GS3 · 10 marks · 150 words

Investment in infrastructure is a precursor to social and economic transformation; however, the focus on economic gains must not marginalise the concerns for safety. Comment.

Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2020–2025

InfrastructureDisaster Risk ReductionInclusive GrowthEnvironmental GovernanceDisaster Management

Syllabus: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

How toppers approached it

From all 5 answers · about 120 words · 40% drew a diagram.

Opening

  • A figure80%
  • No separate opening20%

Body

  • Points60%
  • Points and prose40%

Close

  • A way forward60%
  • A summary40%

The toppers’ answers

Raghav JhunjhunwalaAIR 4 · CSE 2025 · 158 wordsTheir whole copy

Opening · a figure

Infrastructure needs to be around $55Bn p.a. for the next 15 years as per World Bank estimates.

It adds to the productive capacity of the economy.

Body · points

  • Necessity for Economic t/f:

  1. Creates linkages between sectors

  2. Leads to higher GDP growth

    I↑ → Y↑ → C↑ → virtuous cycle

  3. Leads to Economies of scale

  4. Reduces time for transportation and logistics cost.

  • Precursor to Social t/f:
  1. Balanced Regional Development → Rural connectivity → Prevents stressed migration
  2. Opportunities to SHGs, MSMEs.

However, rising cases of safety lapses have arisen:

  1. Road: Highest accidents & Death in India

  2. Railways → Recent Balasore Event.

Reasons:

  1. knee jerk Repairs and not pre-emptive.

  2. lapses in PPP agreements.

  3. Less Allocation to maintenance than new projects.

Thus, various committees have recommended safety:

Anil J. committee →

  • Railway Bridges & underpasses
  • man-less crossings, etc.

Close · a summary

Thus, safe Infrastructure will only lead to Inclusive Infrastructure.

More on Infrastructure

Ports, roads, airports, railways, urban infrastructure, logistics cost, and the institutions that build them.

All GS3 questions on Infrastructure