Shillong, Dec 31: Meghalaya has reached a significant milestone, with none of its 15 ongoing infrastructure projects exceeding their budget allocations. This achievement stands in stark contrast to the persistent issue of cost overruns faced by infrastructure projects across the Northeast.
The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), which monitors central sector projects costing ₹150 crore and above, highlighted this success in its November report. The monitoring is based on data from the Online Computerized Monitoring System (OCMS), provided by various line ministries and implementing agencies.
Key projects in Meghalaya, including the development of the permanent campus for the National Institute of Technology (NIT) in Sohra, the construction of the International Centre for Performing Arts and Culture, and various road widening initiatives, are progressing as planned within their allocated budgets. The cumulative expenditure for these projects currently stands at ₹3,171.3 crore.
Experts attribute the lack of cost overruns to efficient project management, proactive stakeholder engagement, and early identification of challenges, particularly with land acquisition and clearances. Additionally, the projects are progressing on schedule.
In contrast, many infrastructure projects in the Northeast face significant cost escalations due to factors such as hilly terrain, unpredictable weather, and existing infrastructure deficits, which complicate logistics and increase operational costs. Delays in obtaining environmental clearances for projects in sensitive ecological zones, as well as socio-political challenges such as land disputes and community resistance, further contribute to the rise in costs.
According to the report, the original cost of infrastructure projects in the Northeast was ₹65,567 crore, but revised or anticipated costs have surged to ₹75,299 crore, resulting in a 14.85% cost overrun. The cumulative expenditure to date for these projects stands at ₹43,888 crore.
Nationwide, the total original cost of 1,742 ongoing projects was estimated at ₹26.02 lakh crore as of November 2024. However, the revised and anticipated costs have pushed this figure to ₹28.38 lakh crore, marking a concerning 19.4% overrun from the revised costs and nearly 30% over the original budgets.
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