Syllabus
GS Paper III – Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.; Disaster and disaster management.
Context
14 Bihar Bridge Collapses in Four Weeks
Poor State of Public Infrastructure
Introduction
The poor state of public infrastructure in India remains a pressing concern, affecting millions of lives. Recent incidents underscore this issue. For instance, the collapse of 14 bridges in Bihar and the tragic canopy collapse incident at Delhi Airport highlight the inadequacy of our infrastructure systems. Congested roads, inadequate water supply, and outdated facilities persist, impacting public safety and well-being. As India continues to grow, urgent investments and reforms are essential to build a more resilient and efficient infrastructure network.
Factors Contributing to the Poor State of Public Infrastructure
- L1 Method of Contract Bidding:
- Issue: Awarding contracts to the lowest bidder without considering construction quality or expertise.
- Example: The collapse of the Morbi dam suspension bridge highlights the consequences of prioritizing cost over quality.
- Administrative Inefficiency:
- Challenges:
- Use of sub-standard materials.
- Failure to follow design protocols.
- Poor quality control.
- Inadequate supervision due to corruption.
- Impact: Compromised infrastructure integrity.
- Challenges:
- Lack of Adequate Funding:
- Requirement: Ideally, infrastructure investment should be 7-8% of GDP annually.
- Reality: Actual investment is only 4.6% per annum (as per CRISIL).
- Consequences: Insufficient resources for maintenance and upgrades.
- Poor Safety Audits:
- Observation: Infrastructure projects declared safe after safety audits have subsequently collapsed.
- Risk: Lives and property are at stake due to inadequate safety assessments.
- Widening Gap Between Demand and Supply:
- Challenge: Increasing demand for infrastructure services surpasses supply.
- Result: Overburdened existing systems and inadequate expansion.
- Geographical Factors:
- Natural Disasters: Heavy rainfall, floods, earthquakes, and other natural events impact infrastructure stability.
- Consequences: Infrastructure vulnerability and damage.
- Technological Obsolescence:
- Issue: Outdated infrastructure unable to meet modern demands.
- Examples: Aging bridges, outdated power grids, and inadequate transportation systems.
Challenges related to poor state of public infrastructure
- Aging and Antiquated Infrastructure:
- Many existing infrastructure systems are outdated, leading to inefficiencies and maintenance issues.
- Aging roads, railways, and utilities hinder economic growth and public well-being.
- Corruption and Execution Delays:
- Corruption in project execution and delays in implementation have plagued infrastructure development.
- Timely execution remains a critical challenge.
- Lack of Structured Projects and Transparency:
- Despite high savings rates and investor interest, India lacks well-structured infrastructure projects.
- Transparency in project planning, funding, and execution is essential.
- Insufficient Funding:
- India’s infrastructure gap is estimated to be around $1.5 trillion.
- While savings rates are high, attracting capital for critical projects remains a challenge.
- Poor Service Delivery and Maintenance:
- Inadequate maintenance of existing infrastructure affects reliability and safety.
- Ensuring efficient service delivery is crucial for sustainable development.
Key initiatives to promote public infrastructure
- National Infrastructure Investment Fund (NIIF)
- Objective: NIIF was established to attract both domestic and foreign investment in infrastructure projects.
- Significance: It provides a platform for long-term financing and supports critical infrastructure development.
- National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP)
- Scope: NIP outlines an ambitious investment plan of INR 111 Lakh Crore from 2020 to 2025.
- Focus Areas: It covers sectors like transportation, energy, water supply, and urban development.
- India Infrastructure Finance Company Limited (IIFCL)
- Role: IIFCL, a government-owned entity, offers long-term financing to viable infrastructure projects.
- Impact: It bridges the funding gap and ensures sustainable infrastructure growth.
- Viability Gap Funding (VGF)
- Example: The UDAN Scheme (regional air connectivity) utilizes VGF to encourage private participation.
- Purpose: VGF supports projects that are economically viable but need financial assistance.
- Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM)
- Innovation: HAM combines elements of both public and private financing.
- Benefits: It reduces the burden on the government while ensuring private sector involvement.
Conclusion
The poor state of public infrastructure in India presents a multifaceted challenge. While aging systems, corruption, and inadequate funding persist, there are avenues for improvement. Strategic investments, transparency, safety audits, and technology adoption can transform the landscape. By addressing these issues holistically, India can build a more resilient and efficient infrastructure network, benefiting citizens and fostering sustainable growth.
Source: LM
Related PYQ
Dam failures are always catastrophic, especially on the downstream side, resulting in a colossal loss of life and property. Analyze the various causes of dam failures. Give two examples of large dam failures. [UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2023 Mains]
Practice Question
Discuss the challenges associated with the poor state of public infrastructure in India, citing recent examples. How can strategic planning and increased investment address these challenges effectively? [250 words]