Indian Railways Sanctions ₹200 Crore Term Loan for Surat MMTH Project

The Indian Railway Finance Corporation (IRFC), the dedicated funding arm of Indian Railways, has sanctioned a term loan of ₹200 crore for the development of the country’s first Multi-Modal Transport Hub (MMTH) in Surat, Gujarat. This financing marks a significant milestone in advancing integrated transport infrastructure in India.

The loan

agreement was formally signed in New Delhi between IRFC and Surat Integrated Transportation Development Corporation Limited (SITCO). SITCO is a special purpose vehicle (SPV) formed under the joint ownership of the Indian Railways, Government of Gujarat, and Surat Municipal Corporation. Its core mandate is to oversee the planning, execution, and operational management of the ambitious MMTH project.

By sanctioning this term loan, the Indian Railways has underlined its commitment towards upgrading passenger amenities, urban transport integration, and boosting Surat’s role as a hub of trade and commerce.

What is MMTH (Multi-Modal Transport Hub) in Gujarat?

The Surat Multi-Modal Transport Hub (MMTH) is designed to become a world-class passenger interchange facility that integrates multiple modes of transport under a single roof. Unlike conventional railway stations, this hub has been conceptualised to ensure seamless connectivity and enhanced commuter experience.

The project boasts of six entry and exit points for easy accessibility. A state-of-the-art skywalk is planned to directly connect the railway station, GSRTC bus terminal, and the city bus station, enabling hassle-free movement for lakhs of daily commuters.

The overall project cost has been pegged at around ₹5,000 crore, with Phase 1 estimated at approximately ₹1,500 crore. Once completed, the MMTH will not only ease congestion but also create a sustainable and modernised transport ecosystem in Surat, which is India’s fastest-growing urban cluster.

The table below provides a structured breakdown of the Surat MMTH project details:

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Key Details of Surat MMTH Project
 

The significance of this project lies not just in infrastructure development but also in economic potential. The MMTH will enhance Surat’s standing as a global diamond and textile hub by providing smooth transit for professionals, traders, and tourists.

What is a Term Loan?

While the MMTH project highlights large-scale corporate borrowing, it is important to understand what a term loan is and how it functions in India’s financial system. A term loan is a fixed sum borrowed from a bank or financial institution that is repaid over a predetermined schedule, typically ranging from 1 year to 30 years, depending on the purpose and agreement terms.

These loans are not exclusive to corporates like SITCO. They are widely accessible across categories, including individuals, businesses, and government-linked corporations.

Who Can Apply for a Term Loan?

The eligibility criteria for term loans vary based on the borrower profile. A general overview is as follows:

• Individuals: Salaried employees, professionals, and self-employed persons with a stable income.
   
• Businesses: Small and medium enterprises (SMEs), startups, and large corporations needing capital for expansion, equipment purchase, or infrastructure.
   
• Government/Corporates: Public entities like SITCO can apply for term loans to finance large-scale projects.
   

Eligibility Requirements of a Term Loan
 

1. Creditworthiness – A good credit history and repayment record.
    
2. Stable Income or Cash Flows – Proof of sufficient and regular income.
    
3. Collateral/Security – Depending on the loan size, banks may require collateral such as property, equipment, or government guarantees.
    
4. Purpose of Loan – The loan must be utilised for the specified purpose (e.g., infrastructure, education, housing, business expansion).
    

Interest Rates on Term Loans

Interest rates on term loans in India usually range between 7% and 12% per annum for corporates and 8% to 14% for individuals, depending on tenure, collateral, and borrower profile. In the case of infrastructure projects like MMTH, the rates are typically lower due to government backing and strong repayment assurances.

The table below provides a comparative overview of term loans:

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Overview of Term Loan Features
 

This table demonstrates that while term loans cater to a wide variety of borrowers, their applicability, interest rates, and security requirements differ significantly depending on the scale and risk of the project.

Conclusion

The sanction of a ₹200 crore term loan by IRFC for the Surat Multi-Modal Transport Hub stands as a crucial step in modernising India’s transportation landscape. With six entry-exit points, a skywalk linking rail and bus terminals, and a phased development plan, MMTH promises to redefine commuter convenience and urban mobility in Gujarat.

At the same time, the project offers a real-world example of how term loans enable large-scale infrastructure growth. Whether for individuals seeking home financing or corporations like SITCO undertaking billion-rupee projects, term loans continue to be a backbone of India’s financial system.

As Surat positions itself as a model of urban development, the MMTH project, backed by IRFC’s financial support, will not only improve passenger experience but also catalyse economic activity, setting a benchmark for future multi-modal hubs across the country.

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