New Delhi: In a significant move, the Indian government is gearing up to take its flagship initiative, the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan (PMGS-NMP), to the global stage. This initiative aims to provide an integrated digital tool for efficient infrastructure planning, and the first phase of expansion is anticipated to focus on neighboring countries like Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.
Officials familiar with the matter suggest that the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan might be initially offered to these neighboring nations for collaborative planning and execution of specific cross-border infrastructure projects. Subsequently, a tailored product will be developed for other international projects, based on the framework established for domestic initiatives.
The international outreach of the PM Gati Shakti initiative has already commenced, with the tool being showcased to various countries in Central Asia and Southeast Asia. Delegation-level visits and presentations have been conducted, highlighting the potential benefits of the integrated digital tool for streamlined infrastructure planning processes.
Sumita Dawra, Special Secretary at the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), shared insights into the ongoing efforts, stating, “We are already showcasing the Gati Shakti Master Plan to other countries. In the neighbourhood, we had delegation-level visits to Nepal and also showcased the master plan to Bangladesh at the invitation of the government there. We have also showcased the tool to 30 countries in Central Asia and South East Asia.”
The PMGS-NMP, which integrates economic and infrastructural planning with socio-economic development, has already achieved significant milestones. It has digitized land records of 13 states and four union territories, offering easy access to data and reducing the time and cost associated with project implementation. Digital land records, comprising 249 data layers, form a crucial component of the program.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s directive to Niti Aayog to map various infrastructure projects in the country, including industrial and defense corridors, under the PM Gati Shakti Scheme underscores the government’s commitment to optimizing resources through comprehensive planning.
The specifics of sharing the PM Gati Shakti tool internationally are yet to be finalized, with possibilities ranging from country-specific versions to collaborative mapping of data on the platform. The overarching goal is to offer the tool to countries where India is actively executing projects and subsequently expand its utility on a global scale.
The international service is expected to enhance collaboration by allowing countries to access the platform and gain insights into the planning and execution of projects. This move aligns with India’s vision to contribute to global infrastructure development and foster technological advancements in the field.
As the PM Gati Shakti initiative unfolds, it not only sets a precedent for innovative infrastructure planning but also positions India as a key player in driving global collaborative efforts towards sustainable development.
