Long-term infrastructure bond could be worked out: Goyal (Lead, correcting para 3)

Kolkata : Union Finance Minister Piyush Goyal said on Monday a long-term infrastructure bond could be worked out to ensure better cash flow to projects.

"On Saturday, I called up a meeting with the senior official of one of the largest banks. I was actually suggesting him -- why don't you come up with a long-term infra development bond... say 25-year bond," he said at an interactive session organised by Indian Chamber of Commerce here.

Goyal further said: "People are not able to park their money for long-term in a good asset. Having long-term bonds for a fixed coupon could help projects to plan their cash flows better. It is a thought that I have discussed."

Goyal said the Centre has stressed points with many financial institutions transforming into banks.

"I am open for suggestions for how we can reignite long term lending in infrastructure," Goyal said. He said nothing has been finalised and an idea was seeded.