Data released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) shows 272 projects out of a total 558 projects costing at least Rs 150 crore are running late as on March 31, 2013.

As many as 59 of these projects reported delays just in March 2013 (additional delays compared to figures shown in February 2013).

Some of the reasons cited by the ministry for delays are hurdles in land acquisition, forest clearance, equipment erection, supply of material and change in scope of work. Mega projects costing Rs 1,000 crore or above also saw additional delays in 25 projects.

Some months ago, the government set up the Cabinet Committee on Investments to fast-track clearances for mega projects in both government and private enterprises.

Almost 60 per cent of projects in the roads and highways sector are delayed. Out of 149 projects in this sector, 89 are delayed. Of this, 17 were additionally delayed, of which two were mega projects.

Further, more than half of 101 projects in the power sector faced time overrun. In power sector, the highest number of mega projects, nine, were additionally delayed in March.

Owing to delay in the projects, there is a cost escalation of Rs 1.40 lakh crore in the overall central sector projects costing at least Rs 150 crore as on March 2013. The cost has risen 17.7 per cent to Rs 9.29 lakh crore from the original cost of Rs 7.89 lakh crore.