An Investigational Report on Causes, Effects and Methods for Minimizing Delays in Construction Projects

Abstract

The construction industry is particularly vulnerable to delays and uncertainties, often facing greater risks than other sectors. Delays are defined as the completion of work later than the planned schedule outlined in the contract. While delays cannot be entirely avoided, they can be minimized by identifying their underlying causes. When delays occur, they negatively impact project objectives, particularly time, cost, and quality. To mitigate these effects and ensure smooth project management, various tools and techniques are employed. Among these, the contract document is considered the most effective tool by industry professionals to manage delays. It provides a framework for contracting parties to address delays appropriately. This research examines delays in construction projects, comparing delay management clauses in contracts from developed countries with those in Indian construction contracts. The study identifies key factors contributing to project delays, including delayed progress payments, financing issues, approval delays for scope changes, material delivery issues, equipment breakdowns, low labor productivity, and adverse weather conditions. The study also highlights the significant consequences of delays, such as project time extensions and cost overruns. Based on these findings, the research recommends revisions to Indian construction contracts to enhance delay management and better align with the needs of the current Indian construction industry. It is anticipated that this study will serve as a foundation for future research on project delays and their mitigation strategies.