INTERVIEW Pratap Padode Author: Tarmac to Towers

India's infrastructure journey has been nothing short of transformative, shaping the nation’s economic and social landscape over the past 25 years. In his book Tarmac to Towers: The India Infrastructure Story, Pratap Padode chronicles this remarkable evolution, offering an insightful analysis of key projects, policy shifts, and the challenges that have defined India’s growth.

- 

Through this interview, we delve into the inspiration behind his book, his perspectives on the sector’s progress, and his vision for the future of India’s infrastructure.

Documenting 25 years of India's infrastructure growth is no small feat, especially given the sector's complexities and rapid transformations. What inspired you to undertake this ambitious project in Tarmac to Towers? Was there a defining moment that triggered your decision to delve into this subject?

I have tracked infrastructure from its birth by virtue of having written about its failings and successes over the year. During 1996, when India was slipping back into a slow lane after having battled a severe crisis in 1991, I felt that India needed to launch projects which could earn a daily livelihood for the millions of workers spread across the country. During that time former late Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee took several initiatives in this direction. I launched my magazine ‘Construction Update’ which later was renamed ‘Construction World’ and began providing an assessment of the opportunities that spring on the back of these projects. Having tracked the evolution of the concept of infrastructure and having dealt with those who unrolled this for our country, in mid 2023, as we were progressing towards ten years of the NDA regime, I found it a seminal moment to capture its entire trajectory.

Your book offers a balanced analysis of the sector. How did you navigate the challenge of presenting both achievements and shortcomings without bias?