One of the most ambitious infrastructure planning projects that have been implemented by the Government of India is PM Gati Shakti Yojana. It seeks to change how infrastructure projects are being planned, coordinated and executed in the country. Combining various ministries, means of transport and digital technologies into one system, the scheme aims to enhance connectivity, lower the costs of logistics, and speed up economic growth.
This project was initiated as the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan on Multi-Modal Connectivity, which is a transition towards integrated infrastructure development as opposed to a scattered one. It is significant in the long-term outlook of making India a globally competitive economy.
What is PM Gati Shakti Yojana?
PM Gati Shakti Yojana is a master plan that covers the national level, where infrastructure projects in different sectors are to be coordinated like roads, railways, ports, airports, waterways, mass transport, and logistics infrastructures. All the interested ministries and departments make their plans on the projects through a joint digital platform, rather than working in isolation.
The main point that the scheme aims to achieve is that of enhancing multi-modal connectivity, i.e., seamless connectivity between various modes of transportation. This guarantees an accelerated flow of goods and people, reduction in delays, work duplication is avoided and cost of the project is reduced. The project is a technological one and relies on geospatial mapping to depict the existing and proposed infrastructures.
PM Gati Shakti Yojana Date and Year
One of the frequently posed questions is “PM Gati Shakti Yojana, when will it end?
The PM Gati Shakti Yojana was introduced on 13 October 2021.
Thus, the year of PM Gati Shakti Yojana is 2021. Following its release, the National Master Plan was later approved by Union Cabinet later in the same month, becoming a formal structure of the planning of infrastructure in the entire of India.
Under what Ministry is the PM Gati Shakti Yojana?
The other query that appears most of the time is; PM Gati Shakti Yojana under what ministry?
PM Gati Shakti Yojana is a whole-of-government program, i.e. it is not restricted to a single ministry. Nevertheless, the Logistics Department of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry is a vital coordinating force, particularly in the management of the digital platform and enhancement of logistics efficiency.
There are various ministries which are involved in planning and implementation including Road Transport and Highways, Railways, Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Civil Aviation, Housing and Urban Affairs and Environment. This combined system of governance is among the best aspects of PM Gati Shakti.
PM Gati Shakti Yojana Objectives
The introduction of PM Gati Shakti Yojana was also characterized by evident long-term goals, which are based on efficiency, coordination, and economic influence.
- To do away with silo-based planning between ministries.
- To enhance last and first-mile connectivity.
- To lower the logistics cost in India.
- To achieve infrastructure projects on time.
- To facilitate industrial development and business facilitation.
(One of the few parts in which pointers have been applied, as desired.)
All these goals are geared towards the establishment of a strong infrastructure backbone which will facilitate manufacturing, trade and generate employment.
The way PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan Functions
The Gati Shakti PM National Master Plan is backed by a digital GIS platform that combines information of various ministries and states governments. The geographical mapping of all infrastructure projects results in visualization of overlaps, gaps, and dependencies of the project by the planners prior to the commencement of the project execution.
The following is an example; when a new industrial corridor is scheduled, the platform will be used to make sure that road connectivity, rail access, power connection, logistics parks, and port connection are integrated initially. This minimizes delays due to lack of coordination and clearances which are not planned.
The site is also beneficial in planning of land-use, environmental analysis, and expediency of decision-making by giving real-time visibility of infrastructural resources.
The Seven Engines of PM Gati Shakti
PM Gati Shakti is constructed with seven main infrastructure engines that propel economic connectivity in the country. Such engines encompass roads, railways, ports, waterways, airports, mass transport infrastructure and logistics infrastructure.
The engines will not be configured as individual sectors but they will be interconnected. Such combined planning will make sure that the infrastructure investments provide the optimal economic benefits and overall transport efficiency between regions.
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Amount and Funding of PM Gati Shakti Yojana
Most of the people key in PM Gati Shakti Yojana amount, thinking that it is a direct financial scheme. As a matter of fact, PM Gati Shakti is more of a planning and coordination system rather than a funding scheme.
To fund infrastructure development to this effect, however, the Government of India declared [?]1 lakh crore long term, interest free loans to states in the Union Budget 2022-23. These were to be in a form of incentive to the states to invest in capital-intensive infrastructure projects in line with the PM Gati Shakti principles.
