PM Gati Shakti Yojana, also known as the National Master Plan for Multi-Modal Connectivity, is a visionary initiative launched by the Government of India in October 2021. Its primary objective is to integrate various modes of transport, including roads, railways, ports, and airports, to improve logistics efficiency, reduce transportation costs, and accelerate economic growth.
The scheme aims to synchronize efforts across multiple government ministries, state governments, and private stakeholders by using a technology-backed platform. Through this approach, India can ensure that infrastructure projects are executed efficiently, completed on time, and within budget.
The initiative is particularly relevant for aspirants preparing for government exams as it intersects areas of infrastructure development, government policies, and economic planning.
Why was PM Gati Shakti Yojana Needed?
Before the launch of PM Gati Shakti Yojana, India faced several challenges in infrastructure development:
- Disjointed Planning: Infrastructure projects were planned and executed independently by various ministries, leading to delays and inefficiencies.
- High Logistics Costs: According to studies, logistics in India accounted for around 13% of GDP, higher than developed nations, reducing export competitiveness.
- Resource Underutilization: Lack of coordination led to underutilization of existing infrastructure and overlapping projects.
- Slow Project Implementation: Land acquisition delays, pending litigation, and environmental clearance issues slowed infrastructure growth.
By addressing these gaps, PM Gati Shakti Yojana seeks to streamline infrastructure planning and execution, making India globally competitive in trade and logistics.
What are the Objectives of PM Gati Shakti Yojana?
The PM Gati Shakti Yojana has several clear objectives designed to boost India’s infrastructure and economic growth:
- Integrated Infrastructure Planning: Connect all modes of transport, such as roads, railways, ports, airports, and waterways, to ensure efficient transportation of goods and services.
- Reducing Logistics Costs: By improving efficiency, the scheme aims to lower transportation costs and time involved in moving goods.
- Promoting Economic Development: Better infrastructure will generate employment, support industrial growth, and create entrepreneurial opportunities.
- Sustainable Development: Focus on climate-resilient and environment-friendly infrastructure that supports sustainable growth.
- Technology-Driven Implementation: Leverage digital platforms for planning, monitoring, and real-time coordination of projects.
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What are the Key Features of PM Gati Shakti Yojana?
PM Gati Shakti Yojana incorporates multiple innovative features to ensure the success of infrastructure projects:
- Digital Platform Integration: A common platform for all infrastructure-related ministries and stakeholders for real-time project monitoring.
- Holistic Planning: Ensures projects complement each other, reducing inefficiencies and delays.
- Inter-Ministerial Coordination: Central and state governments, as well as private players, work together seamlessly.
- Multimodal Infrastructure: Covers all major transport modes: roads, railways, airports, ports, and inland waterways.
- Human Resource Development: Focus on training personnel involved in executing large-scale infrastructure projects.
What is the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan (PMGS NMP)?
The PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan (PMGS NMP) is the core framework of the scheme. It serves as a blueprint for all infrastructure development in India:
- Identifies areas requiring development and highlights gaps in connectivity.
- Ensures coordinated project execution with clear timelines and funding allocation.
- Integrates other national programs like the National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP) for optimal resource utilization.
- Focuses on holistic development across economic zones, industrial corridors, electronic parks, agri-clusters, and defense corridors.
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How does PM Gati Shakti Yojana Improve Logistics and Connectivity?
The scheme’s primary aim is to improve logistics efficiency across India:
- Reduced Turnaround Time: Enhances cargo handling capacities and reduces delays at ports, airports, and freight corridors.
- Multimodal Connectivity: Integrates roads, railways, waterways, and airways to reduce dependency on a single mode of transport.
- Boost to Trade: Faster and cheaper transportation strengthens domestic and international trade competitiveness.
- Support for “Make in India”: Efficient transport and logistics infrastructure encourage manufacturing and industrial growth.
Which Areas and Projects are Covered Under PM Gati Shakti Yojana?
The PM Gati Shakti Yojana covers multiple sectors and regions:
- Industrial Corridors: 11 industrial corridors to promote regional development.
- Defense Corridors: Two new defense corridors in Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh.
- Digital Connectivity: Extending 4G internet access to all villages.
- Gas Pipelines: Expansion of 17,000 km of gas pipelines.
- National Highways & Airports: Expanding highways to 2 lakh km and developing over 200 new airports, heliports, and water aerodromes.
- Ports and Inland Waterways: Increasing port capacity and promoting eco-friendly inland water transport.
What are the Expected Outcomes of PM Gati Shakti Yojana?
The scheme is expected to deliver significant benefits across multiple sectors:
- Improved Project Execution: Faster completion of infrastructure projects.
- Economic Growth: Increased industrial activity, job creation, and entrepreneurship.
- Enhanced Trade Competitiveness: Lower logistics costs and better connectivity for domestic and international markets.
- Sustainable Infrastructure: Climate-resilient infrastructure reduces environmental impact.
