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Picture Courtesy:  PIB

Context:

Over the past decade, India has transformed its transport infrastructure to become a developed nation ('Viksit Bharat') by 2047.

Initiatives Taken

PM GatiShakti National Master Plan (2021)

It brings 16 central ministries and state governments together for integrated planning of infrastructure projects.

It uses a dynamic GIS platform with over 1600 data layers (e.g., forests, habitations, existing infrastructure) to enable data-driven project design. This "digital twin" of India's infrastructure helps in optimizing routes, minimizing ecological impact, and avoiding redundant work like repeatedly digging up newly constructed roads.

It has institutionalized holistic planning, breaking down silos and accelerating approvals for projects worth over ₹15 lakh crore. Major infrastructure schemes like Bharatmala and Sagarmala are now integrated into this master plan.

National Logistics Policy (NLP) (2022)

It complements GatiShakti by focusing on streamlining the entire logistics ecosystem.

The goals are to reduce logistics costs from the current 13-14% of GDP to a global benchmark of under 10% and to improve India's ranking in the World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index (LPI) to among the top 25 by 2030.

India's LPI rank has already seen a jump from 54th in 2014 to 38th in 2023 out of 139 countries.

Sector-Wise Transformation

Roads and Highways

Network Expansion => The National Highway (NH) network has expanded by 60%, from 91,287 km in 2014 to over 1,46,145 km.

• The construction pace has nearly tripled, reaching about 34 km/day.
• Four-lane (or more) highways have more than doubled from about 18,278 km to over 45,947 km.

Bharatmala Pariyojana => It aims to optimize freight and passenger movement across the country.

• Out of 26,425 km of roads awarded, over 20,378 km have been constructed. The program is now expected to be completed by 2027-28.
• Iconic projects like the Atal Tunnel, Dhola-Sadiya Bridge, and large sections of the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway have been completed, cutting travel times.

Rural Connectivity (PMGSY) => The Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana has been pivotal for last-mile connectivity.

• Achievements: Over 7,80,000 km of rural roads have been completed, connecting over 99% of targeted habitations.
• Green Initiatives: New and green technologies like waste plastic and cold mix are being used in rural road construction.

Railways

Modernization

• Vande Bharat Express: Over 136 of these semi-high-speed trains are operational, connecting major cities and enhancing passenger experience.
• Amrit Bharat & Namo Bharat: New train sets like the non-AC Amrit Bharat for common passengers and the Namo Bharat for regional rapid transit have been introduced.

Infrastructure & Safety

• Electrification: The broad-gauge network is now approximately 97% electrified, a massive jump from the pre-2014 era, leading to significant cost savings and reduced carbon emissions.
• Kavach: This indigenous Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system is being deployed on high-density routes to prevent collisions.
• Station Redevelopment: Over 1300 stations are being modernized under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme.
• Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFC): Over 96% of the DFC network (2,843 km) is complete, which will segregate freight and passenger traffic, increasing speed and capacity for both.

Civil Aviation

• Airport Infrastructure: The number of operational airports has more than doubled, from 74 in 2014 to 160. This includes several new greenfield airports in strategic locations like Itanagar (Donyi Polo) and Goa (MOPA).
• UDAN Scheme: The 'Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik' scheme has operationalized over 625 new routes, connecting dozens of unserved and underserved airports. Over 1.51 crore passengers have availed its benefits.

Ports, Shipping, and Waterways

Sagarmala Programme: This port-led development initiative aims to reduce logistics costs by leveraging coastal and inland waterways.

• Out of over 800 projects identified, 262 projects worth ₹1.4 lakh crore have been completed.
• Key Pillars: The program focuses on port modernization, new port development, enhancing port connectivity, and promoting coastal community development.

The development of green hydrogen hubs at major ports and the operationalization of the Chabahar Port in Iran highlights India's focus on green energy and strategic sea lanes.

Impact

Economic: The integrated infrastructure push is directly aimed at boosting manufacturing and exports by making logistics cheaper and more efficient. It is a foundation of the 'Make in India' and 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' missions.

Strategic: Projects like the Frontier Highway in Arunachal Pradesh, the Z-Morh tunnel in J&K, and enhanced connectivity with neighbours like Bangladesh ('Maitri Setu') and Iran (Chabahar) have strategic and security implications.

Social & Regional Inclusion: Initiatives like PMGSY and UDAN are mainstreaming remote and underdeveloped regions, including the Northeast and tribal areas, by providing them with access to markets, education, and healthcare.

Environmental: While large-scale construction poses ecological challenges, there is a visible focus on sustainability through railway electrification, green hydrogen hubs, and the use of recycled materials in road construction.

Challenges

Execution Delays: Land acquisition, environmental clearances, and contractual disputes continue to delay projects like Bharatmala.

Financial Viability: The long-term financial sustainability of projects, especially in sectors like aviation (UDAN), remains a concern.

Quality and Maintenance: Ensuring the quality of construction and establishing a robust regime for the long-term maintenance of these vast assets is critical.

Inter-Agency Coordination: While GatiShakti provides the platform, ensuring seamless on-ground coordination between central, state, and local agencies remains a continuous task.

Way Forward

Deepening the implementation of the PM GatiShakti platform to the district level.

Innovating financing models, including attracting more private investment through robust PPP frameworks.

Focusing on an 'Asset Maintenance' mission to ensure the longevity of the infrastructure created.

Balancing development with environmental sustainability by mainstreaming green technologies and rigorous environmental impact assessments.

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Source: 

PIB