Also, projects with value of several lakh crores in any sector have been charted and aligned under the PM Gati Shakti platform, which shows the role in integrating large-scale government and commercial investments.
PM Gati Shakti Yojana and UPSC Relevance
In competitive examinations, particularly, UPSC, PM Gati Shakti Yojana is a significant subject in the category of General Studies Paper II and III. The emphasis of the aspirants should be in its system of governance, economic importance, digitization, and influence on logistics and infrastructure.
Overview One of the areas that should be considered in the preparation of the UPSC is its launch year, its objectives, the ministries involved, technological factors, and how it has enhanced ease of doing business and cooperative federalism.
Advantages of PM Gati Shakti Yojana
PM Gati Shakti Yojana has long-term positive impacts in a variety of dimensions. Planning infrastructure will enhance accelerated project implementation, less cost increase, and quality assets. The logistics are also made easier in businesses, and citizens have an enhanced experience of connectivity and development in the regions.
The initiative also enhances cooperative federalism by making states active partners in planning of the national infrastructure.
The documents that are necessary for PM Gati Shakti Yojana
The citizens do not need the following documents, but they might be employed internally or indirectly during any official or contractual procedures:
- Aadhaar Card – This is applied in verifying the identity of authorized government individuals or employees who access the official systems.
- PAN Card – To carry out financial procedures and taxation as well as tender related procedures.
- ID Card by the government officials in planning and approvals in projects.
The PM Gati Saki Yojana benefits are not filed by the populace.
PM Gati Shakti Yojana Application Process
Everything you want to know Many people are searching for “How to apply for PM Gati Shakti Yojana” or so on but the point of looking in is that it’s not an individual or citizen benefit type application scheme. There is no web form, application or direct registration for members of the public at large.
The system, nonetheless, has a specified procedure for application and implementation by government ministries, state governments and authorized agencies. The following sub-sections specify the institutional aspects while applying and operationalizing PM Gati Shakti.
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Step-by-Step Online Application of PM Gati Shakti Yojana
Step 1: Identification of Infrastructure Needs
This is done in the following manner: A concerned ministry or a state government identifies potential gaps or requirements of infrastructure (even at sub-regional level) which could be inroads, rail connection, logistics park, port(s), or industrial corridors on the basis of regional and/or national requirement.
Step 2: Plan a Project and Prepare a Proposal
A comprehensive project proposal is drafted, indicating the site, dimension; approx. cost of the proposed DPR and likely economic returns. The Proposed is consistent with multi-modal linkage objectives.
Step 3: Upload of Project Data on PM Gati Shakti Portal
The project formulation is uploaded on PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan digital mode through geospatial mapping tools. This function gives the opportunity to see in real time how the project fits within the existing infrastructure.
Step 4: Inter-Ministerial Coordination and Review
On being uploaded, the project is examined by other concerned ministries and departments to check for overlap, conflict or lacunae. It also helps in planned development and prevents repetition of work.
Step 5: Approval and Deflection To Clearances
On coordination, project is prepared as per environment clearances planning land acquisition and regulatory approvals. Early scheduling reduces the latency of \execution time.
Step 6: Financial Arrangement and Budgeting.
Funds are allocated through central budget, state budget, special financial assistance, long term loan or public private partnership depending upon the nature of the scheme.
Step 7: Implementation and Monitoring
If it is approved and funded, the project goes into implementation. Progress is being constantly monitored through the PM Gati Shakti dashboard to ensure adherence to timelines and targets.
Challenges in Implementation
The systemic challenges facing PM Gati Shakti is its own robustness like delays of land acquisition, environmental clearances and data integration among the departments along with capacity gaps at State level. Nevertheless, the issues are being addressed through gradual digital transitions as well as training and policy initiatives.
Conclusion
PM Gati Shakti Yojana represents a paradigm shift in India”s approach to the development of its infrastructure. Being rolled out in 2021, it is a consistent, tech-enabled and multi-modal method of infrastructure planning. PM Gati Shakti will give an impetus to sustainable and inclusive economic progress by enhancing cohesion between Union ministries and the States, reducing logistics cost of doing business in India besides ensuring faster project execution.
For a policy or governance perspective or the spectrum of UPSC preparation, it is also a matter of development in the country.PM Gati Shakti Yojana features as a transformative national initiative with long term effects.
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