A total of 208 big-ticket infrastructure projects from various ministries, including roads and railways, have been recommended for approval under the PM Gati Shakti initiative.
The total value of these projects is ₹15.39 lakh crore.
About the Scheme: Gati Shakti
PM GATI-SHAKTI, an ambitious and transformative initiative launched by the Prime Minister of India, aims to enhance the country’s infrastructure and logistics framework.
Launched in October 2021, the initiative leverages technology and collaboration to facilitate the rapid movement of goods and services, boosting economic growth and enhancing India’s global competitiveness.
Objective of PM GATI-SHAKTI
The primary objective of PM GATI-SHAKTI is to break the traditional silos in infrastructure development by promoting integrated planning and coordinated efforts among various ministries and state governments.
The initiative intends to:
- Improve Multi-modal Connectivity: To connect rail, road, air, and waterways through a seamless infrastructure network.
- Reduce Logistic Costs: By improving infrastructure and making the transportation system more efficient, the initiative aims to reduce logistics costs which are currently higher in India compared to global standards.
- Enhance Speed and Efficiency: By integrating existing infrastructure projects with new developments, PM GATI-SHAKTI ensures faster and more effective execution.
- Promote Infrastructure as a Growth Driver: The scheme aims to position infrastructure at the core of economic growth, helping unlock new opportunities in sectors like manufacturing, agriculture, and services.
- Promote Green and Sustainable Infrastructure: The plan emphasizes creating eco-friendly infrastructure, supporting renewable energy projects and sustainable transportation.
Key Features:
- National Master Plan for Multi-modal Connectivity:
- The NMP will integrate over 16 ministries, including those handling roads, railways, airports, ports, and logistics.
- The plan aims to provide a clear map for improving and expanding India’s infrastructure network.
- The NMP will prioritize infrastructure projects that align with economic growth drivers, such as industrial hubs and rural areas.
- Technology-Driven Approach:
- PM GATI-SHAKTI leverages cutting-edge technologies like Geographic Information System (GIS), satellite imagery, and data analytics.
- These technologies will help in real-time monitoring, decision-making, and integration of different sectors involved in infrastructure development.
- The use of GIS ensures efficient land-use planning and the seamless execution of multi-modal projects, ensuring optimal use of resources and minimizing delays.
- One Platform for Coordinated Action:
- PM GATI-SHAKTI introduces a single platform for coordination among various departments and stakeholders.
- By involving central ministries, state governments, public sector enterprises, and private players, the initiative encourages collaborative planning, reduces bureaucratic delays, and improves project implementation timelines.
- Project Identification and Timely Implementation:
- The initiative focuses on identifying key infrastructure projects, with an emphasis on those that are critical for the country’s economic and strategic growth.
- Incentives for States:
- States are incentivized to participate in PM GATI-SHAKTI through the allocation of funds and technical support for implementing infrastructure projects that are aligned with the National Master Plan.
- Additionally, states are encouraged to develop projects that support their local economies, which could lead to improved regional connectivity and development.
Subsumes the ₹110 lakh crore National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP) initiated in 2019.
Logistics Efficiency: Aims to cut logistics costs, increase cargo handling capacity, and reduce turnaround times at ports to enhance trade.
Industrial Corridors: Plans to establish 11 industrial corridors and two new defense corridors in Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh.
Connectivity Goals: Extending 4G to all villages and adding 17,000 km to the gas pipeline network.
Ambitious Targets: Aims to expand the national highway network to 200,000 km and create over 200 new airports, heliports, and water aerodromes.
Integrated Approach: The scheme integrates 16 infrastructure-related ministries to address issues such as disjointed planning, standardization, and timely infrastructure utilization.
Gati Shakti Digital Platform: A unified platform for planning and implementing infrastructure projects, ensuring real-time coordination among ministries and departments.
Need for Integrated Infrastructure Development
- A significant gap exists between macro planning and micro implementation, primarily due to departmental silos.
- India’s logistical costs are about 13% of GDP, hindering export competitiveness.
- Quality infrastructure is essential for sustainable development, fostering economic activities and job creation.
Challenges:
- Land Acquisition:
- One of the biggest challenges in large infrastructure projects is land acquisition. Resistance from local communities and legal hurdles can delay projects.
- Inter-State Coordination:
- While the initiative aims for inter-ministerial and inter-state coordination, political and administrative challenges can impede seamless collaboration between different states and the central government.
- Funding and Budgeting:
- The scale of infrastructure development requires substantial investment. Ensuring adequate funding and managing the budget effectively for large-scale projects is a crucial challenge.
- Environmental and Social Concerns:
- Large infrastructure projects, if not properly planned, can have negative environmental and social impacts, particularly on local communities and wildlife habitats
PM Gati Shakti is a step in the right direction. However, it needs to address structural and macroeconomic stability concerns, emanating from high public expenditure.
PM GATI-SHAKTI is a visionary initiative that seeks to address India’s infrastructure deficit, creating an interconnected, efficient, and sustainable infrastructure network. By focusing on coordination, technology integration, and multi-modal connectivity, the program aims to bolster India’s economic growth and global competitiveness.
