Delay Factors in Government Construction and the Role of Alternative Materials

Government-funded infrastructure projects in India experience persistent schedule overruns that hinder developmental outcomes and economic efficiency. This study examines the principal causes of construction delays in public projects and evaluates how selected emerging construction materials can mitigate delay mechanisms. A systematic assessment of delay patterns is combined with a comparative evaluation of eight non-mainstream materials: Ferrock, calcium sulfoaluminate rapid cement, nano-silica engineered concrete, bio-based lignin cement modifier, photoluminescent cement additive, basalt-microfiber reinforced concrete, recycled mineral-foam blocks, and phase-change material infused plaster. The analysis shows that appropriate material selection can reduce execution-phase delays while improving durability, constructability, and lifecycle performance. The study further identifies that many delay drivers originate during the project preparation stage, highlighting the importance of early material planning, supply chain readiness, and specification clarity. Barriers to adoption include limited domestic supply chains, lack of standardization, and insufficient practitioner familiarity. The paper concludes that integrating alternative materials with improved preparation and procurement practices provides a practical strategy for reducing infrastructure project delays and enhancing long-term cost efficiency.