NATIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE PIPELINE

Recently, the government of India has launched the ambitious Gati Shakti scheme or National Master Plan for multi-modal connectivity plan, with the aim of coordinated planning and execution of infrastructure projects to bring down logistics costs.

Important points:

  • To ensure integrated planning and implementation of infrastructure projects in the next four years, with focus on expediting works on the ground, saving costs and creating jobs.
  • The Gati Shakti scheme will subsume the Rs 110 lakh crore National Infrastructure Pipeline that was launched in 2019.
  • Besides cutting logistics costs, the scheme is also aimed at increasing cargo handling capacity and reducing the turnaround time at ports to boost trade.
  • It also aims to have 11 industrial corridors and two new defence corridors – one in Tamil Nadu and other in Uttar Pradesh. Extending 4G connectivity to all villages is another aim. Adding 17,000 kms to the gas pipeline network is being planned.
  • It will help in fulfilling the ambitious targets set by the government for 2024-25, including expanding the length of the national highway network to 2 lakh kms, creation of more than 200 new airports, heliports and water aerodromes.
  • The scheme will help mapping the existing and proposed connectivity projects.
  • Also, there will be immense clarity on how different regions and industrial hubs in the country are linked, particularly for last mile connectivity.
  • A holistic and integrated transport connectivity strategy will greatly support Make in India and integrate different modes of transport.
  • It will help India become the business capital of the world.

Way Forward

  • PM Gati Shakti is a step in the right direction. However, it needs to address structural and macroeconomic stability concerns, emanating from high public expenditure.
  • Thus, it is imperative that this initiative is underpinned by a stable and predictable regulatory and institutional framework.

SOURCE: THE HINDU,THE ECONOMIC TIMES,MINT

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