Infrastructure

The ‘fixed’ structures that civilization requires to function are called infrastructure. Infrastructure includes roads, bridges, dams, water delivery systems, and power lines. Infrastructure is frequently built to meet the needs of the population. 

Infrastructure is an essential component of any society, and neglecting it can have critical consequences. Though infrastructure is generally expensive to build and maintain, it is vital for the smooth functioning of society. Infrastructure failure can have catastrophic effects in some instances. For example, a flood induced by a dam failure can bring death and destruction.

Infrastructure meaning 

Infrastructure means the underlying systems and services that a country or organisation requires to function effectively. It includes all physical structures for a nation, such as roads, railway networks, water lines, telephone lines, air control towers, bridges, and so on. It also includes services such as law enforcement, emergency services, healthcare, education, etc.

These infrastructural systems, which demand significant upfront investments, are critical for an economy’s growth. The government either fully funds the majority of such initiatives or subsidises their construction.

Types of infrastructures

• Economic infrastructure 

Infrastructure is intrinsically linked to the economic development of a country or an organisation. This category includes essential infrastructure and services that directly impact and profit from the production of economic distribution. Examples include power, transportation, irrigation, communication, and other financial infrastructures.

• Social infrastructure

This type of infrastructure delivers critical services that increase individual productivity while also assisting society in achieving its objectives. Social infrastructure helps the country’s economic development indirectly. The education sector, for example, may not directly contribute to a country’s economic growth, but it helps indirectly by providing high-quality education to students, leading to the development of doctors, scientists, engineers, and technologists. Social infrastructure includes water supply, sanitation, health, and housing, to name a few.

Why is it important to pay for infrastructure?

We all rely on these systems, also called “public works,” and we expect them to work for us. Added levies to infrastructure services help pay for the infrastructure. For example, people riding motorcycles contribute to infrastructure funding with each gallon of fuel consumed, as each gallon of fuel sold is subject to a tax. This tax money goes into a government fund, which is utilised for road, bridge, and tunnel repairs and replacements.

Similarly, a government excise tax is levied on each airline ticket purchased, which is used to fund the infrastructure required for sustaining air travel. State and federal governments impose taxes on certain goods and services to help pay for the infrastructure that supports them. If taxes do not continue to rise, the infrastructure may deteriorate. 

Infrastructure Development Authority, Bihar

The Infrastructure Development Authority (IDA) was established under the Bihar State Infrastructure Development Enabling Act 2006, under the chairmanship of the Chief Secretary, Government of Bihar. It was founded to ensure the rapid evolution of physical and social infrastructure in the state and attract private sector participation in infrastructure design, financing, and construction.

Conclusion

The value of infrastructure has been recognised as it benefits economic and social activity. However, while infrastructure does not guarantee development, its absence stifles economic progress and social action. For example, a country cannot transfer raw commodities from one location to another without adequate transportation infrastructure; people cannot commute to hospitals, schools, and colleges if no proper transportation systems are in place. According to this theory, infrastructure is a catalyst that helps increase both economic and social activity.