PRAGATI: Accelerating India's Infrastructure Development
The PRAGATI initiative, conceptualized by Prime Minister in 2015, aims to expedite delayed infrastructure projects and tackle chronic time and cost overruns.
Key Achievements
- Over 3,300 projects worth ₹85 lakh crore have been fast-tracked.
- Resolution of 7,156 out of 7,735 issues, with major hurdles being:
- 35% related to land acquisition
- 20% to environmental and wildlife concerns
- 18% to rights of use or way
- Prime Minister Modi personally reviewed 382 projects, resolving 2,958 out of 3,187 issues.
Major Projects and Impact
- The Jammu-Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail link's accelerated completion from a projected 2038 to 2025.
- Navi Mumbai airport's operational commencement advanced from a projected 2049.
- 61 flagship government schemes reviewed under PRAGATI.
Operational Process
PRAGATI employs a multi-tier follow-up mechanism ensuring timely project tracking and resolution, operating under the oversight of the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) and the Cabinet Secretariat.
Challenges and Solutions
- Inter-ministerial coordination and timely decision-making are prioritized.
- No current plans to amend the land acquisition policy despite it being a significant barrier.
Learnings and Future Directions
- Improved quality of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) and increased use of PM Gati Shakti portal.
- Clearer escalation thresholds for projects exceeding ₹500 crore.
- Training modules being developed for young officers based on PRAGATI's lessons.
Recognition
An Oxford University study highlights PRAGATI as a successful case of digital governance driving infrastructural progress in India.
