Written by Kamlesh Parikh — B.E. (Civil), PG Dip. Project Management, PG Dip. ADR · 40+ years in practice
Updated 29 October 2026 · 6 min read
Large infrastructure programmes fail slowly: a missed approval here, an unresolved interface there, until the schedule and budget are beyond recovery. Phase-gate management is a simple discipline that stops this drift — I used it to deliver a multi-phase coastal infrastructure programme in Mauritius on schedule, within budget and with regulatory sign-off at every gate.
A phase gate is a formal decision point at the end of a project phase. Before moving on, the team must show that defined criteria have been met — and the sponsor decides to proceed, adjust or stop.
| Gate | Key questions |
|---|---|
| Concept | Is the need clear? Are options and environmental constraints understood? |
| Feasibility & design | Is the design technically and financially viable? Are approvals planned? |
| Procurement | Are contracts clear, risks allocated and contractors capable? |
| Construction phases | Is each phase complete, safe and compliant before the next begins? |
| Handover | Are documentation, training and defects close-out complete? |
I provide independent project and programme management for civil and environmental infrastructure. See project management services.
A milestone marks progress; a phase gate is a formal decision on whether to proceed, based on agreed criteria.
Enough to control major risks — typically one at the end of each major phase.
The project sponsor or client, based on evidence presented by the project team.
Independent consultant based in Vadodara with 40+ years of experience in waste management, arbitration, contract administration and project management across India, the GCC and Mauritius. B.E. (Civil), PG Diploma in Project Management, PG Diploma in ADR.
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My guides explain the rules — I can help you apply them on the ground.