The tragic roof collapse incident at India’s most frequented airport is part of an alarming pattern of infrastructure failures in the nation, casting doubt on safety standards amidst Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s extensive efforts to enhance the country’s transport system through multi-billion dollar investments.
At Delhi Airport, activities were suspended in Terminal 1 following the collapse of an external metal canopy amid a heavy downpour on Friday. The incident, which occurred just outside the newly revamped airport, resulted in the death of one individual and left eight injured, as reported by the authorities. That day, the region witnessed its most severe single-day rainfall in June in 88 years.
Meanwhile, roughly a few hundred kilometres to the east, in Bihar, four bridges have recently collapsed and a structural failure at a central Indian airport. The onset of the monsoon season has led to widespread water-logging in several cities, causing significant disruptions. In Ayodhya, leaks have been reported in the roof of a large temple that Modi inaugurated earlier this year, and newly constructed roads have been overwhelmed by floodwaters, local sources claim.
These incidents have put a severe dent in the image of Modi’s ambitious construction initiatives, which are seen as a critical strategy for fostering development in what is considered the fastest-growing major global economy. Bloomberg Economics reports that new infrastructure projects worth 44.4 trillion rupees ($532 billion) are expected to be completed over the next two years, equal to the total value of all projects constructed in the preceding 11 years.
Modi has inaugurated many of these projects, emphasizing infrastructure modernization as a crucial aspect of his campaign in this year’s general election, where he secured a third term as Prime Minister. According to his government, 80 new airports have been constructed in the last decade, along with significant expansions and upgrades to the nation’s railways and highways.
However, the recent disaster at Terminal 1 has reignited concerns regarding the durability of India’s Infrastructure, as pointed out by Niranjan Sahoo, a senior fellow at the Observer Research Foundation in New Delhi. Sahoo criticized the projects as politically motivated rather than focusing on quality, which does not bode well for a country aiming for global prominence.
The argument for a substantial infrastructure budget is supported by economists and business leaders who believe it is vital for India’s rapid growth and the expansion of its manufacturing sector. With the slowdown of China’s economy, India is being eyed by international companies as a manufacturing hub alternative.
Opposition in the country, however, has voiced concerns over the projects, labelling them as extravagant and corruption-laden. They argue that Modi’s focus on Infrastructure detracts from more pressing issues such as poverty and unemployment.
The president of the Indian National Congress party, Mallikarjun Kharge, expressed his critique on X, likening the nation’s crumbling Infrastructure to a “deck of cards.”
In response to the recent collapse outside Terminal 1, India’s aviation minister, Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, stated that the failed structure was not part of the recent renovations, attempting to deflect blame from the Prime Minister. Yet, this incident exposes the broader issue of maintenance neglect, providing ammunition for Modi’s detractors.
“Sahoo emphasized, “Infrastructure isn’t only about constructing bridges, airports, ports, and roads. It’s equally about governance and the upkeep of these facilities.”