Prime Minister Narendra Modi made an unexpected visit to the PM GatiShakti Anubhuti Kendra in Delhi to mark the third anniversary of its launch. The Anubhuti Kendra, located at Bharat Mandapam, showcases the key achievements and milestones of the PM GatiShakti initiative, which has significantly contributed to infrastructure development across India.
The Prime Minister commended the progress made in planning and executing projects under this initiative, which is playing a crucial role in achieving the vision of a developed India, or Viksit Bharat.
The PM GatiShakti initiative, launched in 2021, integrates the infrastructure schemes of various ministries and state governments, including major projects like Bharatmala, Sagarmala, and UDAN.
These projects aim to ensure seamless multimodal connectivity through highways, railways, ports, airports, and more. By bringing together ministries and enhancing cooperation, PM GatiShakti has made transportation across India more efficient and effective.
During his visit, Prime Minister Modi also acknowledged the strides made by the ODOP (One District One Product) initiative, which promotes the selection, branding, and marketing of products unique to each district in India. He emphasised the importance of such initiatives in boosting local industries and fostering innovation.
One of the key features of PM GatiShakti is the identification and resolution of infrastructure gaps across various sectors, including coal, steel, fertiliser, and ports. The National Master Plan has facilitated digital surveys, making project preparation faster and more accurate. In the past year, over 400 railway projects have been planned, covering 27,000 kilometres of railway lines. The Ministry of Railways has played a central role in these developments, aiming to improve both freight and passenger services.
A Network Planning Group (NPG) has been established to synchronise efforts between ministries, ensuring cohesive infrastructure development. So far, 213 projects worth Rs 15.48 lakh crore have been evaluated through 81 NPG meetings.
This whole-of-government approach involves 44 central ministries and 36 states and union territories, with 1,529 data layers being integrated into the system. The goal is to streamline processes and create a more efficient network for transporting goods and services.
In addition to infrastructure development, PM GatiShakti is also focusing on improving social sector services. The initiative has mapped 45 lakh Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) across 29,000 habitations, helping identify areas where Anganwadi centres are most needed.
More than 10 lakh Anganwadi centres have already been mapped on the National Master Plan, allowing for better planning and resource allocation to address nutritional and educational needs.
PM GatiShakti has also been used to identify industries in various districts to provide district-specific skill training programs. Schools under the PM Shri initiative have been mapped to connect with other nearby schools, using geospatial information to enhance educational facilities.
Internationally, PM GatiShakti has gained recognition as a transformative platform for infrastructure development. It has been presented at various global forums, promoting collaboration with neighbouring countries such as Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. These collaborations are focused on knowledge sharing and enhancing multimodal connectivity across borders.
Prime Minister Modi highlighted that the initiative has revolutionised India’s infrastructure by breaking down silos and fostering collaboration between different sectors and ministries.
It has not only reduced delays but also opened up new opportunities for various industries and entrepreneurs. By improving logistics, PM GatiShakti has enhanced the competitiveness of Indian industries on a global scale.
The Prime Minister also pointed out that PM GatiShakti is aligned with India’s environmental goals. The initiative is helping build a green and sustainable logistics network, promoting environmentally responsible infrastructure development. This focus on sustainability is critical as India works towards achieving its climate goals while simultaneously boosting its economic growth.
As PM GatiShakti enters its fourth year, the initiative continues to be a cornerstone of India’s development strategy. With its focus on infrastructure, social services, and sustainability, it is set to play an even greater role in transforming the country into a Viksit Bharat, where economic progress, innovation, and environmental responsibility go hand in hand.