Examining the Determinants of Communication Silence Among Frontline Workers and its Implications for Risk Management in Metro rail Project Execution in India

Metro rail construction projects in India operate in a complex and risky urban environment, where early risk identification is essential to prevent accidents. Despite the availability of comprehensive safety procedures and engineering controls, accidents still occur. The results of accident analyses indicate that workers have identified early warning signs of accidents but have not been able to report them, thereby increasing accident risk formally. This research conceptualises communication silence as a behavioural factor contributing to the escalation of safety risks in metro rail construction projects. A qualitative exploratory research methodology was employed, drawing on secondary data from published literature, analyses of standard operating procedures, and two case studies of Chennai Metro Rail projects. The findings of this research indicate that hierarchical site culture, fear of attribution, low psychological safety, and variability in supervisory responses are important factors that impede worker voice. The existing safety procedures, which are technically sound, do not address behavioural factors. To overcome this limitation, this research proposes a Behavioural Safety-Integrated Communication Framework that integrates multi-channel reporting, behaviour-based safety, and supervisory accountability with existing safety procedures.