Delays in 25 Major Projects Increase Costs by ₹2 Lakh Crore

Delays in major projects are significantly impacting government finances. According to the October 2026 report from the central government's PMAY portal, the cost of 1,853 ongoing projects has risen by ₹3.22 lakh crore. The budget for the 25 most affected mega projects has increased by ₹2.11 lakh crore, accounting for about 65% of the total cost increase. The Karnataka Hubli-Ankola rail line is notably behind schedule, with its completion date pushed from March 2005 to March 2030. Other projects, like the Subansiri and Tapovan-Vishnugad hydroelectric projects, have also seen deadline extensions of over 16 years. While 1,360 projects are progressing on time or with minimal delays, many face administrative and policy hurdles. The government’s changing priorities can lead to funding delays, according to former PWD chief Hariom Sharma.