At Maple Highways, we aim to contribute to national development and
enhancing regional connectivity. Through our portfolio of high-quality road assets, we
deliver long-term value, fostering sustainable growth and supporting the country?s
broader ambitions while ensuring implementation of the strongest corporate governance
standards.
Dear Unitholders,
I am pleased to present our annual report for the financial year
2024-25. Reflecting on the past year, I am filled with joy to announce that our journey
this year has been defined by purpose and a commitment to building to a smarter, safer and
more sustainable future.
India?s construction sector is poised to become the third-largest
market globally by CY 2025, driven by significant investments in roads, housing,
industrial corridors and urban development. Among these, road infrastructure plays a
crucial role, supporting over 85% of passenger tra_c and 60% of freight transportation
nationwide. Thus, better roads mean faster connectivity, improved logistics and a more
balanced and inclusive economic growth.
India?s road infrastructure sector continues to benefit from a
highly supportive operating environment, with the National Highways Authority of India
(NHAI) playing a pivotal role in expanding and upgrading the national highway network. In
FY 202425, NHAI constructed 5,614 km of highways, surpassing its annual target of
5,150 km. Capital expenditure during the year reached a historic high, up 21% from FY
202324 and 45% higher than FY 202223, reflecting the sustained momentum behind
infrastructure development. This record investment, supported by strong government support
and NHAI?s internal funding, highlights the scale and seriousness of India?s
push for improved connectivity, better roads long-term economic growth.
At Maple Highways, we aim to contribute to national development and
enhancing regional connectivity. Through our portfolio of high-quality road assets, we
deliver long-term value, fostering sustainable growth and supporting the country?s
broader ambitions while ensuring implementation of the strongest corporate governance
standards.
I am proud to share that FY 202425 marks our first year with zero
occupational fatalities, across our entire network including both our employees and
contractors working along our roads, toll plazas, and project sites. This milestone is
especially meaningful considering the scale and complexity of work undertaken during the
year. We carried out an extensive program of road improvements, involving a significant
number of active work zones aimed at enhancing user safety and riding quality. That we
achieved this record in such a high-risk environment is a testament to the e_ectiveness of
our safety systems and the dedication of our field teams.
Our long-term growth strategy rests on acquisition of high-quality
operational assets and bidding for NHAI Toll Operate Transfer (TOT) assets. Under the
Asset Monetisation Plan FY2630 launched by Government of India, H 3,500 Billion is
the monetisation target for Highways.
This year our priority has been to protect EBITDA while strengthening
our commitment to safety and sustainability. At the heart of our operations lies an
unwavering commitment to safety - a core value that shapes every decision we make. I am
proud to share that FY 202425 marks our first year with zero occupational
fatalities, across our entire network including both our employees and contractors working
along our roads, toll plazas, and project sites. This milestone is especially meaningful
considering the scale and complexity of work undertaken during the year. We carried out an
extensive program of road improvements, involving a significant number of active work
zones aimed at enhancing user safety and riding quality. That we achieved this record in
such a high-risk environment is a testament to the e_ectiveness of our safety systems and
the dedication of our field teams. Recognising the need for a global benchmark in tra_c
safety, we took a significant step forward by securing the ISO 39001 certification in Road
Tra_c Safety Management Systems. This marks a substantial upgrade in how we manage
incidents and respond to accidents bringing consistency, speed and precision to our safety
operations.
Parallel to our safety e_orts, we have made steady progress in resource
e_ciency and environmental stewardship. Our solar power infrastructure has been upgraded
to generate 3.7 MW of electricity, reducing our reliance on conventional energy sources.
Through the planting of over 398,000 trees, including dense Miyawaki forests, we are
nurturing green lungs in and around urban corridors.
We strive to build a resilient, future-ready business grounded in
strong asset management and long-term value creation. Through the use of intelligent
technologies, data-driven maintenance and a commitment to quality, we continually enhance
the roads we manage, transforming them into high-performing national assets. Looking
ahead, we plan to anticipate evolving needs and deliver sustainable, impactful results.
I would like to extend my sincere thanks to my fellow directors, our
investors, partners, our great management team and all the Maple employees for their
continued trust, support and belief in our vision. Your encouragement and support have
been instrumental at every stage of our journey, inspiring us to keep striving for
excellence in all that we do. Together, we look forward to building a more connected and
sustainable future.
Thanking You,
Louis-Marie St-Maurice |
Chairman |