In this article, we will read about the ambitious Gati Shakti scheme or National Master Plan for multi-modal connectivity plan, with the aim of coordinated planning and execution of infrastructure projects to bring down logistics costs.
About the Scheme
Aim:
- To ensure integrated planning and implementation of infrastructure projects in the next four years, with focus on expension of works which includes: Infrastructure development, Job creations.
- The scheme is also aimed at increasing cargo handling capacity and reducing the turnaround time at ports to boost trade and increase trading system throughout the country.
- The Gati Shakti scheme will subsume the Rs 110 lakh crore National Infrastructure Pipeline that was launched in 2019.
- It will also create 11 industrial corridors and two new defence corridors – one in Tamil Nadu and other in Uttar Pradesh.
- It Extending 4G connectivity to all villages is another aim.
- Adding 17,000 kms to the gas pipeline network.
Objective: It will help in fulfilling the ambitious targets set by the government for 2024-25, which includes: expanding the length of the national highway network to 2 lakh kms, creation of more than 200 new airports, heliports and water aerodromes.
Integrated Approach: It intends to bring together 16 infrastructure related Ministries so that collaborative action plan can be achieved through corporation amoung ministries and solve the problems of disjointed planning, lack of standardisation, problems with clearances, and timely creation and utilisation of infrastructure capacities.
Gati Shakti Digital Platform: To be launched to create a common umbrella platform through which infrastructure projects can be planned and implemented in such a manner by coordination between various ministries/departments on a real-time basis.
Expected Outcomes
- Proposed connectivity between ministries and thier projects.
- Creates immense clarity on how different regions and industrial hubs in the country are linked
- Strengthening for last mile connectivity.
- A holistic and integrated transport connectivity strategy for transport leads to help India rto become the business capital of the world.
The scheme is in synergy with the National Monetisation Pipeline (NMP).
The NMP has been announced to provide a clear framework for monetisation and give potential investors a ready list of assets to generate investment interest.
Way Forward:
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.
The framework should be made with step by step process by streamlining the associated concerns for instance: structual problems, infrastructure etc.
