Ketiz Singh

The Harsh Reality of India’s Infrastructure: Why Our Lives are at Risk Every Single Day

Imagine this – you step out of your house, excited about the day ahead, but instead of a bright and cheerful day, you’re faced with danger lurking in every corner. A hoarding could fall on you, a flyover could collapse under your feet, or the roof of an airport could come crashing down on your car. This may sound like a scene from a movie, but sadly, this is the harsh reality of India’s infrastructure.

The Shocking Incidents Across India

On 28th June, 2024, Ramesh Kumar, a hardworking man with dreams for his daughter’s wedding, tragically lost his life when the roof of Delhi Airport’s Terminal 1 collapsed on his car. This is just one of many incidents that have rocked the country in recent years. From bridges collapsing in Bihar to water tanks falling in Mathura, the landscape of our infrastructure is filled with dangers at every turn.

But who is responsible for these tragedies? Why is India’s infrastructure in such a dire state?

The Flawed System Behind Infrastructure Projects

The root of the problem lies in the way contracts are awarded for infrastructure projects in India. The government’s use of L1 contracts, which prioritize the lowest cost over quality and experience, has paved the way for disaster. Companies submit fake budgets to win contracts, compromising on safety measures to cut costs.

But there is hope for change. The government has introduced a new quality-cum-cost-based selection system to evaluate contractors before awarding contracts, aiming to prioritize expertise and experience over just the lowest bid.

The Need for Skilled Engineers and Proper Auditing

Even after contracts are awarded, the lack of skilled engineers and proper auditing leads to shoddy construction and design flaws. The Pragati Maidan Corridor project, which was lauded for its speed and innovation, quickly became useless due to technical and design errors.

From under-qualified contractors to poor auditing practices, the infrastructure sector in India is plagued by systemic issues that put the lives of millions at risk every day.

Call to Action: Demanding Accountability and Change

It’s time for us to demand accountability from our government and push for a comprehensive multi-criteria contractor selection framework that prioritizes quality and safety over cost-saving measures. We deserve infrastructure that is built to last, not crumble under the weight of poor planning and negligence.

Let’s raise our voices and demand a safer, more reliable infrastructure system for all Indians. The lives of our people are priceless, and it’s time our infrastructure reflected that truth.

Together, we can build a better, safer future for generations to come. It starts with demanding change and holding those in power accountable for the safety and well-being of all Indians.