India’s ascent as a global cultural powerhouse is undeniable. Ranked among the top five nations for cultural exports, India’s soft power rests on a robust entertainment sector. Reuters reports that revenue from India’s live entertainment market is expected to reach $1.7 billion by 2026, positioning it among the top global markets. Despite these impressive figures, systemic infrastructural shortcomings hinder the country’s ability to fully capitalise on its soft power. From chaotic concert logistics to mismanaged global events, India’s infrastructure crisis undermines its aspirations and risks tarnishing its reputation.
The recent surge in international music tours, sporting events, and cultural festivals has shone a harsh spotlight on this issue, with inadequate planning and execution letting the nation down time and again. The consequences are far-reaching, impacting not only public safety and comfort but also the country’s international reputation. Tickets for international acts like Coldplay, Dua Lipa, and Bryan Adams sell out within hours, with prices ranging from ₹3,000 to ₹50,000. However, the experience often falls short, marred by poor planning and execution that put audience comfort and safety at risk.
Consider Bryan Adams’s concert in Mumbai, where concert-goer Sheldon Aranjo’s harrowing experience, which he took to social media to speak about, highlighted the lack of basic sanitation. With only three toilets available for thousands of attendees, many were forced into humiliating and unsanitary situations. Similarly, in Shillong, a single entry and exit point for 30,000 attendees created massive bottlenecks. These logistical nightmares are not isolated incidents but symptomatic of deeper systemic issues.
Diljit Dosanjh’s ‘Dil-Luminati’ tour has brought similar challenges to light. In Chandigarh, he stopped his performance mid-show after spotting fans precariously perched on tree branches to catch a glimpse of the event. In Ahmedabad, fans resorted to watching from hotel balconies due to overcrowding and poor sightlines. Dosanjh’s subsequent declaration that he “won’t perform” until conditions improve underscores the frustration felt by artistes and audiences alike. His stance — clarified in a now-deleted post on X — serves as a call to action for a change from the grassroots of the entertainment industry.
Even traffic management during such events remains chaotic. Dua Lipa’s Mumbai concert in 2024 disrupted an entire weekend, with gridlocked streets causing widespread frustration. A.R. Rahman’s 2023 Chennai performance created similar havoc, delaying even the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister’s convoy. Tragically, the dangers of mismanagement are not hypothetical. The death of singer K.K. after a Kolkata concert in 2022, attributed to overcrowding, poor air-conditioning, and bad ventilation, grimly encapsulates the life-threatening risks posed by inadequate event planning.
The problem extends well beyond music performances. India’s hosting of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in 2023 revealed similar lapses in infrastructure and planning. Ticket sales descended into chaos, with fans reporting issues ranging from opaque booking processes to black-market resales. Stadiums struggled to accommodate crowds, with inadequate transportation options exacerbating the challenges. For a cricket-crazed nation, these failures were both embarrassing and avoidable.
The G20 Summit in Delhi in 2023 further illustrated the stark contrast between India’s ambitions and its infrastructural readiness. While the government made significant efforts to spruce up key areas of the capital, the event’s organisation was criticised for displacing local communities and creating superficial facades rather than addressing deep-rooted issues. These examples highlight a recurring pattern: short-term fixes and cosmetic improvements often take precedence over long-term planning and sustainable solutions.
In stark contrast, nations like Qatar and Saudi Arabia have demonstrated how meticulous planning and investment can transform large-scale events into seamless experiences. Qatar’s hosting of the FIFA World Cup 2022 set new standards for event management. The country invested billions in state-of-the-art stadiums, efficient public transportation systems, and robust safety protocols. Despite criticism over human rights issues, Qatar’s infrastructure stood out as a testament to what can be achieved with focused effort and resources. Saudi Arabia, too, has emerged as a surprising contender in the global events arena. From hosting Formula One races to music festivals like MDLBEAST Soundstorm, the kingdom has prioritised world-class venues and logistical efficiency. Their ability to execute such events smoothly, despite socio-political challenges, puts India’s struggles into sharp relief.
Infrastructure is more than just a backdrop to grand events; it’s a cornerstone of public safety, convenience, and national pride. When basic amenities like sanitation, crowd control, and transportation are neglected, it reflects a lack of respect for both the audience and the performers. The ripple effects are significant. International artistes may hesitate to include India in their tours, audiences may grow wary of attending live events, and the country’s reputation as a host nation suffers.
Moreover, inadequate infrastructure hampers India’s aspirations to be a global leader. Hosting large-scale events is a way for nations to showcase their capabilities and attract investment. When these events are poorly managed, they send a message of inefficiency and unpreparedness, which can deter future opportunities.
Artistes like Diljit Dosanjh are increasingly vocal about the need for systemic change. Their calls for dedicated venues, stricter safety norms, and better event planning should serve as a wake-up call for policymakers. However, the responsibility doesn’t rest solely on the government. Private event organisers, local authorities, and corporate sponsors must also collaborate to address these issues.
To overcome these challenges, India must prioritise the development of dedicated, multi-purpose venues across major cities. These facilities should include modern amenities such as ample parking, clean sanitation, and advanced safety systems. Equally critical is investment in public transport infrastructure. Cities like Tokyo and London demonstrate how efficient transit systems can ease the strain of hosting large-scale events, enabling seamless crowd movement.
Technology can play a transformative role. Digital ticketing platforms with anti-fraud measures can eliminate black-market resales, while real-time monitoring systems can enhance crowd management and emergency response. Training programmes for event staff in safety protocols and logistics will further professionalise the industry, ensuring smoother and more efficient operations. By addressing its infrastructure crisis and investing in sustainable, scalable solutions, India can transform its events from chaotic spectacles into world-class experiences, securing its place as a true global powerhouse.
It is high time that, in addition to police permissions for security arrangements and compliance with fire safety regulations, a dedicated body should be established to oversee and grant permissions for concerts and large-scale events. This body should specifically ensure that basic facilities such as clean drinking water and adequate sanitation, including proper urinal facilities, are in place for attendees.
