MUMBAI, Jan 6 (Reuters) - Loss-making Indian telecom operator Vodafone Idea has sought at least 70 billion rupees ($846 million) in emergency funds from local banks, which are however reluctant to extend fresh loans, four sources familiar with the matter said.
"Without that (capital injection) it looks difficult for the company to ...survive," said one top official at a state-owned bank.
Vodafone Idea (VODA.NS), the telecom ministry, and State Bank of India (SBI.NS) - the country's largest lender which the company has approached for financing - did not immediately respond to Reuters requests for comment.
A feasibility study shared by Vodafone Idea with its bankers suggested the business might need a radical restructuring in order to survive, several of the sources said.
An equity conversion by the government would be expected to raise its stake in the company to beyond 30%.