Tarmac to Towers offers a comprehensive overview of India's infrastructure sector over the last two decades, tracing milestones from the Golden Quadrilateral announced by Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee to today’s expansive network. This non-fiction account blends policy analysis, historical context, and real-world impact, making it ideal for policy enthusiasts, students of urban development, and curious readers seeking to understand how infrastructure shapes a nation's growth. The tone is informative, balanced, and hopeful, inviting readers to see how bold decisions and leadership translate into tangible progress.
Written as a clear, accessible narrative, Tarmac to Towers guides readers through twenty-five years of policy choices, regulatory challenges, and ambitious projects. It begins with Vajpayee's 1998 announcement and explains how infrastructure decisions shaped highways, airports, energy, and industry. Key concepts such as the Golden Quadrilateral, public-private partnerships, and policy reforms are explained with approachable examples. The book presents the story behind the numbers—why certain programs succeeded, where challenges slowed progress, and who benefited along the way.
Structured to be engaging and readable, the book weaves together milestones, policy context, and practical insights. You’ll encounter a steady pace that balances big-picture trends with concrete examples, including the surge in solar capacity, the rise in startups, and the doubling of stock market capitalization. The author, Pratap Padode, draws on decades of infrastructure-led thought leadership to present a nuanced view of successes and failures, and to offer informed recommendations for the road ahead.
- Comprehensive twenty-five-year overview of India's infrastructure sector, tracing growth, challenges, and lessons learned
- Clear narrative linking policy decisions to real-world outcomes across highways, airports, energy, and entrepreneurship
- Key concepts explained accessibly, including the Golden Quadrilateral and public-private partnerships, with illustrative case studies
- Engaging, expert writing from Pratap Padode, a veteran infrastructure thought leader
- Data-driven milestones and thoughtful policy recommendations that illuminate the path forward
After finishing Tarmac to Towers, readers gain a grounded understanding of how strategic infrastructure decisions propel national growth, along with a nuanced appreciation of both achievements and setbacks. The book leaves you with a clearer sense of what future policy choices can mean for development, innovation, and everyday life in India.
