Rajya Sabha MP Introduces Landmark Critical Infrastructure Accountability Bill
In a significant legislative move, Rajya Sabha member from Haryana, Kartikeya Sharma, introduced the Critical Infrastructure (Resilience, Protection and Accountability) Bill, 2026, in the Upper House on Friday. This proposed legislation aims to address a pressing national concern by establishing clear criminal accountability for failures in critical infrastructure that result in loss of life.
Addressing Systemic Failures in Public Infrastructure
Sharma articulated that the bill is rooted in a deep-seated concern over repeated failures of public infrastructure where lives have been tragically lost and essential services have collapsed. He highlighted a pervasive issue where responsibility for such failures is often diffused across multiple layers, including contractors, consultants, and corporate entities. This diffusion leaves citizens without justice and allows accountability to slip through the cracks without meaningful consequences.
The legislation seeks to rectify this imbalance by placing direct responsibility on those who design, build, operate, and maintain critical infrastructure. Sharma emphasized that the bill recognizes that when critical infrastructure fails due to factors such as poor design, substandard construction, inferior materials, or sheer negligence, it constitutes more than just a contractual breach—it represents a profound failure of public trust.
Framework for Identifying and Classifying Critical Assets
The proposed law establishes a structured framework to identify and classify critical infrastructure of national, economic, and life-critical importance. This includes a wide range of assets such as:
- Dams and water management systems
- Expressways and major transportation networks
- Power grids and energy distribution systems
- Ports and maritime facilities
- Urban transit systems including metros and railways
- Strategic assets vital to national security
By clearly defining these categories, the bill aims to ensure that all stakeholders understand their responsibilities and the severe implications of failures.
Innovative Mandate for Digital Twin Technology
A notable feature of the bill is its advocacy for the integration of advanced technology into infrastructure management. The proposal mandates that every physical critical infrastructure asset must have a functional digital twin. This digital replica would enable:
- Real-time structural health monitoring to detect potential issues early
- Stress testing under various conditions to assess resilience
- Predictive maintenance to prevent failures before they occur
This technological requirement underscores a forward-thinking approach to infrastructure safety, leveraging digital tools to enhance accountability and prevent disasters.
Broader Implications for Governance and Public Safety
The introduction of this bill marks a pivotal step towards strengthening governance and public safety in India. By holding individuals and organizations criminally accountable for infrastructure failures, it aims to deter negligence and promote higher standards in construction and maintenance. This move could potentially transform how critical projects are managed, ensuring that public welfare remains at the forefront of infrastructure development.
As the bill progresses through parliamentary procedures, it is expected to spark extensive debate on balancing accountability with practical implementation challenges. However, its core message is clear: in matters of critical infrastructure, there must be no room for error, and those responsible must be held to the highest standards of care and diligence.
