have project finance exposures shall have a Board-approved policy for resolution of stress in the projects on occurrence of a credit event. For any project, all mandatory pre-requisites should be in place before financial closure. An indicative list of such pre-requisites includes availability of encumbrance free land and/or right of way, environmental clearance, legal clearance, regulatory clearances, etc., as applicable for the project. However, for infrastructure projects under PPP model, land availability to the extent of 50% or more can be considered sufficient by lenders to achieve financial closure.

A positive net present value (NPV) is a prerequisite for any Project financed by lenders. Any subsequent diminution in NPV during the construction phase, either due to changes in projected cash flows, project life-period or any other relevant factor which may lead to credit impairment, shall be construed as a credit event. Accordingly, lenders shall get the project NPV independently re-evaluated every year.

Tags : RBI NET PRESENT VALUE NPV