The Indian government is set to take its ambitious PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan (PMGS-NMP) to the global stage, introducing an integrated digital tool to streamline infrastructure planning for both developing and developed nations. Initial plans suggest a focus on neighbouring countries like Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka for cross-border infrastructure projects.
The PM Gati Shakti portal, showcasing the master plan, may provide limited access to countries interested in adopting the system, allowing them to witness projects' progress from conception to execution. Officials from the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) have actively presented the Gati Shakti Master Plan to various nations, including visits to Nepal and Bangladesh.
Sumita Dawra, DPIIT special secretary, highlighted the tool's global exposure at conferences in Central Asia, South East Asia, the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia Pacific, and the G20 meeting in Delhi. Private companies have shown keen interest in the geo-spatial technology, recognizing its potential to expedite project clearances.
The PMGS-NMP, already digitizing land records for 13 states and four union territories, is expected to reduce project implementation time and costs. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has urged mapping various infrastructure projects under the PM Gati Shakti Scheme for efficient resource utilization.
Details of sharing PM Gati Shakti internationally are yet to be finalised, potentially involving country-specific versions or similar tools for each nation. The approach prioritizes countries with existing collaborative projects with India. The initiative aligns with the program's broader goals, integrating economic and infrastructural planning with socio-economic development.
Complementing PM Gati Shakti, the National Logistics Policy addresses soft infrastructure and the logistics sector. The establishment of Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya in Vadodara aims to nurture talent for the transportation and logistics sectors, solidifying India's commitment to global infrastructure development.
