02-January-2025-Special-Article

INDIA’S INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT: ACHIEVEMENTS AND CHALLENGES

India has made remarkable strides in infrastructure development over the past 25 years, fueled by growing private participation and innovative government initiatives. However, to achieve its ambitious goal of becoming a USD 30 trillion economy by 2047, nearly 90% of the required infrastructure is yet to be developed. This highlights both the successes and the challenges that lie ahead.

Key Achievements in Infrastructure Development by 2024

Roads and Highways

• India’s road network has grown significantly, reaching approximately 146,000 km, nearly tripling since 2000.
• Modern features like access-controlled expressways and GPS-enabled toll systems have enhanced efficiency.
• Between 2014 and 2024, 3.74 lakh km of rural roads were constructed, connecting over 99% of rural areas, ensuring better accessibility.
• Toll collections over the last 25 years have surpassed ₹2.1 trillion, reflecting significant private sector involvement.

Railways

• The first bullet train project, designed to operate at speeds of 280 km/h, is on track for completion by 2026.
• By December 2023, 93.83% of broad-gauge tracks were electrified, a major increase from 21,801 km in 2014.
• The past decade has seen a reduction in railway accidents despite a few high-profile incidents.

Maritime Sector

• India has committed ₹54 trillion to emerge as a global leader in shipbuilding by 2047.
• Mega ports like Galathea Bay and initiatives such as the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor are enhancing trade connectivity.
• Under the Sagarmala Programme, 839 projects worth ₹5.8 lakh crore are being implemented, focusing on port modernization and coastal connectivity.

Aviation

• Domestic flight operations have risen from 3,568 weekly flights in 2000 to 22,484 by 2024, making air travel more accessible.
• Budget airlines like IndiGo have enabled affordable air travel for millions of Indians.
• With over 1,000 aircraft orders from airlines like IndiGo and Air India, the sector is positioned for long-term growth.
• The total number of operational airports has reached 158, with 84 new airports built between 2014 and 2024.

Urban Metro

• The metro rail network expanded from 248 km in 2014 to 945 km by 2024, connecting 21 cities and catering to 1 crore daily passengers.
• Initiatives like the Namo Bharat train along the Delhi-Meerut corridor are improving urban and regional connectivity.

Ropeways Development

• The Parvatmala Programme has launched 32 ropeway projects, enhancing access in hilly regions and helping reduce urban traffic congestion.

Recognition

• India ranked 38th in the World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index (LPI) 2023, showcasing improved efficiency in logistics and supply chain management.

Challenges in Infrastructure Development

Stalled and Delayed Projects

• Large-scale initiatives like the ₹10 trillion Bharatmala Project and ₹20 trillion Vision 2047 plan faced delays due to bureaucratic hurdles and policy shifts.
• Key projects like the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway and international trade corridors struggle with underfunding and resource mismanagement.

Slow Progress

• Expansion of railway routes has been sluggish, averaging only 231 km annually since 2000, which equates to less than one km per day.
• Highway project awards have declined significantly, with only 1,152 km awarded by August 2024, marking a historic low.

Private Sector Dependency

• Although private sector participation has grown, issues like inefficient capital recycling persist.
• Of the ₹2.1 trillion collected as toll revenue since 2000, private entities have retained ₹1.4 trillion, raising equity concerns.

Maritime Sector Struggles

• Global disruptions, including the Ukraine conflict and supply chain breakdowns, have hampered India’s ambitions to become a top-five shipbuilding nation by 2047.

Aviation Sector Challenges

• Intense market competition led to the collapse of airlines such as Jet Airways, Kingfisher Airlines, and Go First.
• The dominance of IndiGo and the privatized Air India poses risks of monopolistic practices, reducing competition.

Government Initiatives for Infrastructure Development

1. PM Gati Shakti Scheme: Integrates multiple modes of transportation to boost connectivity and efficiency.
2. Bharatmala Project: Focuses on highway and expressway development.
3. National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP): Aims for comprehensive infrastructure growth across sectors.
4. Sagarmala Programme: Enhances port modernization and coastal development.
5. UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik): Promotes affordable regional air connectivity.

Way Forward

Integrated Infrastructure

• Ensure synergy between projects under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, reducing delays and duplication.
• Develop high-speed transport systems, including expressways, bullet trains, and multi-modal logistics hubs, to enhance trade and connectivity.

Safer and Resilient Infrastructure

• Implement initiatives like KAVACH and Advanced Traffic Management Systems to improve safety.
• Promote safer vehicles equipped with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and accident-resistant infrastructure.

Sustainability Focus

• Transition to electric vehicles (EVs) and adopt green technologies to reduce carbon emissions.
• Emphasize renewable energy, green building practices, and waste management for sustainable growth.

Technological Integration

• Expand the use of tools like FASTags for toll payments and DigiYatra for seamless airport check-ins.

Policy and Investment Reforms

• Streamline regulatory processes to attract private investments, especially in ports, railways, and aviation.
• Develop a multi-year National Transport Strategy involving government, private sectors, and communities for long-term growth.

India’s infrastructure journey has been commendable but remains far from complete. By addressing challenges and leveraging innovative policies, India can pave the way for sustainable and inclusive growth.

Mains Question:

Q. Evaluate the progress and challenges in India’s infrastructure development over the past two decades and suggest measures to achieve the USD 30 trillion economy target by 2047. (150 WORDS)