[Answered] Assess the role of the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan in addressing India’s infrastructure challenges, especially in overcoming project delays and cost overruns.” (250 words)

The PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan (NMP) addresses India’s infrastructure challenges by integrating modern project management techniques and facilitating real-time, data-driven monitoring of projects.

Key Challenges in Infrastructure Development

• Time Delays and Cost Overruns: According to the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, 431 infrastructure projects suffered a cost overrun of ₹4.82 lakh crore by December 2023, with many projects delayed by several years. Such delays not only inflate costs but also hinder economic growth. Delays are often attributed to fragmented decision-making, bureaucratic hurdles, and inadequate planning, particularly in urban infrastructure projects.
• Lack of Comprehensive Project Management: Many infrastructure projects in India lack proper project planning, especially at the urban local body level, resulting in poor execution and increased costs. Traditional project management practices are outdated and fail to incorporate real-time data and modern tools.
• Quality Control Issues: The frequent collapse of under-construction infrastructure, such as bridges, highlights the lack of quality assurance during implementation. These failures point to the need for better oversight, stricter adherence to construction standards, and accountability.

Role of PM Gati Shakti in Addressing These Challenges

• Integrated Planning and Execution: The NMP aims to break the silos between government ministries and departments by creating a unified platform. This allows for better coordination, resource allocation, and real-time monitoring of projects. The GIS-based ERP portal introduced under PM Gati Shakti ensures that project progress is tracked, reducing the risk of delays and cost escalations.
• Focus on Real-Time Data and Transparency: By utilizing geospatial data and real-time progress tracking, the NMP fosters greater transparency in project implementation. This helps in identifying bottlenecks early, ensuring timely interventions, and preventing cost overruns.
• Holistic Programme Management Approach: The emphasis is on the need for a “Program Management Approach” to coordinate complex, resource-intensive projects. This was successfully applied in projects like the Shendra-Bidkin industrial corridor, where multiple projects were integrated and executed simultaneously.

Conclusion

The PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan addresses India’s infrastructure challenges through integrated planning, transparency, and real-time project management. However, to maximize its impact, India must adopt a program management approach, enhance workforce skills, and enforce strict quality control. This will help prevent delays and cost overruns, driving infrastructure development towards the nation’s goal of becoming a developed economy by 2047.