In an effort to promote wider adoption of the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan (NMP) and ensure efficient and effective utilization of their State Master Plan (SMP) portals for infrastructure planning and implementation, the department for promotion of industry and internal trade (DPIIT), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, organized a review meeting with states and Union territories. The meeting, chaired by the special secretary in the DPIIT, Sumita Dawra, focused on the Western and Central Zones of India.
Representatives from several states and Union territories, including Maharashtra, Goa, Rajasthan, Daman & Diu and Dadar & Nagar Haveli, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh, attended the meeting. One of the key points discussed during the meeting was the significance of utilizing the GatiShakti NMP/SMP portal and adopting a ‘whole of government’ approach for infrastructure and social sector planning.
The special secretary (Logistics) highlighted various benefits of the PM GatiShakti NMP, including optimized route planning, enhanced visibility of intersections, and enabling time and cost savings for infrastructure projects. The portal leverages data layers and tools for effective, data-driven decision-making. It also streamlines the preparation of Detailed Project Reports (DPR) with higher accuracy through the use of digital surveys.
Sumita Dawra, according to a PIB release, mentioned that states and Union territories are extensively using the PM GatiShakti approach for planning connectivity to Industrial Regions, as well as selecting suitable locations for social infrastructure assets. She cited examples of Uttar Pradesh integrating its Pahunch portal with the SMP for effective decision-making about the site suitability of new schools, and Gujarat using the PMGS for planning its coastal corridor to promote tourism. Goa also used the PMGS NMP/SMP portals to plan disaster management/evacuation routes during floods.
During the meeting, it was emphasized that states and Union territories must focus on certain parameters for wider adoption of PM GatiShakti NMP. These include regular meetings and institutional mechanisms at the state/UT level, ensuring the quality of data layers on the NMP/SMP portal, and using the SMP for project planning and implementation to facilitate ease of logistics, living, and doing business.
Furthermore, states and Union territories were encouraged to develop their State Logistics Policies (SLPs) aligned with the National Logistics Policy (NLP). So far, 22 states have already notified their state logistics policies. The meeting also highlighted the advantages of utilizing PM GatiShakti NMP/SMP at the district level for area-based development and emphasized the need to adopt PM GatiShakti principles for project planning and analysis at the grassroots level. This approach can streamline various challenges, such as land acquisition, approvals, utility shifting coordination, administrative assistance, and more, ensuring time-bound project implementation.
Overall, the review meeting aimed to promote maximum adoption of PM GatiShakti in states and Union territories, urging them to leverage the NMP/SMP portals for comprehensive infrastructure planning and implementation.
