Rating Rationale
April 18, 2019 | Mumbai
Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Limited
Rating Reaffirmed
 
Rating Action
Total Bank Loan Facilities Rated Rs.1800 Crore
Long Term Rating CRISIL AA+/Stable (Reaffirmed)
 
Rs.1800 Crore Non Convertible Debentures CRISIL AA+/Stable (Reaffirmed)
1 crore = 10 million
Refer to annexure for Details of Instruments & Bank Facilities
Detailed Rationale

CRISIL has reaffirmed its 'CRISIL AA+/Stable' rating to the bank facilities and non convertible debentures of Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Limited (DMRC). The rating continues to reflect support that DMRC gets from its two sponsors: the Government of India (GoI) and the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD). The company also has a comfortable financial risk profile, backed by the project's favourable funding mix. These strengths are partially offset by risks associated with implementation of adequate tariff hikes in future and execution of Phase IV of the Delhi Metro project.
 
In January 2019, Delhi High Court ruled in favour of DMRC setting aside arbitration award over the Airport Express Line. Reliance Infrastructure Limited (RInfra) has appealed against this High Court judgement in Supreme Court. CRISIL shall continue to monitor case proceedings and take rating action depending upon final payment, if any, to be made by DMRC and its mode of funding.

Key Rating Drivers & Detailed Description
Strengths:
* Strong support from sponsors, GoI and GNCTD
GoI and GNCTD have provided significant support to DMRC since inception. The entire debt for all three phases of the Delhi Mass Rapid Transit System (Delhi MRTS) project is part of GoI's sovereign borrowing from Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and is provided to DMRC as a pass-through arrangement. The debt carries a low interest rate and has a long repayment structure of 20 years with a moratorium of 10 years, which enhances viability of the project. GoI and GNCTD both bear the associated foreign currency risk on the loans from JICA, and operating losses, if any will be borne by GNCTD.  The sponsors have also extended interest-free subordinate debt to partially fund the Delhi MRTS project.  As per the sanctioned order issued by the Government of India, no dividend payment is to be made till the entire JICA loans have been repaid, ensuring adequate liquidity from operating cash flow.
 
* Stable cash flow supports strong business risk profile
DMRC enjoys strong cash flow from its existing metro operations in the National Capital Region (NCR). DMRC has more than 340-kilometres (kms) operating network in NCR. Passenger traffic is expected to improve with Phase III becoming operational. Stability of cash flow primarily emanates from the metro being a relatively convenient and economical mode of transportation. Furthermore, DMRC is implementing measures to improve operational efficiency, including reduction of power cost and exploring the option of driverless metros, which will benefit it over the long term.
 
* Strong financial risk profile
Credit risk profile is strong, led by stable and healthy cash flow and comfortable debt protection metrics. Favourable funding and stable cash flow from the currently operational Phases I and II of Delhi Metro ensure healthy debt protection metrics. Over 90% of Phase III is operational and will further result in healthy cash flow. The tariff hike of 90% implemented in two phases in May and October 2017 has improved the earnings and sustained the profitability which fell in fiscal 2017 and 2016 due to delays in fare revision.
 
Although the extent of outflow towards the arbitration award for the Airport Express Line is still not fixed, and DMRC is contesting the award, CRISIL understands that the outflow will be prudently funded. The extent and terms of debt raised by DMRC to make the compensation will be monitorables.
 
Weaknesses:
* Project risks associated with subsequent phases of the Delhi Metro project
DMRC faces moderate execution risk associated with the ongoing Phase III of the metro project and the subsequent phases. As on March 2019, 154 kms of track length became operational in Phase III and the project is likely to be completed in fiscal 2020. CRISIL understands the subsequent phases i.e. Phase-IV will be funded similarly as the existing phases (long tenor and low coupon). Any deviation will be a rating sensitivity factor.
 
