Recently, the government of India has launched 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.
Context
Recently, the government of India has launched 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.
Purpose of the Project
- Ensure integrated planning and implementation of infrastructure projects over the next four years, with focus on expediting works on the ground,cost savings and job creation.
- The Gati Shakti scheme will use the Rs 110 lakh crore crore National Infrastructure Pipeline that was launched in 2019.
- In addition to reducing operating costs, the program also aims to increase cargo handling capacity and reduce port conversion time to increase trade.
- It also aims to have 11 industrial corridors and two new defense corridors - one in Tamil Nadu and one in Uttar Pradesh.
- Expanding 4G connections across all villages is another goal.
- It is planned to install 17,000 kilometers in the pipeline network.
- It will assist in achieving the government's target of 2024-25, including extending the length of the national road network to 2 lakh kms.
- The project is aimed at the construction of more than 200 new airports, heliports and water aerodromes.
Integrated Approach
- It aims to bring together 16 Ministries related to infrastructure.
- This will help to eliminate long-standing issues such as integrated planning, lack of regulation, approval issues, and timely construction and use of infrastructure skills.
Gati Shakti Digital platform
- It involves the creation of a common umbrella platform through which infrastructure projects can be planned and implemented in an efficacious manner by way of coordination between various ministries/departments on a real-time basis.
Expected Outcomes
- The program will help in mapping existing and proposed link projects.
- Also, there will be greater clarity on how the various regions and industrial areas in the country are connected, especially the last-mile connectivity.
- A comprehensive and integrated transport connectivity strategy will greatly support Make in India and integrate a variety of modes of transport.
- It will help India become the business capital of the world.
