Alright, let's talk about roads, specifically the Mumbai vs. China debate. It's a classic example of how two countries approach infrastructure development with vastly different results. And for us Mumbaikars, those delays hit different, you know?

Here in Mumbai, it feels like every major road project comes with an inbuilt delay guarantee. Take the Coastal Road, for instance. A game-changer, no doubt, but the journey to its completion has been a saga of environmental clearances, land acquisition hurdles (getting everyone on board in a city as dense as Mumbai is a nightmare!), and legal battles.

Fisherfolk concerns, environmental impacts, even Supreme Court interventions – each a necessary process in a democracy, but also a source of prolonged timelines. It's not uncommon for projects here to stretch years beyond their initial deadlines, incurring massive cost overruns. We're talking about navigating a complex web of regulations, public consultations, and often, fragmented land ownership where you need to negotiate with thousands of small plot owners.

Now, look at China. It's almost mind-boggling. They'll announce a major expressway or a multi-lane bridge, and before you know it, it's done. Reports often cite China laying 10-15 km of expressway daily, with some incredible feats like building 19 km in just 24 hours! How? Their approach is fundamentally differe...read more