* Timely implementation of future tariff revisions
The company's credit risk profile is sensitive to timely and adequate tariff increases over the life of its assets. Implementation of the current revision completed in October 2017 in tariff was significantly delayed due to delays in formation of the fare fixation committee by GoI. Timely implementation of adequate tariff hikes, in line with rising operating cost, is critical for DMRC's credit risk profile, and can be a challenge given the socio-political implications of tariff revisions.
Liquidity

DMRC has adequate liquidity to service near term debt obligations. It is expected to have future cash accruals of over Rs 2000 crore each in FY20 and FY21 against total debt servicing obligations of close to Rs 1000 crore during the same period. Cash & cash equivalents as per financial statement as on 31st March 2018 was around Rs 6600 crore.

Outlook: Stable

CRISIL believes DMRC's credit risk profile is expected to be stable driven by fare hike implementation in calendar year 2017.
 
Upside scenario
* Higher-than-expected increase in cash accrual, on account of substantial traffic growth, ramp-up of airport line, or timely, subsequent fare revisions.
 
Downside scenario
* Pressure on cash flow because of delays in revision of tariff or significant increase in debt from expectations
* Delays in commissioning of balance portion of Phase-III project, leading to delayed ramp-up of cash flow from phase III

About the Company

Delhi Metro is being built and operated by DMRC, a state-owned company with equal equity participation from GoI and GNCTD. The project is under administrative control of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MOH&UA), GoI. Besides constructing and operating Delhi Metro, DMRC is involved in planning and implementation of metro rail, monorail, light rail, and high-speed rail projects in India. It provides consultancy services to other metro projects in the country and abroad.
 
Delhi Metro has been planned in four phases with the third phase costing Rs 47,000 crore. While Phases I and II are operational, Phase III is under construction. The first two phases have a combined length of 190 km, and Phase III has a length of 160 km, of which, a stretch of 154 kms has been commissioned.
 
Airport Express Line
DMRC entered into a 30-year concession agreement with Delhi Airport Metro Express Pvt Ltd (DAMEPL) to finance, design, procure, install, and commission all systems, and operate and maintain Airport Metro Express Line under a public-private partnership model. DAMEPL, a specialpurpose vehicle, is a consortium formed by Reliance Infrastructure Ltd (RInfra) and Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles, SA (CAF) of Spain, with 95% and 5% stakes, respectively. As part of viability gap funding, DMRC designed and constructed Airport Express Line's basic civil structure at a cost of Rs 1700 crore. The line was commissioned by DAMEPL on February 23, 2011, against the scheduled completion date of September 30, 2010. After a sequence of events, DAMEPL served a final notice of termination to DMRC on June 27, 2013, conveying inter-alia that it intends to stop services on the airport line. While DMRC has taken over the Airport Express Line project with effect from July 1, 2013, litigation is ongoing with respect to liabilities on DAMEPL and DMRC on account of termination.

Key Financial Indicators - (DMRC; CRISIL adjusted numbers)
Particulars Unit 2018 2017
Revenue Rs crore 6211 5388
Profit after tax Rs crore -95 -229
PAT margin % -1.53 -4.26
Adjusted debt/adjusted net worth Times 1.48 1.32
Interest coverage Times 6.99 5.97

Any other information: Not applicable

Note on complexity levels of the rated instrument:
CRISIL complexity levels are assigned to various types of financial instruments. The CRISIL complexity levels are available on www.crisil.com/complexity-levels. Users are advised to refer to the CRISIL complexity levels for instruments that they consider for investment. Users may also call the Customer Service Helpdesk with queries on specific instruments.
Annexure - Details of Instrument(s)
ISIN Name of instrument Date of allotment Coupon rate (%) Maturity
date
Issue size
(Rs crore)
Rating Assigned with Outlook
NA Debentures# NA NA NA 1800 CRISIL AA+/Stable
NA Proposed Long Term Bank Loan Facility NA NA NA 1800 CRISIL AA+/Stable
#Not yet placed
Annexure - Rating History for last 3 Years
  Current 2019 (History) 2018  2017  2016  Start of 2016
Instrument Type Outstanding Amount Rating Date Rating Date Rating Date Rating Date Rating Rating
Non Convertible Debentures  LT  0.00
18-04-19 
CRISIL AA+/Stable      23-05-18  CRISIL AA+/Stable  02-06-17  CRISIL AA+/Stable  13-12-16  CRISIL AA+/Negative  CRISIL AA+/Negative 
Fund-based Bank Facilities  LT/ST  1800.00  CRISIL AA+/Stable      23-05-18  CRISIL AA+/Stable  02-06-17  CRISIL AA+/Stable  13-12-16  CRISIL AA+/Negative  CRISIL AA+/Negative 
All amounts are in Rs.Cr.
Annexure - Details of various bank facilities
Current facilities Previous facilities
Facility Amount (Rs.Crore) Rating Facility Amount (Rs.Crore) Rating
Proposed Long Term Bank Loan Facility 1800 CRISIL AA+/Stable Proposed Long Term Bank Loan Facility 1800 CRISIL AA+/Stable
Total 1800 -- Total 1800 --
Links to related criteria
CRISILs Approach to Financial Ratios
CRISILs Bank Loan Ratings - process, scale and default recognition
CRISILs Bank Loan Ratings
The Rating Process

