Impact Analysis of Delay Factors in Public Infrastructure Projects

Delays in public infrastructure projects continue to pose a significant challenge in India, adversely affecting project execution, economic growth, and the delivery of public services. This study investigates the critical factors contributing to such delays through a structured questionnaire survey conducted among industry professionals, including project managers, contractors, and engineers involved in infrastructure projects. The collected data were analysed using the Relative Importance Index (RII) method to identify and rank the most significant delay factors influencing project performance. The findings reveal that approval-related issues, particularly delays in statutory approvals and conflicts among multiple agencies, are the most dominant contributors to project delays. Financial constraints, including delayed payments and contractor cash flow problems, also have a substantial impact on project continuity. In addition, communication gaps among stakeholders, lack of coordination between departments, and design-related issues such as errors and frequent changes were identified as key factors affecting project timelines. The results highlight the need for adopting effective project management practices, streamlining approval procedures, and strengthening coordination among stakeholders to mitigate delays. The outcomes of this study provide valuable insights for policymakers, engineers, and construction professionals to enhance decision-making and improve project delivery. Ultimately, addressing these delay factors is essential for achieving timely completion and ensuring sustainable infrastructure development in India.