The recent roof collapse at Delhi’s airport has brought attention to safety concerns in India, amidst Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ambitious infrastructure development plans.
Following heavy rainfall, a metal canopy outside Terminal 1 collapsed, causing one fatality and multiple injuries. Similar incidents, such as bridge collapses in Bihar and airport structure failures, have raised alarm about the quality of infrastructure in the country.
While Modi’s infrastructure push aims to propel India’s economic growth, critics argue that many projects are mere “electoral gimmicks”. The recent disaster highlights the importance of proper maintenance and governance in addition to construction.
Despite criticisms, Modi’s government continues its focus on infrastructure, with plans to operationalize trillions worth of new projects in the coming years. This drive, economists suggest, can spur economic growth and attract investment to India as an alternative manufacturing hub.