For further information contact:
Media Relations
Analytical Contacts
Customer Service Helpdesk
Saman Khan
Media Relations
CRISIL Limited
D: +91 22 3342 3895
B: +91 22 3342 3000
saman.khan@crisil.com

Naireen Ahmed
Media Relations
CRISIL Limited
D: +91 22 3342 1818
B: +91 22 3342 3000
naireen.ahmed@crisil.com

Vinay Rajani
Media Relations
CRISIL Limited
D: +91 22 3342 1835
M: +91 91 676 42913
B: +91 22 3342 3000
vinay.rajani@ext-crisil.com

Subodh Kumar Rai
Senior Director - CRISIL Ratings
CRISIL Limited
B:+91 124 672 2000
subodh.rai@crisil.com


Manish Kumar Gupta
Senior Director - CRISIL Ratings
CRISIL Limited
B:+91 124 672 2000
manish.gupta@crisil.com


Nitesh Bathwal
Rating Analyst - CRISIL Ratings
CRISIL Limited
D:+91 124 672 2105
Nitesh.Bathwal@crisil.com
Timings: 10.00 am to 7.00 pm
Toll free Number:1800 267 1301

For a copy of Rationales / Rating Reports:
CRISILratingdesk@crisil.com
 
For Analytical queries:
ratingsinvestordesk@crisil.com


 

Note for Media:
This rating rationale is transmitted to you for the sole purpose of dissemination through your newspaper / magazine / agency. The rating rationale may be used by you in full or in part without changing the meaning or context thereof but with due credit to CRISIL. However, CRISIL alone has the sole right of distribution (whether directly or indirectly) of its rationales for consideration or otherwise through any media including websites, portals etc.


About CRISIL Limited

CRISIL is a leading agile and innovative, global analytics company driven by its mission of making markets function better. We are India’s foremost provider of ratings, data, research, analytics and solutions. A strong track record of growth, culture of innovation and global footprint sets us apart. We have delivered independent opinions, actionable insights, and efficient solutions to over 1,00,000 customers.
 
We are majority owned by S&P Global Inc., a leading provider of transparent and independent ratings, benchmarks, analytics and data to the capital and commodity markets worldwide.
 
For more information, visit www.crisil.com 


Connect with us: TWITTER | LINKEDIN | YOUTUBE | FACEBOOK

About CRISIL Ratings
CRISIL Ratings is part of CRISIL Limited (“CRISIL”). We pioneered the concept of credit rating in India in 1987. CRISIL is registered in India as a credit rating agency with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (“SEBI”). With a tradition of independence, analytical rigour and innovation, CRISIL sets the standards in the credit rating business. We rate the entire range of debt instruments, such as, bank loans, certificates of deposit, commercial paper, non-convertible / convertible / partially convertible bonds and debentures, perpetual bonds, bank hybrid capital instruments, asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities, partial guarantees and other structured debt instruments. We have rated over 24,500 large and mid-scale corporates and financial institutions. CRISIL has also instituted several innovations in India in the rating business, including rating municipal bonds, partially guaranteed instruments and microfinance institutions. We also pioneered a globally unique rating service for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and significantly extended the accessibility to rating services to a wider market. Over 1,10,000 MSMEs have been rated by us.


CRISIL PRIVACY
 
CRISIL respects your privacy. We may use your contact information, such as your name, address, and email id to fulfil your request and service your account and to provide you with additional information from CRISIL.For further information on CRISIL’s privacy policy please visit www.crisil.com.


