The Central government has initiated a district master plan under the PM GatiShakti initiative, focusing on infrastructure development in 27 aspirational districts across India. This ambitious initiative is designed to streamline and enhance infrastructure planning and execution by utilising advanced technology and comprehensive data analytics. The national master plan portal serves as the backbone of this initiative, facilitating efficient planning and implementation of infrastructure projects through a robust framework.
Union Minister Piyush Goyal, while making the announcement, emphasised the significance of the initiative, stating that the district master plan would eventually encompass over 750 districts within the next 18 months. This expansion reflects the government’s commitment to fostering development in aspirational districts, which are often characterised by underdeveloped infrastructure and socio-economic challenges. By leveraging a data-driven approach, the initiative aims to transform these districts into models of efficient governance and modern infrastructure.
At the core of the PM GatiShakti initiative lies the accumulation of over 1,600 layers of data from both central and state levels, enabling faster and more cost-effective planning of world-class infrastructure. Goyal highlighted that this technological advancement would set a precedent for infrastructure planning globally, instilling confidence among urban planners, architects, engineers, and international organisations that fund such projects. The initiative’s emphasis on validated and periodically updated data enhances its reliability, making it a vital tool for decision-makers.
Developed by the Gujarat-based Bhaskaracharya Institute for Space Applications and Geoinformatics (BISAG-N), the GIS-enabled portal is designed to optimise resource allocation and reduce costs. Goyal noted that this platform would facilitate significant budget savings for the government by employing a data-backed decision-making process to streamline infrastructure development.
In conclusion, the PM GatiShakti initiative represents a transformative step in India’s approach to infrastructure planning, particularly in aspirational districts. By harnessing advanced technology and comprehensive data analytics, the government aims to foster sustainable development, enhance logistical efficiency, and ensure that every project is executed with precision and accountability. This initiative not only aims to uplift underdeveloped regions but also positions India as a leader in innovative infrastructure planning for the future.