In a concerted effort to promote broader utilisation of the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan (NMP), the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) conducted a review meeting with States and Union Territories on August 31. The objective of this meeting was to oversee and bolster support for the efficient and effective utilisation of State Master Plan (SMP) portals for infrastructure planning and implementation.

Chaired by Special Secretary Sumita Dawra from DPIIT, the review meeting primarily focused on Western and Central Zone States/UTs of India. Several states and union territories, including Maharashtra, Goa, Rajasthan, Daman & Diu and Dadar & Nagar Haveli, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh, were represented at the gathering.

During the meeting, the Special Secretary (Logistics) stressed the importance of harnessing the GatiShakti NMP/SMP portal and adopting a 'whole of government' approach for infrastructure and social sector planning. The meeting highlighted various benefits of the PM GatiShakti NMP, such as optimised route planning, enhanced visibility of intersections, and cost savings for infrastructure projects.

Sumita Dawra stated, "States/UTs are extensively using the PM GatiShakti approach for planning connectivity to Industrial Regions, selecting locations for social infrastructure assets, and integrating their development programs with GIS-based NMP/SMP."

The meeting underscored the need for regular institutional mechanisms, data quality assurance, and state logistics policies aligned with the National Logistics Policy to facilitate ease of logistics, living, and doing business. Furthermore, it encouraged the adoption of PM GatiShakti principles at the district level to expedite project implementation and streamline challenges.

States/UTs were urged to identify pilot areas for implementing PM GatiShakti NMP/SMP for planning and analysis purposes. This approach promises to revolutionise infrastructure planning and ensure time-bound project execution.