Delhi-Mumbai Expressway Faces Delays, Cost Overruns, and Missing Stretches

Answer: D

All three statements are correct. NHAI was constituted under the National Highways Authority of India Act, 1988, making it a statutory body. Its core function is indeed the development, maintenance, and management of National Highways. NHAI's funding comes from various sources, including budgetary allocations from the central government, cess on petrol and diesel, and market borrowings (e.g., through bonds).

Answer: D

All the listed factors are commonly cited reasons for delays and cost overruns in large-scale infrastructure projects in India. Land acquisition is a perennial challenge due to complex laws and local resistance. Environmental and forest clearances involve multiple agencies and often lengthy processes. Poor Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) lead to unforeseen issues. Contractor performance, financial viability, and coordination between different government levels (centre-state, inter-state) are also significant hurdles.

Answer: B

Statement 1 is correct: The Act mandates a Social Impact Assessment (SIA) for all projects requiring land acquisition. Statement 2 is correct: For private projects or Public Private Partnership (PPP) projects, the consent of at least 70% of affected families is required. Statement 3 is incorrect: The Act provides for rehabilitation and resettlement benefits not only to landowners but also to those whose livelihood is dependent on the land, such as tenants, agricultural labourers, and artisans, ensuring a broader coverage of affected persons.

Answer: B

Statement 1 is incorrect: While the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway is a part of the Bharatmala Pariyojana, Bharatmala is a 'central sector scheme' (fully funded by the central government), not a 'centrally sponsored scheme' (where states also contribute). Statement 2 is correct: PM Gati Shakti is indeed a national master plan for multi-modal connectivity, integrating planning and implementation across 16 ministries to reduce logistics costs and improve project execution. Statement 3 is incorrect: The National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP) envisages investment from the Union Government, State Governments, and the private sector, not solely by the central government.

Answer: A

Statement 1 is correct: Improved expressways significantly reduce transportation time and costs, directly benefiting the manufacturing sector by enhancing supply chain efficiency. Statement 2 is correct: Better infrastructure creates a more conducive environment for businesses, attracting ('crowding in') private investment due to improved connectivity, market access, and reduced operational costs. Statement 3 is correct: Delays and cost overruns increase the financial burden on the government (potentially leading to higher fiscal deficit) and diminish the economic returns expected from the project. Statement 4 is incorrect: While construction provides immediate jobs, large-scale infrastructure projects have significant long-term employment generation potential in associated industries (e.g., logistics, tourism, services), and by fostering overall economic growth in the regions they connect.