Centre Shifts Focus: Completion of Existing Projects Slows New Infrastructure Additions in Q1 FY26.

The Indian government's focus is shifting from launching new projects to completing existing ones, according to a recent report, leading to a significant slowdown in new infrastructure project announcements during the first quarter of fiscal year 2026.

Data from the latest Quarterly Project Implementation Status Report (QPISR), released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), shows that the value of new projects added in Q1 FY26 was ₹51,155.24 crore. This marks a sharp decline of nearly 68% compared to the ₹1.59 lakh crore worth of projects announced in the same period last year.

Experts suggest this trend may not be a cause for concern. Instead of signaling a slowdown in infrastructure development, it reflects the Centre’s strategic shift toward ensuring ongoing projects are finished on time and within budget.

During the quarter, 46 new projects were initiated, with the power sector dominating new investments, accounting for ₹31,188 crore. The most expensive new project was a transmission system valued at ₹5,846 crore designed to evacuate power from the Rajasthan Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) Phase-IV.