The Changing Political Scenario and Its Impact on Infrastructure Projects.

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The Changing Political Scenario and Its Impact on Infrastructure Projects.

Peerzada Mohsin Shafi 

M.Tech Contracts and Infrastructure Development (Hons)

India's ambition to become a $26 trillion economy is driving a multitude of infrastructure projects aimed at improving the quality of life for its citizens and bolstering economic growth. The government continuously introduces new schemes and projects, ranging from Smart Cities initiatives to extensive upgrades in roads, railways, airports, and hydropower. Infrastructure development is crucial for enhancing efficiency and reducing costs, with Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) signed with various countries for technology exchange and collaboration. However, in India everything is linked to the politics and developmental projects are also affected by it, the five-year term of government presents a unique challenge. Each political party, upon assuming power, often launches projects aligned with its manifesto. The approval process for major projects involves several stages: administrative approval, technical assessment, and financial sanction, which spans for 1-3 years. Following these approvals, obtaining clearances from various departments such as forest and wildlife typically requires an additional 1-1.5 years. Consequently, by the time a project nears its final stage of approval/tendering, the government’s term ends, leading to interruptions as successive Governments/administrations do not prioritize or expedite ongoing projects imitated by their predecessors. This shift results in the deferment or cancellation of initiatives started by previous governments and indirectly puts a halt on the development of the country.

Several mega projects in India exemplify the impact of political shifts. For instance, the Sardar Sarovar Dam, initiated by the NDA government, lay dormant for approximately a decade during UPA I and UPA II, only to resume progress when the NDA returned to power in 2014. Other projects, including the Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC), Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor, Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC), Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM), National Highways Development Project (NHDP), Kundankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KKNPP) Expansion, and the Chardham Highway Project, have similarly faced delays due to political transitions.

In the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, political changes have similarly disrupted infrastructure development. The Kiru Hydro Power Project, awarded by NHPC to a consortium in 2013, faced delays due to political and administrative shifts post-2014 elections, affecting land acquisition and environmental clearances. The Pakkal Dul and Rattle Hydroelectric Projects, both initiated in 2011, have also experienced significant delays. The Ganderbal Hydroelectric Project, proposed in 2000, remains stalled, as does the Sawlakote 1856 MW Hydropower Project, also proposed in 2000.

Highway projects in the region have similarly suffered. The Srinagar-Jammu Highway Improvement Project, started in 2000, experienced delays due to changes in state and central government priorities following the 2014 elections. The Kashmir University Biotech Park, announced in 2011, was shelved due to shifting political priorities and administrative challenges. The Shahr-e-Khas Urban Development Project, initiated in 2010, was cancelled after the 2018 change in state government, which redirected focus to other urban priorities. Additionally, projects like the Srinagar Skyway, Jammu Solar Power Park, Kashmir Arts and Crafts Park, and Srinagar-Delhi Expressway, which were expected to commence, have become historical footnotes.

Recent projects such as the Singhpora Vailoo Tunnel, proposed in 2010 with approvals starting around 2013, faced a significant setback. The project was tendered in 2023 by NHIDCL, only to see the tender cancelled in 2024. Similarly, the tender for widening the Khanabal-Seer Hamdan-Pahalgam Highway was cancelled due to political factors. Although new tunnels between Shopian and Rajouri (Mughal Road) and the Chattergala Tunnel were recently announced in  2024, however these were originally approved in 2010 and have been postponed due to political changes. Same can be verified on the Infracon portal of the MORTH.

In summary, the changing political landscape has a profound impact on infrastructure development in India, often leading to delays and cancellations of crucial projects. To mitigate these disruptions, there should be stringent policies and laws ensuring that approved projects are completed within their anticipated timelines, irrespective of political transitions. This approach would foster sustained development and prosperity.

18-09-2024 10:55 PM

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