THE ROLE OF PROJECT PLANNING AND RISK ASSESSMENT IN REDUCING METRO RAIL PROJECT DELAYS

Abstract

This study explores the critical role of project planning and risk assessment in minimizing delays within metro rail projects, with a specific focus on Indian urban infrastructure. Metro systems, as complex and capital-intensive undertakings, frequently encounter schedule overruns and cost escalations due to inadequate planning, fragmented coordination, and insufficient risk anticipation. Through a mixed-methods approach involving quantitative data analysis and qualitative insights from project case studies—including Delhi, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Kolkata Metro—the research investigates how structured planning and proactive risk management contribute to improved project performance. We show that projects that have well-defined planning frameworks, stable risk assessment practices and strong stakeholder coordination have significantly fewer days of project delay than projects without these mechanisms. The study also highlights the potential of new technologies, such as Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Earned Value Management (EVM) to improve monitoring and predictive decision making. The paper concludes that, through the combination of comprehensive planning and ongoing risk assessment, projects are completed on time and institutional responsibility, sustainability, and governance in the infrastructure sector are reinforced.