- Holistic Regional Development: Balanced growth in underdeveloped and industrially lagging regions.
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What are the Challenges Faced by PM Gati Shakti Yojana?
Despite its potential, the scheme faces several challenges:
- Coordination Issues: Integrating multiple ministries, state governments, and private sectors requires strong governance and cooperation.
- Funding Constraints: Large-scale infrastructure projects need substantial investment, which can be challenging during economic slowdowns.
- Land Acquisition: Delays in acquiring land and environmental clearances can slow project execution.
- Public Opposition: Concerns from local communities and environmental activists can delay implementation.
- Credit Offtake and Demand: Post-COVID scenarios and low private demand may affect project financing.
How does PM Gati Shakti Yojana Align with Sustainable Development?
PM Gati Shakti Yojana promotes sustainability in several ways:
- Integrates clean energy and IT communication infrastructure.
- Encourages eco-friendly transport like inland waterways and freight rail corridors.
- Designs infrastructure to be climate-resilient and environmentally responsible.
- Supports long-term economic growth without compromising environmental integrity.
How does PM Gati Shakti Yojana Support Make in India and Regional Development?
PM Gati Shakti Yojana Support Make in India and Regional Development in various ways:
- Industrial Growth: Seamless connectivity supports industrial corridors and economic zones.
- Regional Balance: Reduces regional imbalances by developing infrastructure in underdeveloped areas.
- Job Creation: Construction and maintenance of infrastructure generate significant employment opportunities.
- Business Competitiveness: Efficient logistics reduce costs for businesses, making Indian goods globally competitive.
What is the Way Forward for PM Gati Shakti Yojana?
While PM Gati Shakti Yojana is a step in the right direction, its long-term success depends on:
- Structural Reforms: Strengthening land acquisition, environmental clearance, and dispute resolution mechanisms.
- Stable Macroeconomic Environment: Ensuring sustainable public expenditure and fiscal discipline.
- Private Investment: Encouraging private sector participation through monetization of assets and Public-Private Partnerships (PPP).
- Capacity Building: Developing skilled human resources to manage large-scale infrastructure projects.
- Monitoring & Evaluation: Using technology for real-time project tracking and accountability.
Key Takeaways
| Aspect | Details |
| Launch Date | October 2021 |
| Objective | Integrated multi-modal infrastructure for economic growth |
| Sectors Covered | Roads, Railways, Ports, Airports, Inland Waterways |
| Digital Platform | Real-time monitoring and coordination across ministries |
| Key Benefits | Reduced logistics costs, faster project execution, regional development |
| Major Projects | Industrial corridors, defense corridors, 4G connectivity, gas pipelines |
| Expected Outcomes | Economic growth, employment, global trade competitiveness |
| Challenges | Coordination, funding, land acquisition, environmental concerns |
| Sustainability Focus | Climate-resilient and eco-friendly infrastructure |
| Long-Term Goal | Make India a global business and logistics hub |
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Questions Based on PM Gati Shakti Yojana
- When was PM Gati Shakti Yojana launched?
a) 2019
b) 2020
c) 2021
d) 2022
e) 2023 - Which of the following is NOT a focus area of PM Gati Shakti Yojana?
a) Roads
b) Railways
c) Healthcare
d) Ports
e) Airports - What is the main objective of PM Gati Shakti?
a) Health infrastructure improvement
b) Integrated multi-modal transport for logistics efficiency
c) Digital education
d) Agricultural subsidy
e) Urban housing - How many industrial corridors are planned under the scheme?
a) 5
b) 8
c) 11
d) 15
e) 20 - Which technology is primarily used for planning and monitoring under PM Gati Shakti?
a) AI only
b) Blockchain
c) GIS-based digital platform
d) Cloud computing only
e) Virtual reality - Which two states have new defense corridors under the scheme?
a) Gujarat and Maharashtra
b) Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh
c) Kerala and Karnataka
d) Punjab and Haryana
e) Bihar and Odisha - What is the estimated percentage of India’s GDP spent on logistics, as per the studies?
a) 10%
b) 12%
c) 13%
d) 15%
e) 18% - Which national plan is subsumed under PM Gati Shakti?
a) National Education Policy
b) National Infrastructure Pipeline
c) Smart Cities Mission
d) Swachh Bharat Mission
e) Startup India - Which is NOT a challenge faced by PM Gati Shakti?
a) Land acquisition delays
b) Coordination among ministries
c) Private sector interest
d) Environmental clearance issues
e) Funding constraints - What is a key sustainability feature of the scheme?
a) Focus on nuclear energy
b) Climate-resilient infrastructure
c) Urbanization only
d) Reducing internet usage
e) Agricultural subsidies
Answer Key:
| Question No. | Correct Answer | Question No. | Correct Answer |
| 1 | c | 6 | b |
| 2 | c | 7 | c |
| 3 | b | 8 | b |
| 4 | c | 9 | c |
| 5 | c | 10 | b |
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