Opposition Blasts Government Over Poor Infrastructure Quality
The recent roof collapse at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport has sparked intense criticism from opposition leaders, who blame the government for the poor quality of infrastructure and corruption.
Incident and Immediate Reactions
On June 28, a portion of the roof at the T1 terminal of IGI Airport collapsed, resulting in the death of one person and injuries to several others. This incident prompted a swift response from opposition leaders, who pointed fingers at the government’s infrastructure policies.
“Corruption and criminal negligence are responsible for the collapse of shoddy infrastructure, falling like a deck of cards during the past 10 years of the Modi Government,” stated Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on X.
Examples of Infrastructure Failures
Kharge cited multiple examples of recent infrastructure failures, including:
- Roof collapse at Jabalpur airport
- Water leakage at Ram Mandir
- Potholes on roads leading to Ram Mandir after rains
- Cracks in the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link road
- The collapse of 13 new bridges in Bihar in 2023 and 2024
- The submergence of a newly built tunnel near Pragati Maidan in Delhi
- The Mobri bridge collapse tragedy in Gujarat in 2022
Accusations of Election-Driven Inaugurations
Referring to the inauguration of the renovated T1 terminal by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in March, Kharge accused the government of prioritizing “ribbon-cutting ceremonies before elections” over ensuring quality infrastructure, labeling this approach as “corrupt and inept.”
Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu and the GMR Group, which owns the airport, clarified that the collapsed canopy was constructed in 2008-2009, before the recent renovations.
Broader Criticism from Opposition Leaders
Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi criticized the government for favoring big industrialists and contractors over the common man, resulting in flawed infrastructure projects across the country.
Communist Party of India leader D. Raja added to the criticism on X, stating:
“Infrastructure development has to be people-centric and sustainable, but Modi made it photo-centric. BJP and PM Modi’s obsession with inaugurations and claiming credit is creating hardships for the people. Poor quality infrastructure has also exposed rampant corruption.”
Conclusion
The roof collapse at IGI Airport has intensified the debate over the quality and integrity of infrastructure projects in India. Opposition leaders are calling for greater accountability and a shift away from prioritizing political gains over public safety and sustainable development.
Sunil Garnayak is an expert in Indian news with extensive knowledge of the nation’s political, social, and economic landscape and international relations. With years of experience in journalism, Sunil delivers in-depth analysis and accurate reporting that keeps readers informed about the latest developments in India. His commitment to factual accuracy and nuanced storytelling ensures that his articles provide valuable insights into the country’s most pressing issues.
