PM GatiShakti National Master Plan – Integrated Infrastructure for India’s Logistics Transformation

Syllabus: Govt. Schemes (UPSC Prelims, GS II)

What is PM GatiShakti?

PM GatiShakti, launched in October 2021¹, is a Rs 100 lakh crore National Master Plan aimed at building an integrated and efficient multimodal infrastructure network over the next five years.

It brings together seven major infrastructure drivers:

• Railways
• Roads
• Ports
• Waterways
• Airports
• Mass Transport
• Logistics

Supported by energy, IT, water, and social infrastructure sectors.

Objective

• Reduce logistics costs through integrated infrastructure planning.
• Act as a digital backbone to connect macro-level planning with micro-level implementation.
• Align and synchronize existing schemes like Bharatmala, Sagarmala, UDAN, etc., to improve competitiveness and last-mile connectivity.

6 Pillars of PM GatiShakti

(Inserted under Key Features for conceptual clarity)

1. Dynamic – Enables real-time monitoring and updates on project progress.
2. Analytical – Offers GIS-based analytical tools for spatial and sectoral planning.
3. Synchronization – Promotes coordinated planning across ministries and departments.
4. Comprehensiveness – Brings all government initiatives onto a single digital platform.
5. Prioritization – Helps identify and prioritize key infrastructure projects across sectors.
6. Optimization – Identifies the most cost-effective and time-efficient routes for cargo movement.

Key Features

1. Geospatial Data Platform

• Integrates 200+ layers of geospatial data on a unified portal.
• Uses ISRO satellite imagery and BISAG-N technology for accurate mapping.
• Supports evidence-based decision-making for project planning.

2. Focus on Economic Hubs

• Enhances textile clusters, pharma hubs, defence corridors, and agri-zones.
• Aims to improve productivity and strengthen regional value chains.

3. Tech-enabled Planning

• Uses spatial analytics and digital dashboards for monitoring.
• Offers real-time visibility into land, utilities, and infrastructure gaps.

Targets under PM GatiShakti

• 200 new airports, heliports, and water aerodromes planned.
• Renewable energy capacity to reach 225 GW by FY25.
• 17,000 km natural gas pipeline network to be completed.
• 454,200 ckm of transmission lines to expand the national power grid.
• National Highways network to increase to 2 lakh km.
• Rail freight capacity to reach 1,600 million tons by FY25.

Key Achievements

• Integrated 44 Central Ministries and 36 States/UTs on one digital platform.
• Over 1,600+ data layers supporting coordinated infrastructure planning.
• 200+ major projects assessed by the Network Planning Group (NPG).
• Improved India’s Logistics Performance Index (LPI) rank to 38th in 2023 from 44th in 2018.
• Facilitated planning of social infrastructure like schools, anganwadis, and hospitals in underserved areas.

Challenges & Solutions (Mnemonic-Based)

Challenges – BLOCK

B – Bureaucratic Silos: Resistance in data sharing and coordination across ministries.
L – Land & Legal Hurdles: Slow land acquisition and statutory clearances.
O – Operational Data Gaps: Different data standards across ministries and states.
C – Capacity Shortage: Limited GIS capability in state/local bodies.
K – Kinetic Delay: Slow translation of data insights into action on stalled projects.

Way Forward – SCALE

S – Standardize Data: Uniform templates and mandatory data audits.
C – Collaborative Incentives: Reward ministries for joint project implementation.
A – Advance Technical Training: GIS training for officials; technical support teams in states.
L – Link Approval Systems: Integrate with portals like PARIVESH for faster clearances.
E – Enforce Monitoring: Strengthen the NPG with monitoring and escalation powers.

1. Question Reference
   (HPAS PYQ 2025) ↩︎