Infrastructure plays a crucial role in advancing a country’s economy and deserves extra attention each year. As the Union Budget 2024 presentation approaches, industry experts and analysts are voicing a range of expectations.
However, recent deficiencies in India’s infrastructure, especially in the roadways sector, have raised several questions. Will the budget address the safety and timeliness of India’s infrastructure projects?
Three bridges collapse in Bihar
In a shocking incident, on June 23, an under-construction bridge collapsed in Bihar’s East Champaran district, making it the third such incident in the state in less than a week. As per the officials, the 16-metre-long bridge was being built at a cost of Rs 1.5 crore.
Similarly, on June 22, a small bridge collapsed in Siwan district. It was built over a canal and connected the villages of Daraunda and Maharajganj blocks. Prior to that, on Tuesday, a newly constructed 180-meter-long bridge collapsed in Araria district right before its inauguration.
Cracks seen on Atal Setu
The newly-built Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri-Nhava Sheva Atal Setu, popularly known as the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL), came under heavy scrutiny after cracks appeared on its tar road exit towards Ulwe in Navi Mumbai. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had inaugurated the structure, constructed at approximately Rs 17,840 crore, in January this year. Its opening was welcomed by the people of Mumbai with great zeal, however, now the fervour has been replaced by worry, especially after the Congress party raised concerns regarding corruption in MTHL’s construction.
Several other cases have raised concerns about the ongoing projects under roadways in India. Another issue that mars these projects are multiple delays in their completion.
Earlier in January, the Bombay High Court had observed that the delays in infrastructure projects cause inconvenience to the people and burden the state exchequer with rising construction costs.
The case highlighted in the court was of the Mumbai-Goa National Highway (NH-66), whose repair and widening work was undertaken in 2011.
Given the recent infrastructure failures and delays, the Union Budget 2024 is expected to prioritise the safety and quality of infrastructure projects.Increased funding for maintenance and upgrades of existing infrastructure, along with incentives for innovative construction technologies, could also be anticipated. Furthermore, addressing corruption and improving transparency in project execution will likely be key focus areas to restore public trust and ensure the efficient use of resources.