In a significant move towards bolstering infrastructure development across India, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has been actively promoting the adoption of the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan (NMP). A crucial aspect of this initiative is the close collaboration between the central government and the various states and union territories, facilitated through weekly review meetings. These gatherings are designed to monitor and extend support for efficient and effective utilization of State Master Plan (SMP) portals, thereby enhancing infrastructure planning and implementation.
The recent review meeting, held on August 31, 2023, focused on Western and Central Zone States/Union Territories of India. Chaired by Special Secretary (Logistics) Ms. Sumita Dawra, the meeting saw active participation from States and UTs including Maharashtra, Goa, Rajasthan, Daman & Diu and Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh.
The Power of Data-Driven Decision Making
During the meeting, Special Secretary (Logistics) underscored the critical importance of utilizing the GatiShakti NMP/SMP portal and adopting a ‘whole of government’ approach for infrastructure and social sector planning. She highlighted various benefits of the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan (NMP), emphasizing the power of data layers and tools for effective, data-driven decision making. These benefits include:
- Optimized Route Planning: The system allows for optimized route planning, leading to more efficient transportation and logistics.
- Enhanced Visibility: The portal provides enhanced visibility of intersections, including areas such as forests, economic zones, archaeological sites, and more. This increased visibility aids in better decision-making.
- Time and Cost Savings: The use of digital surveys on the NMP streamlines the preparation of Detailed Project Reports (DPR) with higher accuracy, leading to significant time and cost savings for infrastructure projects.
Integrating Development Programs and Schemes
States and Union Territories have been actively integrating their existing development programs and schemes with the GIS-based NMP/SMP, striving for more efficient planning and implementation. For instance, the State of Uttar Pradesh integrated its Pahunch portal with the SMP, enabling effective decision-making regarding the site suitability of new schools based on various parameters like population, connectivity, teacher-pupil ratio, and more. Similarly, the Gujarat Government employed the PM GatiShakti approach to plan its coastal corridor, promoting tourism. The State of Goa developed disaster management and evacuation routes during floods to minimize loss of life, using the NMP/SMP portals.
Key Parameters for Wider Adoption
The DPIIT emphasized several key parameters to ensure wider adoption of the PM GatiShakti NMP at the state and union territory level:
- Regular Meetings: The institutional mechanism at the state and union territory level should conduct regular meetings and collaborations to foster effective planning and implementation.
- Quality Data Layers: Ensuring the quality of data layers on the NMP/SMP portal is essential for making informed decisions and driving successful projects.
- Usage for Project Planning: Encouraging the usage of SMP for project planning and implementation to facilitate Ease of Logistics, Ease of Living, and Ease of Doing Business is crucial for achieving the desired outcomes.
State Logistics Policy Alignment
States and Union Territories are encouraged to formulate State Logistics Policies (SLPs) that align with the National Logistics Policy (NLP). This alignment is crucial to bring a holistic focus on logistics in public policy at the state level. As of now, 22 states have notified their State Logistics policies, reflecting their commitment to the cause.
Promoting District-Level Adoption
Sensitizing States and Union Territories about the advantages of utilizing PM GatiShakti NMP/SMP at the district level is a significant step towards area-based development. The involvement of district-level officers becomes crucial in implementing the area-based approach for social and economic planning within their districts. This approach can streamline several challenges, such as land acquisition, approvals, utility shifting coordination, administrative assistance, and more, expediting and ensuring time-bound project implementation.
Conclusion
The PM GatiShakti NMP is a transformative initiative that empowers states and union territories to take charge of their infrastructure development by leveraging data-driven decision-making and efficient planning. With active collaboration between the central government and the states, India is poised to witness significant growth in infrastructure, logistics, and overall development, ultimately improving the quality of life for its citizens. The continued commitment to these principles is a promising sign for the nation’s future.