A study by the University of Oxford's Said Business School, in collaboration with the Gates Foundation, has commended India's PRAGATI (Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation) platform for its transformative impact on infrastructure development. Since its launch in 2015, PRAGATI has expedited over 340 infrastructure projects worth Rs 17.05 trillion, transcending political and bureaucratic barriers.

The study highlights PRAGATI's "apolitical approach," describing it as a neutral platform that prioritises development over political differences. Driven directly by the Prime Minister and involving central ministry secretaries and state chief secretaries, the platform fosters a collaborative governance model. It has proven particularly effective in Opposition-led states, where traditional channels may encounter political roadblocks.

Examples of PRAGATI’s impact include resolving decade-long land procurement issues for the Bogibeel Bridge in Assam, overcoming wildlife clearance challenges for the Dahisar-Surat segment of NH-8, and advancing the Aizawl-Tuipang tunnel road project in Mizoram to near 80% completion.

Authored by Soumitra Dutta and Mukul Pandya, the report underscores PRAGATI as a "powerful demonstration of cooperative federalism," effectively bridging center-state divides to accelerate progress on stalled projects. By fostering collaboration while respecting state autonomy, the platform has emerged as a model for resolving complex development challenges.

During an online interaction, Soumitra Dutta, Dean of the Said Business School, emphasised PRAGATI’s potential to help developing nations like India overcome the "middle-income trap" by aligning governance with shared developmental goals. The study underscores PRAGATI’s equal attention to projects in all states, regardless of political affiliations, further solidifying its role in transforming India's infrastructure landscape.

(ET)