Pradhan Mantri Gati Shakti – National Master Plan for Multi-modal Connectivity
Launched as a landmark initiative by the Government of India, the Pradhan Mantri Gati Shakti – National Master Plan for Multi-modal Connectivity – seeks to revolutionise the nation’s infrastructure ecosystem. With an estimated outlay of $1.2 trillion USD, the scheme aims to provide a competitive edge to the Indian manufacturing sector through the creation of a unified, technology-driven framework for infrastructure planning and execution.
Genesis and Strategic Objectives
Announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 15 August 2021 and formally launched on 13 October 2021, PM Gati Shakti represents a paradigm shift in the way infrastructure projects are conceived and implemented. It is designed to integrate various ministries and departments of the central government through a single digital platform, thus enabling holistic and synchronised infrastructure development.
The core objective of the initiative is to support India’s ambition of becoming a $5 trillion economy in the short term and a $20 trillion economy by 2040. It seeks to address and close existing infrastructure gaps, ensure efficient logistics, reduce the overall cost of operations, and improve the ease of doing business.
Integrated Digital Platform and Key Features
At the heart of the PM Gati Shakti Scheme lies a comprehensive digital platform powered by Geospatial Information Systems (GIS). This platform connects 44 central ministries and 36 states and union territories, integrating over 1,600 data layers for seamless coordination and real-time project monitoring.
The six foundational pillars of the scheme are:
- Comprehensiveness: Collates all existing and proposed infrastructure initiatives under a unified digital view.
- Prioritisation: Empowers ministries to prioritise projects based on cross-sectoral dependencies and strategic importance.
- Optimisation: Identifies critical gaps and cost-effective routes for transportation.
- Synchronisation: Reduces delays by aligning efforts across government bodies through real-time collaboration.
- Analytical Approach: Offers advanced spatial planning tools for evidence-based decisions.
- Dynamic Adaptation: Leverages satellite imagery and data analytics for real-time progress tracking.
A significant element of the scheme is its focus on enhancing connectivity across various modes of transport, including railways, roadways, waterways, ports, and aviation, thereby creating a truly multimodal infrastructure network.
Major Projects and Financial Commitments
Under the PM Gati Shakti framework, the Indian Railways is undertaking massive infrastructure upgrades, including the development of 400 Vande Bharat Express trains within three years and modernisation of 200 railway terminals, with an additional 300 terminals planned. The scheme also targets 196 critical infrastructure gap projects, with 22 already receiving initial approvals.
In July 2025, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs sanctioned four key railway corridor enhancements worth ₹11,169 crore, focusing on strategic routes such as Itarsi–Nagpur and Aluabari Road–New Jalpaiguri. Overall, 91 Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals (GCTs) have been commissioned, and 234 projects have received in-principle approval, representing a financial commitment of ₹2.25 trillion.
Private Sector Participation and Data Sharing Framework
To encourage private sector involvement, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) is set to issue guidelines on how private entities can utilise data and geospatial maps from the PM Gati Shakti portal. This data will be made available in a secure, query-specific manner, facilitating infrastructure-based application development, route planning, and logistics optimisation.
Example applications include:
- Coal mining companies planning efficient transportation routes.
- Telecom operators identifying optimal tower installation locations.
Impact and Challenges
The PM Gati Shakti Scheme has already evaluated over 208 infrastructure projects worth $180 billion, significantly accelerating their execution timelines. It has notably improved last-mile connectivity in vital sectors such as coal and food distribution, contributing to reduced logistics costs and enhanced global competitiveness of Indian goods.
Despite these advancements, several challenges persist. Land acquisition issues, limited digitisation of land and government records, and concerns about data sharing pose obstacles. Additionally, a skilled workforce trained in geospatial technologies is required to fully leverage the platform’s capabilities.
The PM Gati Shakti initiative represents a transformative step towards creating a robust and future-ready infrastructure framework for India. Through integrated planning, digital innovation, and stakeholder collaboration, the scheme has the potential to redefine infrastructure development, fuelling economic growth and industrial competitiveness on a global scale.
| Related | |
|---|---|
