Harsh Goenka, Chairman of RPG Enterprises, took to social media to shed light on the alarming state of infrastructure in India. He shared a video illustrating how corruption and mismanagement siphon funds meant for infrastructure projects. The video vividly depicts how money allocated for a project is systematically skimmed off at various levels of the government, leaving a paltry sum for actual construction. This corruption leads to shoddy work and substandard infrastructure, as exemplified by the video’s conclusion where a poorly built road is inaugurated despite falling short of initial plans.
The video highlights a broader issue plaguing India’s infrastructure development. Recent reports indicate that the Indian Railways’ ambitious 100% electrification plan has been significantly delayed due to complications in the Northeast and Southern regions. This delay is attributed to slow progress on last-mile projects, further demonstrating the systemic problems within the country’s infrastructure sector. The original goal was to complete the electrification within the first 100 days of the new government, but the project is now projected to be finished by the end of the current financial year or early next year.
The challenges are not limited to railways. The collapse of the Aguwani-Sultanganj bridge in Bihar, marking its third collapse since April 2022, is a stark example of negligence and poor construction practices. The incident highlights the lack of accountability and the severe consequences of compromised infrastructure. Furthermore, in June 2024, the roof of Delhi Airport’s Terminal 1 collapsed due to heavy rainfall, resulting in a fatality and the cancellation of over 95 flights. This incident underscores the vulnerability of infrastructure to natural disasters and the critical need for robust construction standards and proper maintenance.
These incidents serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address corruption and mismanagement within India’s infrastructure sector. It is imperative to implement robust oversight mechanisms, hold those responsible accountable, and prioritize transparency and integrity in the allocation and execution of infrastructure projects. Only by addressing these issues can India truly achieve sustainable and reliable infrastructure development for the benefit of its citizens.
