Statistics ministry reports massive cost overruns across infrastructure projects spanning seventeen ministries

A report published by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation highlighted a cumulative cost overrun of approximately Rs 3,21,976 crore for ongoing infrastructure projects valued above Rs 150 crore. The ministry monitored 1,853 projects across 17 distinct ministries, showing that total projected costs were revised upward to Rs 37,55,803 crore. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways accounts for the highest share of ongoing projects and expenditures, with approximately 47.21 percent of the total aggregate project cost already utilized.

These massive budget escalations reflect chronic execution delays, land acquisition hurdles, and inflationary pressures impacting public sector construction. Tracking these overruns helps policymakers gauge capital allocation efficiency and identify bottlenecks in execution across critical economic corridors.

Government agencies must review project management frameworks and tighten milestone tracking. Stakeholders should monitor subsequent ministry updates for revised completion deadlines and revised budgetary outlays.