Infrastructure development in India: a systematic review

It is now well-accepted that infrastructure development is essential for the growth of any economy. Successive governments in India, both at the Union and State level have given a thrust towards increased budgetary spending on infrastructure to help economic growth. On the eve of the 75th year of independence, there is a reiteration for long-term initiatives, including focused programs for roads, railways, airports, waterways, mass transport, ports, and logistics to further boost infrastructure spending. Keeping this in mind, the authors sought to systematically review the literature on how infrastructure development has unfolded in India between the years 2000-2022. The study shows that with diverse economic growth in India, there is interest in infrastructure development aligned with public interests. Infrastructure development is contextual and location-specific. Access to infrastructure positively impacts social and economic outcomes. There is however growing concern for sustainable development with rapid urbanization.