In a move that frees up funds and boosts the execution of infrastructure projects, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Monday (19 December) launched one of India’s first-ever Surety Bond Insurance products from Bajaj Allianz.

Surety Bond Insurance will act as a security arrangement for infrastructure projects and will insulate the contractor as well as the principal.

The product caters to the requirements of a diversified group of contractors, many of whom are operating in today’s increasingly volatile environment.

The Surety Bond Insurance is a risk transfer tool for the Principal (authority which awards the contract) and shields the Principal from the losses that may arise in case the contractor fails to perform their contractual obligation.

The product gives the principal a contract of guarantee that contractual terms and other business deals will be concluded in accordance with the mutually agreed terms.

In case the contractor doesn’t fulfil the contractual terms, the Principal can raise a claim on the surety bond and recover the losses they have incurred.

“Unlike a bank guarantee, the Surety Bond Insurance does not require large collateral from the contractor thus freeing up significant funds for the contractor, which they can utilise for the growth of the business,” the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways said.

“The product will also help in reducing the contractors’ debts to a large extent thus addressing their financial worries. The product will facilitate the growth of upcoming infrastructure projects in the country,” it added.

“With this new instrument of Surety Bonds, the availability of both liquidity and capacity will definitely be boosted, such products stand to strengthen the sector,” union minister Gadkari said after the product launch.