please explain is there any difference in meaning

Original sentence from newspaper: 

Not only are there delays in setting up new infrastructure, what exists is not being utilised effectively.

Is it ok if I use 'there are' instead of 'are there' in the above sentence does it change the meaning of the sentence or both forms is acceptable?

No! Inversion is needed in cases like this.

Not only didn't he show, he called to confirm his attendance five minutes before. I guess he must have involved in an accident. If not, I wish he had :)