PM GatiShakti Southern Zone District Level Capacity Building Workshop

News Analysis

1.     Introduction:

·      PM GatiShakti, also known as the National Master Plan for Multi-modal Connectivity, was launched on October 13, 2021.

·      The plan aims to create an integrated, multimodal transportation and infrastructure system that leverages indigenous technology to enhance connectivity across the country.

·      The recent Southern Zone District Level Capacity Building Workshop held in Thiruvananthapuram is a key part of the ongoing efforts to implement this ambitious plan at the district level.

2.     Framework and Objectives:

·      The PM GatiShakti framework includes a robust inter-ministerial mechanism that operates at both the Central and State levels.

·      It is designed to enhance infrastructure planning and development through a GIS-based decision support system, which allows for real-time coordination and monitoring of various projects.

The primary objectives of PM GatiShakti are to:

• Provide multimodal connectivity infrastructure to various economic zones.
• Drive economic growth and sustainable development.

3.     Key Components of PM GatiShakti:

·      The plan is structured around seven key engines of growth: Railways, Roads, Ports, Waterways, Airports, Mass Transport, and Logistics Infrastructure.

·       These engines are supported by additional components, including Energy Transmission, IT Communication, Bulk Water & Sewerage, and Social Infrastructure.

·      The entire framework is powered by clean energy and relies on the collaborative efforts of the Central Government, state governments, and the private sector.

4.     Alignment and Synergy: A significant aspect of PM GatiShakti is its alignment with the National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP).

By ensuring that projects under NIP are aligned with the PM GatiShakti framework, the plan aims to create synergy among different modes of movement and project locations. This alignment is expected to enhance productivity and accelerate economic growth, positioning India as a global leader in infrastructure development.

5. Gati Shakti Digital Platform: The Digital Master Planning Tool is a central feature of the PM GatiShakti framework. Developed by BISAG-N (Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geoinformatics), this tool integrates data from various ministries and departments into a comprehensive database. It uses a dynamic Geographic Information System (GIS) platform that features real-time mapping and satellite imagery from ISRO, hosted on the MEGHRAJ government cloud. This platform allows for efficient planning, review, and monitoring of infrastructure projects on a real-time basis.

Conclusion:

The PM GatiShakti initiative represents a transformative approach to infrastructure development in India, with its focus on integrated multimodal connectivity, real-time coordination, and the use of indigenous technology. The recent capacity-building workshop in Thiruvananthapuram is a step towards ensuring that district-level implementation of this ambitious plan is aligned with the national framework. By leveraging the strengths of the seven key engines of growth and ensuring synergy across different modes of transportation, PM GatiShakti aims to drive sustainable economic development and position India as a leader in global infrastructure development.

MCQs

1.     What is the primary objective of the PM GatiShakti initiative?

A) To enhance agricultural productivity

B) To facilitate integrated multimodal connectivity across India

C) To promote digital literacy

D) To increase foreign direct investment

Answer: B) To facilitate integrated multimodal connectivity across India

Explanation: PM GatiShakti aims to create a comprehensive, integrated transportation and infrastructure system to boost connectivity and economic growth.

2.     Which of the following is NOT one of the seven engines of PM GatiShakti?

A) Railways

B) Waterways

C) IT Communication

D) Roads

Answer: C) IT Communication

Explanation: The seven engines of PM GatiShakti include Railways, Roads, Ports, Waterways, Airports, Mass Transport, and Logistics Infrastructure. IT Communication is a supportive component but not one of the seven engines.

3.     Which organization developed the Digital Master Planning Tool for PM GatiShakti?

A) Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)

B) Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geoinformatics (BISAG-N)

C) National Informatics Centre (NIC)

D) NITI Aayog

Answer: B) Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geoinformatics (BISAG-N)

Explanation: BISAG-N developed the Digital Master Planning Tool, which integrates data from various ministries and departments for planning, review, and monitoring under PM GatiShakti.

4.     PM GatiShakti aims to align with which of the following national frameworks to enhance infrastructure development?

A) Make in India

B) National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP)

C) Swachh Bharat Mission

D) Digital India

Answer: B) National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP)

Explanation: PM GatiShakti aligns projects with the National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP) to ensure coordinated infrastructure development and synergy among different modes of movement.

5.     What is the purpose of the Gati Shakti Digital Platform?

A) To monitor air quality in urban areas

B) To plan and implement infrastructure projects with real-time coordination

C) To manage agricultural subsidies

D) To promote online education

Answer: B) To plan and implement infrastructure projects with real-time coordination

Explanation: The Gati Shakti Digital Platform is designed to integrate data from various ministries and departments to plan and implement infrastructure projects effectively, ensuring real-time coordination and monitoring.