Introduction
The National Master Plan for Multi-modal Connectivity in India, or Gati Shakti, was introduced by Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi on October 13, 2021. The scheme was launched to build world-class infrastructure in India in an integrated manner. It is a platform to bring 16 different ministries together to coordinate and implement infrastructure connectivity projects. The seamless connectivity for logistics and services between modes of transportation is made possible by multi-modal connectivity. It will enable the last-mile connectivity of transportation and shorten travel time for people.
This plan aims to increase the number of primary areas such as roads, railways, airports, ports, waterways, and logistics infrastructure. One major step is the creation of a one-stop national single-window system, where people interested in developing infrastructure can file proposals online and track their progress. This also means plans like Bharatmala, Sagarmala, inland waterways, dry/land ports and UDAN are now operated on one digital platform. Moreover, the scheme plans to strengthen economic zones such as agri-zones, electronic parks, defence corridors, textile and pharmaceutical clusters, industrial corridors, and fishing clusters. The objective of Gati Shakti is to enhance connectivity and make Indian businesses more competitive in nature.
Need for PM Gati Shakti Yojna
- In the past, there was difficulty with different departments not coordinating well. For example, a road would be built, and another department would dig it up later for things like laying underground cables or gas pipelines, which caused a lot of inconvenience and resulted in being a waste of money. Now all the departments are under the same roof and must coordinate with each other, which will save considerable rework.
- The PM Gati Shakti initiative attempts to solve issues such as long approval processes and difficulty of regulatory clearance. To overcome past challenges, the government has given high priority to infrastructure in recent years.
- The establishment of comprehensive last-mile and multi-modal connectivity infrastructure across the country is necessary to achieve a US$ 5 trillion economy by 2025. This will ensure a balanced mix of transportation methods, lower logistics expenditure, improved export competitiveness, a helpful cycle of more investments in India, and a boost to economic growth and job creation.
Six Pillars of PM Gati Shakti
- Comprehensiveness: It will combine all current and future proposals from different ministries and departments into a single central portal (Gati Shakti scheme) with this structure. Every department will be able to see each other's activities and ongoing projects, which will be crucial data for planning and comprehensively executing projects.
- Prioritisation: Different departments can prioritise their projects by cooperating across sectors and considering the ongoing projects of other departments and the priorities of a project
- Optimisation: Gati Shakti will help different ministries in project organising by recognising crucial gaps between projects. For example, for transporting goods from one location to another, the scheme will aid in selecting the most effective path in terms of time and cost.
- Synchronisation: Before this scheme, different ministries and departments mostly conducted projects independently, leading to a lack of coordination in project planning and resulting in longer time to execute. This scheme aims to coordinate the efforts of each department and various levels of governance broadly to make sure they coordinate work among them.
- Analytical: By combining all the data in one place and utilising GIS-based spatial planning and more than 200-layer analytical tools, the plan will improve visibility for the executing agency.
- Dynamic: All ministries and departments will now be able to visualise, assess and monitor the advancement of cross-sectoral projects using the GIS platform. This is because the portal will receive regular updates on project progress and satellite imagery will provide on-ground progress at regular intervals. It will assist in determining the essential actions to improve and update the master plan.
Engines driving PM Gati Shakti national master plan
PM Gati Shakti is a revolutionary strategy for sustainable development and economic growth. Seven engines power the approach:
- Railways
- Roads
- Ports
- Waterways
- Airports
- Mass Transport
- Logistics Infrastructure
The development will display in accordance with all seven engines. The supportive functions for energy transmission, information and communications technology, bulk water and sewerage, and social infrastructure cooperate to power these engines. The strategy is driven by Sabka Prayas and Clean Energy, which are the joint efforts of the federal government, state governments and private sector. These initiatives will create significant job and business opportunities for everyone, particularly for the younger generation.
The seven engines for seamless multi-modal connectivity, efficient logistics and economic transformation will all be included in the scope of the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan. The plan will include infrastructure developed by state governments in compliance with the Gati Shakti Master Plan. The primary focus areas will be planning, financing—including through innovative means and use of technology—and quicker implementation.
According to the PM Gati Shakti framework, the seven engines' ‘National Infrastructure Pipeline’ projects will be implemented. The Master Plan's foundation will be excellent modern infrastructure and logistics coordination between various means of transportation for people and goods as well as project locations. Productivity will increase as a result, and economic development and growth will accelerate.
Feedback received for PM Gati Shakti
Feedback has been received from a number of ministries. For example, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways uses PM Gati Shakti for ground surveys, land records and highway alignments, which saves time and money during project planning. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas uses the plan's electronic Detail Route Survey (eDRS) to generate reports more swiftly. The Ministry of Railways has completed the Final Location Survey (FLS) in FY22 much more quickly than in FY21.
Interim Budget 2024-25
The announcement in the Interim Budget for 2024-25 regarding the implementation of three economic railway corridors identified under PM Gati Shakti for enabling multi-modal connectivity—i) energy, mineral and cement corridors; (ii) port connectivity corridors; and (iii) high traffic density corridors—represents a notable step towards improving logistics efficiency and lowering costs associated with rail movement. It will reduce the logistical carbon footprint, free up traffic on high-density rail lines, and facilitate the switch from road to rail and coastal shipping.
Conclusion
The Gati Shakti initiative, which aims to improve connectivity, support economic growth, and improve the general quality of life for citizens, represents a remarkable step towards changing India's infrastructure landscape. Gati Shakti can promote innovation, drive sustainable development, and turn India into a global powerhouse by utilising modern technologies and a comprehensive strategy that unites multiple sectors. To ensure the successful implementation of Gati Shakti, we must continue to move forward, encourage collaboration among stakeholders and address obstacles.
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