PRAGATI Portal- Explained Pointwise

As nations tackle the dual challenges of rising costs and complex regulatory hurdles in implementing infrastructure agendas, India has has revolutionized infrastructure management through a transformative digital platform- PRAGATI Portal. A recent Oxford study has praised India’s PRAGATI platform for its outstanding role in digital governance, particularly in infrastructure and social development.

What is the PRAGATI Portal?

PRAGATI Portal- The PRAGATI (Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation) platform, was launched in 2015 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as a part of Digital India program. The portal is managed by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) and aims to address inefficiencies in project implementation through a structured review process.

Objectives of PRAGATI
a. This innovative platform is designed to enhance governance by improving communication among various government departments and ensuring timely execution of projects across the country.
c. It also monitors and reviews key programs and projects of the Government of India, along with those identified by State Governments.
b. It combines leadership with digital tools such as video conferencing, drone monitoring, and data management.

Key Features of PRAGATI

What have been the successes of PRAGATI Platform?

1. Swift completion of delayed projects- Projects like the National Highway 8, the Chenab Bridge (the world’s highest rail bridge), and the Bogibeel Bridge in Assam, which were previously delayed for years, were completed swiftly under PRAGATI’s purview.

2. Accelerated Completion of Infrastructure projects- PRAGATI initiative has accelerated over 340 major infrastructure projects worth approximately $205 billion.

3. Leadership-Driven Accountability- The top-level involvement of Prime Minister and key stakeholders, including state chief secretaries and central ministry officials in the PRAGATI meeting, has made infrastructure a national priority, injecting urgency and accountability into bureaucratic processes.

4. Enhanced Centre-State Collaboration- The platform has proven its utility across political boundaries, facilitating progress in states regardless of their ruling party. For ex- The unprecedented cooperation between state and central agencies under PRAGATI in the completion of Bogibeel bridge.

5. Extension to social development initiatives- PRAGATI’s impact extends to social development initiatives, like acceleration of rural electrification and provision of tap water connections to millions. This integrated approach demonstrates the potential of digital governance to address both physical and social infrastructure needs.

6. Positive economic Impact- India’s digital governance model has proven economically impactful, with studies showing a 2.5 to 3.5-rupee GDP gain for every rupee spent on infrastructure creation.

What are the other complimentary platforms for Infrastructure monitoring?

India introduced complementary platforms like PM Gati Shakti in 2021 for geospatial planning and PARIVESH for streamlining environmental clearances. PRAGATI, PM Gati Shakti, and PARIVESH together form a robust digital ecosystem for infrastructure development. These platforms have reduced approval times significantly- from 600 days to as little as 70-75 days– and optimized project design while minimizing environmental impact.

What lessons does PRAGATI provide for Global South?

PRAGATI offers critical insights for other nations, particularly in the Global South, where infrastructure challenges are compounded by rapid urbanization and population growth.

1. Sustained leadership- Sustained leadership from the top is essential for driving implementation of the large scale infrastructure projects in India.

2. Cross- Government collaboration- Digital platforms for infrastructure monitoring must enable cross-government collaboration while respecting local autonomy.

3. Combination of multiple tools- The infrastructure projects must combine multiple technological tools, such as drone monitoring and video conferencing, to enhance project oversight.

4. Emulation of the platform for key initiatives- PRAGATI’s approach is particularly relevant for initiatives like Africa’s Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA), which aims to close the continent’s infrastructure gap through cross-border projects.

Conclusion

India’s PRAGATI exemplifies how technology, when combined with visionary leadership, can drive transformative change in infrastructure development, serving as a model for emerging economies around the globe. By demonstrating how digital governance and leadership can overcome bottlenecks, PRAGATI provides a tested blueprint for fostering accountability, transparency, and effective resource utilization worldwide.