Vodafone Idea needs fresh round of equity infusion by 2021, say lenders

All telecom firms to remain under stress despite tariff hike

Despite slashing its capital expenditure, Vodafone Idea would require fresh round of equity infusion from its promoters by 2020-21, as its cash, including proceeds from the Indus stake sale, would last only for the next 15 months.  

The company had raised Rs 25,000 crore in May this year via a rights issue in which promoters — Vodafone Plc of the UK and Birla Group — invested Rs 11,000 crore and Rs 7,250 crore, respectively, according to their shareholding in the company.  

The rights issue was priced at the rate of Rs 12.50 a share. Since the rights issue closed, Vodafone