PRAGATI succeeds in fast-tracking 382 mega infra projects worth Rs 85 lakh crore
New Delhi, Jan 13
The Centre's flagship platform PRAGATI has significantly accelerated India's development by fast-tracking projects worth more than Rs 85 lakh crore, according to an official statement issued on Tuesday
Under PRAGATI, 382 major national projects have been systematically reviewed and closely monitored, significantly reducing delays and cost overruns, the statement said.
PRAGATI expedites projects, schemes, and grievance redressal through direct, real-time review by the Prime Minister, in partnership with states and Union Ministries. The platform is a strong example of how digital governance can translate intent into real, visible progress, the statement said.
Launched in 2015 under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, PRAGATI reflects a push to break bureaucratic inertia, strengthen a Team India approach across the Centre and states, and build a culture where decisions are time-bound, follow-through is expected, and outcomes are measured. Several long-pending projects initiated by previous governments were also taken up under the PRAGATI platform and subsequently unlocked or completed. These include the Bogibeel rail-cum-road bridge (conceived in 1997), the Navi Mumbai International Airport (conceptualised in 1997), and the Bhilai Steel Plant modernisation (approved in 2007), among various others, the statement pointed out.
Large time and cost overruns had long been a persistent challenge in India's public projects and schemes. To address this issue across all levels of government, the Prime Minister conceptualised PRAGATI as a comprehensive solution. PRAGATI is a distinctive, integrated, and interactive platform designed to both resolve grievances of and to monitor and review key programmes and projects of the Centre, along with projects highlighted by state governments.
The PRAGATI platform uniquely brings together three modern technologies -- digital data management, video conferencing, and geo-spatial technology. Through this system, the Prime Minister can directly engage with Central and State officials concerned, supported by complete information and up-to-date visual evidence from project sites. This initiative also represents an innovative step in e-governance and exemplifies the principles of good governance.
PRAGATI draws its inspiration from SWAGAT (State Wide Attention on Grievances by Application of Technology). SWAGAT was then Chief Minister of Gujarat Narendra Modi's brainchild, launched in April 2003, and one of India's early, technology-enabled platforms of its kind for grievance redressal.
— IANS
Reader Comments
As someone who works in project management, the integration of geo-spatial tech and real-time review is impressive. The "Team India" approach is key. Hope this efficiency translates to ground-level benefits for common citizens soon.
Good to see old projects moving. But I have a respectful question: while mega projects are tracked, what about the smaller, local infrastructure issues in my town? Can PRAGATI's principles trickle down to municipal levels? The intent is great, but execution at all levels is the real test.
Finally! Breaking the babu culture. Direct monitoring from the PMO must have put everyone on their toes. Navi Mumbai airport was a joke for 20+ years. If this system delivers, it's a game-changer for India's development speed. More power to such digital initiatives! 💪
The figure is mind-boggling. Hope the transparency is real and not just on paper. Would love to see a public dashboard for some of these projects so citizens can also track progress. Good governance should be visible.
Interesting to see the lineage from SWAGAT in Gujarat to a national platform. Shows a consistent approach to tech-enabled governance. Reducing bureaucratic inertia is a challenge everywhere, and this seems like a bold attempt.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.