DISCLAIMER

This disclaimer forms part of and applies to each credit rating report and/or credit rating rationale that we provide (each a “Report”). For the avoidance of doubt, the term “Report” includes the information, ratings and other content forming part of the Report. The Report is intended for the jurisdiction of India only. This Report does not constitute an offer of services. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, nothing in the Report is to be construed as CRISIL providing or intending to provide any services in jurisdictions where CRISIL does not have the necessary licenses and/or registration to carry out its business activities referred to above. Access or use of this Report does not create a client relationship between CRISIL and the user.

We are not aware that any user intends to rely on the Report or of the manner in which a user intends to use the Report. In preparing our Report we have not taken into consideration the objectives or particular needs of any particular user. It is made abundantly clear that the Report is not intended to and does not constitute an investment advice. The Report is not an offer to sell or an offer to purchase or subscribe for any investment in any securities, instruments, facilities or solicitation of any kind or otherwise enter into any deal or transaction with the entity to which the Report pertains. The Report should not be the sole or primary basis for any investment decision within the meaning of any law or regulation (including the laws and regulations applicable in the US).

Ratings from CRISIL Rating are statements of opinion as of the date they are expressed and not statements of fact or recommendations to purchase, hold, or sell any securities / instruments or to make any investment decisions. Any opinions expressed here are in good faith, are subject to change without notice, and are only current as of the stated date of their issue. CRISIL assumes no obligation to update its opinions following publication in any form or format although CRISIL may disseminate its opinions and analysis. CRISIL rating contained in the Report is not a substitute for the skill, judgment and experience of the user, its management, employees, advisors and/or clients when making investment or other business decisions. The recipients of the Report should rely on their own judgment and take their own professional advice before acting on the Report in any way.CRISIL or its associates may have other commercial transactions with the company/entity.

Neither CRISIL nor its affiliates, third party providers, as well as their directors, officers, shareholders, employees or agents (collectively, “CRISIL Parties”) guarantee the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the Report, and no CRISIL Party shall have any liability for any errors, omissions, or interruptions therein, regardless of the cause, or for the results obtained from the use of any part of the Report. EACH CRISIL PARTY DISCLAIMS ANY AND ALL EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, SUITABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE. In no event shall any CRISIL Party be liable to any party for any direct, indirect, incidental, exemplary, compensatory, punitive, special or consequential damages, costs, expenses, legal fees, or losses (including, without limitation, lost income or lost profits and opportunity costs) in connection with any use of any part of the Report even if advised of the possibility of such damages.

CRISIL Ratings may receive compensation for its ratings and certain credit-related analyses, normally from issuers or underwriters of the instruments, facilities, securities or from obligors. CRISIL’s public ratings and analysis as are required to be disclosed under the regulations of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (and other applicable regulations, if any) are made available on its web sites, www.crisil.com (free of charge). Reports with more detail and additional information may be available for subscription at a fee – more details about CRISIL ratings are available here: www.crisilratings.com.

CRISIL and its affiliates do not act as a fiduciary. While CRISIL has obtained information from sources it believes to be reliable, CRISIL does not perform an audit and undertakes no duty of due diligence or independent verification of any information it receives and / or relies in its Reports. CRISIL keeps certain activities of its business units separate from each other in order to preserve the independence and objectivity of the respective activity. As a result, certain business units of CRISIL may have information that is not available to other CRISIL business units. CRISIL has established policies and procedures to maintain the confidentiality of certain non-public information received in connection with each analytical process. CRISIL has in place a ratings code of conduct and policies for analytical firewalls and for managing conflict of interest. For details please refer to: https://www.crisil.com/en/home/our-businesses/ratings/regulatory-disclosures/highlighted-policies.html

CRISIL’s rating criteria are generally available without charge to the public on the CRISIL public web site, www.crisil.com. For latest rating information on any instrument of any company rated by CRISIL you may contact CRISIL RATING DESK at CRISILratingdesk@crisil.com, or at (0091) 1800 267 1301.

This Report should not be reproduced or redistributed to any other person or in any form without a prior written consent of CRISIL.

All rights reserved @ CRISIL