Standardised data collection, robust validation, and institutional capacity to redefine PM GatiShakti’s state-led infrastructure planning: Primus Partners

Seven key strategies outlined to enhance data integration, streamline decision-making, and boost infrastructure development across states under the PM GatiShakti framework

New Delhi, 18 December 2024: As India accelerates its journey toward a $5 trillion economy by 2025, the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan (NMP) continues to set new standards in integrated infrastructure development. Aiming to ensure the effective adoption of PM GatiShakti across states, Primus Partners – India’s leading home-grown consultancy has outlined seven transformative strategies.

Launched in 2021, PM GatiShakti NMP has grown from platform supporting nine Infrastructure Ministries to include 16 Social Ministries, 15 Economic Ministries, and five others Ministries. Today, it integrates over 1,614 data layers from 36 States/UTs and 44 Central Ministries. Its adoption has already demonstrated measurable results, such as:

• The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways reduced pre-alignment preparation time from six months to just 15 days
• The Ministry of Railways increased the construction of new rail lines from 4 km/day to 12 km/day
• The Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas shortened the time for generating Electronic Detailed Report Surveys (e-DRS) from 6-9 months to 24 hours, resulting in resulting in savings of INR 169 crores (USD 20 million) through optimized pipeline alignment for the North-East Gas Grid (NEGG). These outcomes underscore the potential of the program to address long-standing inefficiencies in infrastructure planning.

Despite these successes, ensuring PM GatiShakti’s uniform adoption across states remains a challenge. Recognising this, Primus Partners has laid out seven actionable strategies to optimize platform usage:

1. Enhance GIS mapping: Ensure precise representation of assets for better planning
2. Assign comprehensive data attributes: Include detailed attributes to enable efficient decision-making
3. Standardize frameworks: Develop uniform guidelines and SOPs for data integration across departments
4. Implement robust data validation: Adopt layered mechanisms for accuracy and reliability in data usage
5. Digitize land records: Address bottlenecks in land acquisition with updated, accurate data
6. Adopt institutional frameworks: Regularize meetings and approvals through Network Planning Groups (NPG) and Empowered Groups of Secretaries (EGoS)
7. Build capacity: Conduct training workshops and provide resources to support state officials in leveraging the portal effectively

Speaking on the transformative potential of the initiative, Davinder Sandhu, Chairman and Co-founder, Primus Partners, said, “Initially focused on multimodal logistics infrastructure for seamless connectivity, the program has expanded its scope to include comprehensive physical and social infrastructure development, leveraging the Area Development Approach and emphasizing economic corridor planning.

Some of the recent developments of PM GatiShakti are the launch of the District Master Plan portal with necessary planning tools and data layers developed based on discussion with District administration and plan to open access to PM GatiShakti NMP to the private sector by leveraging the platform’s extensive data repository for planning and implementing infrastructure projects efficiently. These advancements signify the program’s shift toward inclusive and collaborative infrastructure development, integrating public and private efforts to achieve the broader vision of sustainable growth and connectivity.”

Primus Partners also emphasises that states in the early stages of portal adoption can accelerate their progress through policy mandates, adherence to Quality Improvement Plans, and continuous training initiatives. To ensure effective implementation, the appointment of nodal officers from each department or division is recommended to enhance coordination. By fostering collaboration across ministries and encouraging private sector participation, the PM GatiShakti portal has the potential to serve as a transformative tool for India’s infrastructure development.