Mon Dec 15 16:31:00 UTC 2025: Summary:
On December 15, 2025, Congress MP K.C. Venugopal criticized the Indian government’s massive spending on road and bridge projects, alleging that it benefits private companies, specifically the Adani group in Kerala. He pointed to the collapse of highways in Kerala, attributing it to prioritizing speed and profit over safety and scientific planning. He also questioned the Hybrid Annuity Model, claiming it enables inflated project costs and sub-contracting practices that allow companies to profit excessively. Venugopal highlighted the Bharatmala Pariyojana, a highway program that is behind schedule and over budget. DMK’s T.R. Baalu requested funds for Tamil Nadu and increase minimum support price (MSP) for paddy. Samajwadi Party MP Dharmendra Yadav accused the government of favoring corporations over farmers, specifically regarding loan waivers.
News Article:
Opposition Lawmakers Slam Government Road Spending, Allege Corruption
New Delhi, December 15, 2025 – The Indian government’s massive investment in road and bridge infrastructure came under fire today in the Lok Sabha, with opposition members alleging corruption and questioning the effectiveness of the projects.
Congress MP K.C. Venugopal led the charge, arguing that the government’s “massive spending” was not resulting in safe roads or accountable governance, but rather a system where public funds are being funneled into private profit. He cited the situation in Kerala, where he alleged the Adani group was favored in highway project contracts, leading to substandard work and collapsing infrastructure. He gave the example of the project of the Azhiyoo-Vengalam stretch of NH 66 in north Kerala, which, he said, was awarded to Adani Enterprises at ₹1,832 crore, which was sub-contracted to Wagad Infraprojects, Ahmedabad, for ₹971 crore, almost half the bid amount.
Venugopal specifically criticized the Hybrid Annuity Model, claiming it facilitates inflated project costs and allows companies to sub-contract work at significantly lower rates, pocketing the difference. He also raised concerns about the ‘Bharatmala Pariyojana’ highway program, which he said is significantly behind schedule and over budget.
“Are these massive expenditures resulting in safe roads, accountable governance, and value for public money or is it creating a system where public funds are converted into private profit for a chosen few?” the Congress MP questioned.
Other opposition members also voiced concerns. DMK’s T.R. Baalu demanded the release of pending funds for Tamil Nadu under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act and for MSP for paddy, while Samajwadi Party MP Dharmendra Yadav accused the government of favoring big corporations over farmers regarding loan waivers.
The government has yet to respond to the allegations.
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