Workshop strengthens grassroots planning for multimodal connectivity and infrastructure development.
The PM GatiShakti (PMGS) National Master Plan (NMP) continues its mission of enhancing integrated multimodal connectivity across India with the successful conclusion of its third district-level capacity-building workshop, held today in Thiruvananthapuram.
This initiative, launched by the Hon’ble Prime Minister on October 13, 2021, uses indigenous technology to facilitate infrastructure planning through a GIS-based decision support system, integrating efforts across Central and State levels.
The workshop saw the participation of over 175 officials, including representatives from 14 districts in Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana, as well as virtual attendees from Puducherry, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, and Lakshadweep. The event highlighted the critical role of district collectors in the PMGS framework, emphasising their local expertise in verifying data and implementing the plan at the district level.
Shri P. Rajeeve, Hon’ble Minister for Industries, Coir, and Law, Government of Kerala, graced the occasion, underscoring the importance of decentralised planning that considers the geographical and topographical nuances of each region. He urged officials to leverage the PMGS portal for planning multimodal connectivity at ports and airports, enhancing disaster preparedness, and improving social infrastructure.
Rajesh Kumar Singh, Secretary, DPIIT, highlighted the value of the PMGS NMP’s mapped data, which includes information on landslide zones, demographics, transportation networks, and more, for effective disaster management and infrastructure planning. He announced that the District Master Portal, set to launch by September 2024, will further empower district officials to make data-driven decisions.
The workshop also showcased best practices and use cases from various Infrastructure and Social Sector Ministries, including the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, and Ministry of Telecom. Notable among these was the Vizhinjam port project, which is expected to significantly boost regional economic growth by enhancing multimodal connectivity and reducing logistical bottlenecks.
District collectors from regions like Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam, Parvathipuram Manyam, and Asifabad presented potential infrastructure development areas using the PMGS portal. Examples included smart freight planning in Ernakulam, multimodal connectivity at Vizhinjam International Seaport, and tourism and social infrastructure planning in Kumuram Bheem Asifabad.
The workshop concluded with hands-on training sessions to sensitise participants to the benefits of PM GatiShakti, focusing on the identification of area development use cases and the integration of district-level data layers. The Joint Secretary, DPIIT, emphasised the future steps for enhancing PM GatiShakti’s impact, including the creation of individual District Master Portals, capacity building, and the promotion of an integrated planning approach through the support of BISAG-N and State PM GatiShakti units.
This event marked another significant step towards realising the vision of PM GatiShakti, fostering collaboration across districts, states, and central ministries to drive holistic infrastructure development across the nation.
