The Central Government has approved 228 infrastructure projects worth over INR 15.88 lakh crore under the PM Gati Shakti Masterplan in the past three years, focusing on roads, railways, urban development, and oil and gas. Led by the DPIIT's Network Planning Group, all projects above INR 500 crore undergo rigorous appraisal before approval. The initiative involves 44 central ministries, 36 states/UTs, and 27 aspirational districts. Supported by the 2022 National Logistics Policy, 26 states/UTs have implemented logistics policies, with nine granting industry status to the sector. Plans to engage the private sector highlight India's push for efficient connectivity and logistics growth.
According to recent reports, the Central Government has approved approximately 228 infrastructure projects aligned with the objectives of the PM Gati Shakti Masterplan (NMP), with investments exceeding INR 15.88 lakh crore over the past three years. Majority of these projects focus on roads (108), followed by railways (85), urban development and the National Industrial Corridor Development Corporation (12 each), and oil and gas (four).
Rajeev Singh Thakur, Additional Secretary in the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), stated that all projects exceeding INR 500 crore are appraised by the Network Planning Group (NPG). After receiving NPG clearance, projects are forwarded for approval from relevant authorities, including the public investment board and the expenditure finance committee.
A total of 44 central ministries and 36 states and Union Territories (UTs) are currently engaged with the Gati Shakti platform. For better planning at the district level, a master plan was launched in 27 aspirational districts. Discussions have been ongoing regarding opening the Gati Shakti portal to the private sector, although a timeline for this has not yet been determined. Thakur confirmed that the government is moving towards this goal.
To support the Gati Shakti NMP, the government introduced a National Logistics Policy in 2022. As a result, 26 states and UTs have since implemented their own logistics policies, and nine states have granted industry status to the sector.
In conclusion, the approval of these significant infrastructure projects demonstrates India's commitment to enhancing connectivity and logistics. The government's focus on efficient planning and private sector involvement signals positive growth prospects for the nation's infrastructure sector