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.
