Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the 53rd meeting of PRAGATI, the ICT-enabled multi-modal platform for Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation, at Seva Teerth on Wednesday. During the meeting he reviewed six key infrastructure projects across the railway, road and power sectors spanning nine states with a cumulative cost of more than Rs 300 billion (Rs 300 bn). The projects were identified as significant for strengthening connectivity, supporting industrial and economic activity and improving public services. The review emphasised adherence to timelines and inter-agency coordination.

He emphasised that delays result in cost escalation and postpone benefits for citizens, businesses and the economy. Ministries and states were asked to adopt an end-to-end approach to address critical gaps that could delay commissioning and delivery so that progress in individual packages translates into timely completion and operationalisation of entire projects. He called for fostering a proactive work culture with greater ownership at every level of implementation.

He urged exploration of common utility corridors for infrastructure services where feasible and asked Ministries and states to examine such integrated approaches at the planning stage keeping technical and economic feasibility in view. Speed of execution must be accompanied by uncompromising quality, and implementing agencies were urged to adopt modern technologies and strengthen quality assurance at every stage. While reviewing AgriStack under the Digital Agriculture Mission he emphasised leveraging digital technologies including artificial intelligence to derive greater value from agricultural data.

During a review of cyber fraud cases he said prevention must be strengthened through sustained training, awareness and education, with targeted public-awareness campaigns for senior citizens, youth and other vulnerable sections to familiarise them with common fraud techniques and safe digital practices. He called for regular capacity-building of personnel so that emerging modes of cyber fraud are identified and acted upon swiftly. He appreciated efforts by states and the Central Government in building the AgriStack ecosystem and urged further strengthening of its use to deliver better outcomes for farmers.