New Direction to the Gati Shakti Programme: Know it all
New Direction to the Gati Shakti Programme: Know it All
The Gati Shakti National Master Plan (PMGS-NMP), launched on 13th October 2021, has aimed to bring about transformative economic growth for India. Approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), it was implemented on 21st October 2021. Dhanaay explores the major areas of change and improvements in the sector adopted by the government. The programme focuses on accelerating economic growth and enhancing connectivity through a combination of key sectors. Let's take a deeper dive into its structure and objectives.
The Core Engines of Gati Shakti
The economic growth and connectivity under the Gati Shakti programme are driven by seven core "engines":
- Railways
- Roads
- Ports
- Waterways
- Airports
- Mass Transport
- Logistics Infrastructure
These engines work together to stimulate overall growth. They are further supported by key additional roles including IT Communication, Bulk Water and Sewerage, and Social Infrastructure. The approach is also backed by Clean Energy and Sabka Prayas, a collective effort between the State, Central Government, and private sectors. This will create huge job and entrepreneurial opportunities for many sections of society.
A World-Class Infrastructure Plan
The integration of these seven engines into the “National Infrastructure Pipeline” aims to provide a modern and efficient infrastructure system that enhances logistics synergy. The Gati Shakti programme leverages multiple modes of transport for the movement of both people and goods, which accelerates economic development.
A digital master planning tool was developed for this initiative by BISAG-N, and the entire process is based on a dynamic Geographic Information System (GIS) platform. All departments have been incorporated within this system, creating a comprehensive database that ensures real-time updates on ongoing infrastructural projects. The system uses satellite imagery from ISRO and Survey of India-based maps, which are hosted securely on the MEGHRAJ cloud platform of the Government of India.
GIS Layers and Real-Time Monitoring
The integration of more than 200 GIS layers facilitates the planning, designing, and execution of infrastructural projects. The GIS technology enables all departments involved to track the development of various projects and ensures coordination across the board. The data gathered allows the government and stakeholders to monitor projects with the help of open-source technologies.
Key Pillars of Gati Shakti
The vision of Gati Shakti is to foster transparency and cooperation among various ministries and state governments. The plan includes the incorporation of multiple infrastructural schemes, such as Bharatmala, Sagarmala, Inland Waterways, Land Ports, and UDAN. Additionally, business clusters like textile hubs, pharmaceutical zones, defence corridors, and electronic parks will benefit from this programme. These initiatives aim to improve business competitiveness and help India become a global manufacturing and logistics hub.
To ensure the success of this ambitious plan, Gati Shakti has laid down six foundational pillars:
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Comprehensiveness Every department will have transparency and visibility into other departments' work. This helps keep track of each other's progress, providing opportunities for constructive feedback to streamline execution.
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Prioritization Ministries and departments must prioritize projects based on the needs of the masses. This ensures cross-sectional interaction and addresses urgent demands.
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Optimization Ministries will be assisted in projecting their plans and providing critical feedback. For example, for the transportation of goods, the plan will ensure that the most cost-effective and time-efficient routes are selected.
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Synchronization To avoid delays caused by working in silos, the plan emphasizes the need for inter-departmental coordination. The success of a project will depend on how well different ministries work together.
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Analytical The plan uses GIS-based analytical tools with over 200 layers of data. This allows for better visibility into infrastructure projects and aids executing agencies in making informed decisions.
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Dynamic Gati Shakti is flexible, encouraging departments to review and adjust plans in real-time. The GIS platform allows for continuous monitoring and updating, which ensures that the Master Plan remains relevant and effective.
Economic Impact & Future Growth
The Gati Shakti programme has already had significant economic impacts. In 2013-14, the government’s capital expenditure was Rs 2.50 lakh crore, but it is expected to increase to Rs 7.5 lakh crore by 2022-23. This demonstrates the programme’s role in accelerating infrastructure development and economic growth. In addition, the programme supports cooperative federalism, with a focus on strengthening the interaction between the central and state governments. Rs 1 lakh crore has been devoted to supporting state governments in the development of multimodal infrastructure and assets.
Furthermore, with over 400 data layers available on the platform, the government now has access to detailed information on existing infrastructure, forest land, and industrial estates. This rich data can be used to inform future projects, reduce logistics costs, and enhance the efficiency of industries.
Conclusion
The PM Gati Shakti programme is a game-changing initiative that is set to revolutionize India's infrastructure development. By improving coordination across various departments and leveraging the power of GIS technology, the plan aims to reduce logistics costs, streamline project execution, and boost the country’s competitiveness on the global stage. The success of this plan will lead to faster, more efficient infrastructure development, contributing to India’s long-term economic growth.
Dhanaay encourages businesses to stay informed and prepared to make the most of the opportunities that will arise from this transformative project.