Exploring Project Complexity Factors: Case Study of Track-Doubling Line Railway Projects in India

Large projects are crucial as they play an important role, particularly in the economic development of a nation. Globalization and technological advancements enhance the complexity of such projects, which, if not managed properly, lead to poor performance. Although complexity is an important characteristic of large projects, the project-specific complexity factors call for a different approach for each project. Though railway projects are important contributors to economic growth, very few studies focus on the complexity involved in Indian railway projects. Hence, this study fills this knowledge gap by exploring and identifying project complexity factors that can impact project performance in railway projects. The research is based on a qualitative approach. Data were collected through open-ended interviews with project managers involved in the two select cases of brown field doubling line projects, each having unique characteristics. Further, the complexity factors were confirmed by conducting three rounds of Delphi method. The analysis revealed that the project performance is impacted by seven key complexities: organizational, technological, environmental, cultural, infrastructural, communication, and stakeholder management. The study offers findings that are valuable to both future research scholars and practitioners. The identified complexity factors will help project managers plan the projects effectively, leading to smooth execution. Though the findings of this research are based on track-doubling railway projects, they may also apply to other projects of similar characteristics.