Delay Analysis of Construction Project of Sikkim Using RII Method

Abstract

Delays in construction are common in the sector of infrastructural development, including even Sikkim state, due to factors contributing to this like hard terrains, changed climatic trends, inapproachability, and inefficiency of bureaucracies. They not only contribute to escalating project costs but also disrupt planning, resource deployment, and co-ordination among interested parties. This research explores causes and extent of delay of Sikkim construction project through Relative Importance Index (RII) method to provide quantitative ranking of causes of delay as a function of involvement of stakeholders. Field data were gathered using a standardized, bilingual questionnaire from site managers, contractors, and workers of various project locations. Ground realities were comprehended during field visits along with gathering inputs through informal discussions with the respondents. RII was used to generate a ranking of the delay factors in terms of perceived effect on the project schedules and performance as per the responses. The study concluded that among the main reasons for delays, they were late material delivery, insufficient skilled manpower, slow approval cycles, and distant-from-site locations. Landslides and inadequate infrastructure also made their contribution. This study suggests an imperative need to enhance project planning, effective supply chain coordination, and streamlined administrative procedures in order to reduce delays. The study provides policy recommendations, project management alternatives, and business counsel to achieve operating effectiveness and facilitate timely project completion in difficult areas such as Sikkim.

Introduction

Overview

Construction projects are a vital part of economic and social development in Sikkim. However, due to the region's mountainous terrain, erratic weather, and logistical issues, delays in infrastructure development are frequent and problematic. These delays lead to increased project costs, reduced efficiency, and conflicts among stakeholders.

Purpose of the Study

This study uses the Relative Importance Index (RII) method to identify, categorize, and rank the root causes of construction delays in Sikkim. The goal is to support better project planning, improved resource use, and more informed policy and decision-making for preventing future delays.

Key Objectives

• Identify delay causes from the perspective of both workers and contractors.

• Measure the impact of delays on cost, time, and quality.

• Classify types of delays (excusable, compensable, etc.).

• Aid in project planning and conflict resolution.

• Offer recommendations to reduce future delays.

Methodology

• Questionnaire Development: Based on literature, site visits, and consultation with industry professionals. It covered environmental, human, site, and management-related factors.

• Data Collection: Conducted through site visits across Sikkim (urban and rural), with inputs from 167 participants (workers and contractors).

• Analysis: Responses were ranked using the RII formula:

  RII=∑WA×N\text{RII} = \frac{\sum W}{A \times N}RII=A×N∑W?

Findings

A. Labour Perspective (19 Factors)

Top Delay Causes (by RII value):

1. Reuse of materials – RII = 0.923

2. Use of traditional tools – RII = 0.917

3. Lack of skilled workers – RII = 0.913

4. Use of natural shuttering over steel – RII = 0.895

5. Shortage of materials – RII = 0.786

6. Labour shortages – RII = 0.776

7. Absenteeism – RII = 0.762

Lesser Impact Factors:

• Substance abuse – RII = 0.2

• Late wage payments – RII = 0.421

• Power shutdowns – RII = 0.461

B. Contractor Perspective (7 Factors)

Top Delay Causes:

1. Regulatory/approval delays – RII = 0.830

2. Natural/man-made disasters – RII = 0.815

3. Changes in design or scope – RII = 0.707

4. Material supply issues – RII = 0.630

Lower-Ranked Causes:

• Religious/cultural events – RII = 0.550

• Coordination issues – RII = 0.415

Conclusion

The preset study analysed the major reasons for construction project delay through a systematic questionnaire of 167 workers and 13 contractors with Relative Importance Index (RII) analysis. The findings revealed that labour delays are primarily operational, and reuse of materials (RII = 0.923), use of traditional tools (RII = 0.917), and insufficient skilled manpower (RII = 0.913) were identified as the most significant factors. Reliance on natural shuttering, material shortages, general absence of labour, and also workers absenteeism all contributed significantly. On the contractor’s side, managerial and regulatory problems were the primary reasons for delays, i.e. delays in permits and approvals (RII = 0.830), unforeseen risks (RII = 0.815), and alternations in project scope or design (RII = 0.707). Joint analysis emphasized addressing both site-level inefficiencies as well as higher-level administrative bottlenecks. The study reinforces the significance of enhanced mechanization, training among workers, and forward-looking regulation planning. As a focus is placed on these elements, parties involved in projects are more likely to avoid delays in time and optimize overall productivity in construction.

References

[1] Shrivastava, A., Gupta, S., & Patle, M. (2021). Delay factors in Construction Industry using Relative Importance Index: Case of India. Innovative Research in Building Construction, Volume 1, Issue 1, pp. 37–51. CR Subscription Agency, Bhopal, India. [2] Tikote, R. H., Magdum, M. M., & Khandare, M. A. (2017). Delay Analysis in Industrial Projects by Using Relative Importance Index Method. International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET), 4(6), 1982–1986. [3] Singh, S. (2022). Detail Study of Delay Analysis in Construction Projects due to Multiple Factors Using RII Method. Journal of Civil and Environmental Engineering, 12(6). [4] Gebrehiwet, T., & Luo, H. (2017). Analysis of Delay Impact on Construction Project Based on RII and Correlation Coefficient: Empirical Study. Procedia Engineering, 196, 366–374. [5] Tayade, A. M., Mahatme, P. S., & Sabihuddin, S. (2020). Delay in bridge construction and analysis by RII method. International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET), 7(7), 2040.

Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Arun Chettri, Devendra Sharma, Sampurna Darjee, Samim Gurung, Rojen Lepcha. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.