National | News
The Union government has reviewed the progress of major infrastructure projects across the country, focusing on timelines, spending efficiency and resolution of execution bottlenecks as the financial year approaches its final quarter.
Key Projects Reviewed
- Mumbai–Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor, where land acquisition and coordination issues have affected timelines
- Char Dham All-Weather Road Project in Uttarakhand, impacted by terrain and environmental clearances
- Delhi–Mumbai Expressway, with certain stretches delayed due to land and utility shifting
- Metro rail projects in cities such as Bengaluru, Pune and Patna, facing execution and coordination challenges
- Railway station redevelopment projects in major urban centres
Common Reasons for Delays
- Land acquisition hurdles in densely populated or agricultural zones
- Environmental and forest clearances in ecologically sensitive areas
- Shifting of utilities such as power lines, water pipelines and gas networks
- Coordination challenges between central agencies, states and local bodies
- Weather-related disruptions affecting construction schedules
Instructions Issued During the Review
- Ministries asked to prioritise delayed stretches
- Faster coordination with state governments emphasised
- Regular progress monitoring of flagship projects
- Adherence to revised timelines stressed
Financial Oversight and Spending
- Efficient use of allocated funds reiterated
- Avoidance of unnecessary cost escalation
- Transparent reporting mechanisms encouraged
Why This Review Matters
- Infrastructure execution directly impacts economic growth
- Delays affect logistics, mobility and employment generation
- Timely delivery strengthens investor and public confidence
What Lies Ahead
Officials indicated that project monitoring will continue, with an emphasis on resolving on-ground challenges rather than announcing new projects, especially in sectors already under execution.