New Geospatial Platform Launched Under Gati Shakti Master Plan For Seamless Project Planning

In a major step toward streamlining infrastructure development, the newly launched geospatial platform under the PM Gati Shakti Master Plan is set to play a key role in planning new projects and upgrading existing ones.

According to Surendra Ahirwar, Joint Secretary of Logistics and Trade at the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, the platform integrates detailed data on infrastructure assets, allowing for efficient mapping and planning of future projects.

Ahirwar stated that this data would be instrumental in addressing infrastructure gaps and ensuring seamless expansion, with digital twin technology facilitating last-mile connectivity. "The challenge in implementing PM Gati Shakti has always been providing last-mile connectivity, and the digital twin will address it in the future," he added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently hailed the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan as a transformative initiative, stating that it is revolutionising India’s infrastructure across multiple sectors. The Master Plan is designed to drive economic growth and sustainable development, supported by seven key infrastructure engines: railways, roads, ports, waterways, airports, mass transport, and logistics, reports Economic Times.

Modi emphasised that Gati Shakti has boosted logistics efficiency, reduced delays, and opened up new opportunities. "Thanks to Gati Shakti, India is adding speed to fulfill our vision of a Viksit Bharat. It will encourage progress, entrepreneurship, and innovation," the Prime Minister said.

Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal also praised the initiative, stating that the platform has streamlined logistics and connectivity, ensuring faster and more effective project implementation. The use of geospatial data promises to be a game-changer in bridging India’s infrastructure gaps and accelerating its growth trajectory

The government launched the PM Gati Shakti programme on 13 October 2021, with the goal of achieving self-reliance and a $5 trillion economy by 2025.

To realise this vision, there was a pressing need to establish a comprehensive and efficient multimodal transportation and last-mile connectivity infrastructure across the country.

Such infrastructure is required to achieve a balanced mix of transportation methods, reduced logistics costs, enhanced export competitiveness, and a positive cycle of increased investments, economic growth, and job creation.

PM Gati Shakti aims to achieve these objectives through integrated planning and coordinated project execution involving all relevant ministries and state governments.

The primary aim of this initiative is to enhance multimodal connectivity, improve logistics efficiency, and address crucial infrastructure deficiencies to ensure seamless movement of people, goods and services across the nation.

The programme also seeks to integrate the infrastructure schemes of various ministries and state governments, including Bharatmala, Sagarmala, land ports, UDAN, and more.