April infrastructure output grows 4.7%

A labourer cuts an iron rod at the construction site of a flyover on the outskirts of the western Indian city of Ahmedabad June 24, 2014. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set in motion the first major revamp in decades of India's archaic labour laws, part of a plan to revive the flagging economy, boost manufacturing and create millions of jobs. Picture taken June 24, 2014. REUTERS/Amit Dave (INDIA - Tags: BUSINESS CONSTRUCTION EMPLOYMENT)

India’s annual infrastructure output grew 4.7% in April from a year ago, government data showed on Thursday.

The growth in output compares with an upwardly revised 4.4% year-on-year growth in March.

Infrastructure growth slowed to a three-year low of 4.2% in 2017/18 fiscal year, indicating Prime Minister Narendra Modi faces a tough challenge to boost investment ahead of general elections due early next year.

Infrastructure output, which comprises eight sectors such as coal, crude oil and electricity, accounts for nearly 40% of India’s industrial output.