Mumbai, June 3 -- Shriram Transport Finance Co. Ltd (STFC) plans to raise 2,000 crore through a rights issue, said two people aware of the matter, joining the ranks of lenders seeking to raise capital and fortify balance sheets to tackle contingencies and opportunities emerging from the covid-19 crisis. This will be the first time in a decade the commercial vehicle financier will tap the equity markets to raise funds. STFC last raised 584 crore through a qualified institutional placement (QIP) in January 2010. "STFC started work on its fundraising efforts last week. The plan is to raise up to 2,000 crore. At present, it is working on a rights issue, but a QIP offering is also on the table. The board is to meet in the next couple of weeks, where they will take the final call," said the first person cited above, declining to be named. ICICI Securities is advising STFC on the fundraising efforts, he said, adding more banks will be appointed as the plan firms up. STFC did not respond to an emailed query. ICICI Securities chose not to comment. The lender plans to raise equity capital to boost its balance sheet....