India Could Save Rs 17 Trillion in Infra Pipeline: White Paper

01 Dec 2025 CW Team

Based on insights from CXOs of 16 infrastructure companies with revenues above Rs 10 billion and 30 DPR consulting firms, the study finds that most mid-execution disruptions stem from incomplete surveys, outdated baseline data and inadequate design validation during the DPR stage. Land and right-of-way issues, utility conflicts, funding interruptions and approval delays were identified as common consequences of weak pre-construction planning.

A key concern highlighted in the report is the selection of DPR consultants under the QCBS system, which often converges into an L1 race due to marginal differences in technical scores. This results in unsustainably low commercial bids, limited viability and insufficient resources allocated to rigorous field surveys and design checks. India currently spends only 0.5–1 per cent of project cost at the pre-construction stage, far below the global benchmark of about 10 per cent.

“India is fully capable of world-class execution,” said Anantha Keerthi, Senior Partner, Vector Consulting Group. “If we strengthen the DPR stage with a modest increase in investment, this can pay for itself many times over through avoided delays and cost overruns.”

The white paper recommends structural reforms including time-and-materials DPR contracting, integrated pre-construction war rooms, focused review cadences, a DPR-focused project management office and stronger validation of baseline studies. According to the report, improving the DPR process can realign incentives for all stakeholders, improve margins for contractors, draw stronger firms to infrastructure development and accelerate delivery timelines.

India can save up to Rs 17 trillion across the National Infrastructure Pipeline by strengthening pre-construction planning, particularly the Detailed Project Report (DPR) stage, according to a new white paper released by Vector Consulting Group. The report highlights structural inefficiencies in DPR development that contribute to delays and cost escalations across large projects.Based on insights from CXOs of 16 infrastructure companies with revenues above Rs 10 billion and 30 DPR consulting firms, the study finds that most mid-execution disruptions stem from incomplete surveys, outdated baseline data and inadequate design validation during the DPR stage. Land and right-of-way issues, utility conflicts, funding interruptions and approval delays were identified as common consequences of weak pre-construction planning.A key concern highlighted in the report is the selection of DPR consultants under the QCBS system, which often converges into an L1 race due to marginal differences in technical scores. This results in unsustainably low commercial bids, limited viability and insufficient resources allocated to rigorous field surveys and design checks. India currently spends only 0.5–1 per cent of project cost at the pre-construction stage, far below the global benchmark of about 10 per cent.“India is fully capable of world-class execution,” said Anantha Keerthi, Senior Partner, Vector Consulting Group. “If we strengthen the DPR stage with a modest increase in investment, this can pay for itself many times over through avoided delays and cost overruns.”The white paper recommends structural reforms including time-and-materials DPR contracting, integrated pre-construction war rooms, focused review cadences, a DPR-focused project management office and stronger validation of baseline studies. According to the report, improving the DPR process can realign incentives for all stakeholders, improve margins for contractors, draw stronger firms to infrastructure development and accelerate delivery timelines.

Real Estate

01 Dec 2025

Wonderla Launches First Amusement Park in Tamil Nadu

Wonderla Holidays, India’s largest amusement park chain, has inaugurated Wonderla Chennai, its first park in Tamil Nadu and fifth nationwide. The park was formally inaugurated by Thiru M.K. Stalin, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, in the presence of state ministers, senior officials and dignitaries. It opens to the public on 2 December 2025.The launch marks the culmination of a decade-long journey that began with an MoU signed with the Government of Tamil Nadu in September 2015. Despite delays during the COVID-19 period, the project was completed with continued government support and ..

Real Estate

01 Dec 2025

Hrithik Roshan Buys Office Space at Transcon’s Yura Business Park

Transcon Developers has announced strong commercial demand at its premium Yura Business Park in Juhu following the purchase of office space by actor and entrepreneur Hrithik Roshan. Roshan has acquired approximately 7,000 sq ft across two floors in Wing C of the development for around Rs 280 million, reinforcing the appeal of boutique, high-end neighbourhood workspaces in Mumbai.Co-developed by Transcon Developers and Pecan Realty, Yura Business Park is positioned as a Grade-A commercial destination integrating modern architecture, curated lifestyle amenities and strategic connectivity. Wing C..

Resources

01 Dec 2025

Modon Enters Taiwan Market, Launches Muheira II at ADGM

Modon, the Abu Dhabi government-backed master developer, has officially entered the Taiwan market with the launch of its flagship residential project, Muheira II, located in the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) financial district. The announcement was made at a press conference held at eslite hotel Taipei, marking Modon’s first Asia-Pacific expansion and signalling growing interest from Middle Eastern real estate capital in Taiwan.The event featured presentations by Mohammed Abdelrazik, Chief Commercial Officer of Modon, and Kelvin Wu, Chief Executive Officer of Knightsbridge Partners, drawing..