The master map fast-tracking infra

Source– The post is based on the article “The master map fast-tracking infra” published in the mint on 10th November 2022.

Syllabus: GS3- Infrastructure

News- The article explains the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan.

What is PM GatiShakti National Master Plan?

It is like the google map of infrastructure. It offers a dashboard with a bird eye view of bridges, roads, tunnels, pipelines, power transmission cable, forest, water bodies and airports in any region of the country.

It has over 2000 layers of data.

It aims to solve the complex problem of delay in important projects.

It includes projects that cost over 500 crore. The projects will be screened before they use this database because of the amount of data and information provided by it.

A three tier system monitors the plan. At the bottom of the pyramid is the technical support unit. The middle layer is the National Planning Group. At the very top is an empowered group of secretaries headed by Cabinet secretary.

What are the benefits associated with this initiative?

Earlier, the information was not centralised. It was available in silos. This led to bureaucratic delays. The GatiShakti database breaks the departmental silos.

Because of the lack of a unified database, agencies worked at cross-purpose with each other. The database will increase coordination between agencies.

The database will save time and money. It could optimise the project performance.

What are the roadblocks ahead for PM GatiShakti?

The database is loaded with sensitive information. It is not easy for the government to open it up for the private sector.

Lack of digitised land records is a big hurdle. Without private sector participation, the benefits of this tool can be limiting. Private sector has to rely on bureaucrats to access the platform. It would add another layer to the process.