Why in the news
Budget 2025 promised to strengthen PM Gati Shakti with digital upgrades, putting the multimodal connectivity plan back in focus.
Key facts
- Launched: 13 October 2021 by PM Narendra Modi.
- Cabinet nod: CCEA approval on 21 October 2021.
- Scale: Rs 100 lakh crore plan covering 16 Ministries and Departments.
- Sectors: roads, railways, ports, airports, water transport, logistics infrastructure and digital connectivity.
- Technology: a GIS-based National Master Plan gives real-time data on one digital platform.
- Purpose: end inter-ministerial silos, enable integrated planning and raise logistics efficiency.
Budget 2025 boosts
- Better digital infrastructure, including geospatial land records.
- Improved air cargo facilities.
- Bharat Trade Net platform to streamline trade documents.
Components
| Component | Role |
|---|
| National Master Plan | Single digital platform merging ministry data |
| Unified Logistics Interface Platform (ULIP) | Single-window platform linking logistics systems |
| EGOS, NPG, TSU | Three-tier monitoring and coordination set-up |
| State participation | States link projects to the Gati Shakti portal; land, roads and utility corridors digitised |
Gati Shakti versus earlier approach
| Aspect | Gati Shakti | Earlier policies |
|---|
| Integration | Unified across ministries | Fragmented planning |
| Technology | GIS, AI, big data | Minimal |
| Speed | Synchronised approvals | Slower, delays |
| Sustainability | Green infrastructure focus | Limited |
Benefits
- Fewer delays and no duplication through coordination.
- Lower logistics cost, now around 13-14% of GDP against about 8-9% globally.
- Faster port and airport clearance, less travel time and fuel use.
- More foreign investment and better Ease of Doing Business standing; millions of jobs.
Challenges
- Coordination across many agencies.
- Land acquisition and environmental clearance delays.
- Steady funding and private participation needs.
- Demand for GIS and data-analytics skills.
Exam angle
- Launch date: 13 October 2021; outlay figure: Rs 100 lakh crore.
- Number of ministries integrated: 16.
- Full forms: EGOS, NPG, TSU, ULIP.