P. Chidambaram Says Problem With Fixing Roads Is Not Funds, But Execution

Introduction: A Hard Look at India’s Road Reality

Former Union Finance Minister P. Chidambaram recently drew attention to a long-standing issue that affects millions of Indians every day, the poor state of roads across the country. Speaking at a public event, he said that the real problem with road repairs and maintenance is not the lack of funds, but the lack of proper execution and accountability. His statement has sparked a larger discussion about why India’s roads continue to crumble despite heavy government spending year after year.

Chidambaram’s remarks come at a time when road accidents, potholes, and stalled infrastructure projects have become major public concerns. His words echo what many citizens already feel, that the issue lies not in the budget, but in how projects are planned, supervised, and delivered.

The Core of Chidambaram’s Argument

During his talk, Chidambaram emphasized that both central and state governments allocate thousands of crores every year for road construction and maintenance. Yet, despite this large financial outlay, the condition of many roads remains poor. He said that the issue lies in execution, the process of turning funds into functioning, durable roads.

He pointed out that India has one of the largest road networks in the world, but large portions of it suffer from poor quality and short lifespan. “Money is not the issue. The government is spending enough. The question is, who is ensuring that the work is done properly?” he asked.

Chidambaram’s comments underline a key truth: good governance depends not just on policy or money, but on implementation. Poor coordination between departments, weak monitoring, corruption, and low accountability often derail even well-funded projects.

A Common Citizen’s Complaint

Across India, people experience the same frustration. New roads often start developing cracks or potholes within weeks of completion. Urban commuters complain about traffic jams caused by endless repair work, while rural residents struggle with roads that become impassable during the monsoon.

Chidambaram’s observation resonates with this daily reality. Citizens see new roads being laid with much fanfare, only to watch them deteriorate within a short time. The root cause, many believe, is poor-quality materials, lack of proper drainage, and insufficient inspection.

A shopkeeper in Chennai put it simply: “Every year the same road is dug up and repaired. It is not about money; it is about doing the job properly once and for all.”

Funds Are Flowing, But Where Do They Go?

Government reports show that road development receives one of the highest shares of infrastructure funding. Schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana and state-level highway projects have transformed connectivity across regions. However, the benefits are often overshadowed by inconsistent quality and repeated repair cycles.

According to experts, the gap lies in project management. Contractors are often awarded tenders at the lowest possible cost, which encourages cost-cutting on materials and labor. In many cases, there is also limited oversight once a project is underway. Once the road is officially “completed,” the monitoring stops, even if the road begins to fail shortly after.

Chidambaram’s remarks highlight this structural flaw. He suggested that stronger auditing and transparent accountability could ensure that public money leads to lasting public benefit.

The Execution Challenge

Execution in public works involves several layers — planning, tendering, construction, inspection, and maintenance. Each of these stages can become a weak link if not properly managed.

Poor soil testing, lack of supervision, and use of substandard materials are some of the most common reasons for premature road damage. Additionally, coordination between multiple departments, municipal bodies, utilities, and contractors, is often missing.

When roads are not built to specifications or are opened before curing is complete, they inevitably develop cracks or potholes. Regular maintenance, too, is often neglected until major damage occurs, forcing repeated reconstruction instead of preventive care.

Chidambaram’s statement, therefore, is a call for reform not in budgeting but in process and accountability.

Corruption and Political Pressure

Chidambaram also hinted at the role of corruption and political interference in delaying or degrading road projects. Contractors with political backing often secure bids despite poor track records. In some cases, projects are rushed before elections to show quick results, leaving no time for quality checks.

These practices erode public trust and waste taxpayer money. The same funds that could have built durable roads are instead spent on frequent repairs. Transparency and digital monitoring tools can help track progress and prevent misuse, but their adoption remains uneven across states.

Examples from the Ground

Many states offer contrasting examples of success and failure. Some cities like Indore and Surat have improved their road networks through strict monitoring and public participation. Meanwhile, others struggle with recurring repairs and inflated project costs.

In Tamil Nadu, where Chidambaram made his comments, residents have long complained about uneven quality in roadworks, especially in rural and semi-urban areas. Local officials often blame weather conditions or traffic load, but experts argue that proper design and drainage could easily prevent such issues.

The Role of Technology and Transparency

One of the key ways to fix the execution gap is through better technology and data-driven monitoring. Using GPS-based tracking, drone inspections, and real-time reporting systems can help ensure that contractors meet quality standards.

Digital dashboards that publicly display project progress and expenditure can also improve transparency. Citizens can then track how and where public money is being spent. Chidambaram’s focus on execution aligns with this modern approach to governance, where success is measured not by announcements but by visible, lasting results.

Public Accountability and Citizen Role

While the government bears the main responsibility, citizens also play a part in ensuring accountability. Reporting poor road conditions, demanding transparency in tenders, and questioning repeated repairs can pressure local authorities to act responsibly.

Public feedback systems, if properly managed, can serve as an early warning mechanism for failing infrastructure. By involving citizens in oversight, governments can strengthen the execution chain from planning to completion.

Looking Ahead: From Plans to Performance

India’s road network is a backbone of its economy, connecting villages, cities, and industries. As the country invests billions in highway expansion and rural connectivity, it must also invest in stronger supervision and better-quality standards.

Chidambaram’s remarks serve as a reminder that pouring more money into the system will not help unless execution improves. Policymakers must shift focus from just announcing big numbers to ensuring those funds translate into roads that last.

Introducing stricter penalties for poor workmanship, enforcing contractor blacklists, and mandating independent audits could help restore faith in the system. Sustainable road development depends not just on funds but on discipline, expertise, and integrity at every level.

Conclusion

P. Chidambaram’s statement about road repairs points to a deep truth about governance in India, the issue is not always financial, but functional. Roads represent more than just infrastructure; they reflect how efficiently a government can turn plans into progress.

India has no shortage of funds or ambition. What it needs is execution that matches its aspirations. Building durable roads means building systems that prioritize quality, accountability, and long-term public good over short-term optics.

If the country can bridge this execution gap, the results will not only be smoother roads but also a smoother path toward development itself.