Introduction
- Amid the dual challenges of escalating costs and regulatory hurdles in infrastructure development, India has set a global example with the PRAGATI Portal.
- Recognized by a recent Oxford study, PRAGATI is reshaping infrastructure and social governance with its innovative approach to project implementation and monitoring.
Understanding the PRAGATI Portal
- Launched in 2015 under the Digital India initiative, the Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation (PRAGATI) platform is a pioneering digital tool aimed at addressing delays in government projects.
- Operated by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), PRAGATI combines technology and leadership to streamline the execution of key infrastructure and social programs.
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Objectives of PRAGATI
- Strengthening Governance: The platform promotes seamless communication between government departments to eliminate inefficiencies in project management.
- Holistic Oversight: PRAGATI reviews significant central and state-level projects to ensure their timely completion.
- Advanced Technological Tools: The integration of video conferencing, drone monitoring, and data analytics enhances its monitoring capabilities.
Key Features
- Three-Tier Structure: PRAGATI’s architecture enables efficient tracking and evaluation of projects across multiple levels of governance:
- Project components
- Component wise list of Activities to be performed along with location(s) of component execution.
- Activity wise list of parameters to be monitored
- Monthly Review Meetings: Every fourth Wednesday, known as “PRAGATI Day,” the Prime Minister chairs meetings to resolve bottlenecks in project implementation and address public grievances.
- The issues flagged are uploaded seven days prior to the PRAGATI day (i.e. on third Wednesday of every month).
- User ID and Password for each of the Union Government Secretaries and Chief Secretaries have been created and made available;
- Union Government Secretaries and Chief Secretaries will be able to see the issues pertaining to their Department /State;
- Real-Time Tracking: The platform’s ability to monitor project progress in real-time helps identify and resolve delays proactively.
Achievements of PRAGATI
- Expedited Project Completion: Projects such as the Chenab Bridge (the world’s highest rail bridge), National Highway 8, and the Bogibeel Bridge in Assam, which were delayed for years, were completed under PRAGATI’s supervision.
- Accelerated Infrastructure Development: Over 340 infrastructure projects valued at approximately $205 billion have been expedited. Examples include the Mumbai Metro Line 3 and Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail link, both vital for improving urban transport and regional connectivity.
- Leadership-Driven Accountability: With direct involvement from the Prime Minister, PRAGATI has made infrastructure development a national priority, fostering urgency and responsibility within bureaucratic systems. Senior officials from the PMO, central ministries, and state governments are directly involved in addressing grievances and removing obstacles during PRAGATI Day meetings.
- Centre-State Cooperation: The platform transcends political affiliations, enabling collaborative efforts between central and state governments.
- Impact on Social Initiatives: Beyond infrastructure, PRAGATI has accelerated programs like rural electrification and tap water supply, showcasing its versatility in addressing social infrastructure challenges.
- Rural Electrification: The Saubhagya scheme, which aimed to provide electricity connections to over 28 million households, saw significant acceleration under PRAGATI.
- Tap Water Supply: The Jal Jeevan Mission, targeting rural households for piped water connections, benefited from real-time tracking and coordination enabled by PRAGATI and saw a 20% increase in tap water connections in water-scarce regions. Household access to running water rose from 17% in 2019 to 79% in 2024.
- Health Infrastructure: Key projects under the Ayushman Bharat program for healthcare infrastructure have also been expedited, ensuring better access to healthcare facilities in underserved areas.
- Economic Returns: As highlighted by studies from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the National Institute of Public Finance and Policy (NIPFP), for every rupee spent on infrastructure projects, PRAGATI has generated a GDP gain of 2.5 to 3.5 rupees.
Complementary Platforms
- India’s infrastructure ecosystem is supported by complementary platforms like PM Gati Shakti and PARIVESH, which work in tandem with PRAGATI:
- PM Gati Shakti: Introduced in 2021, this platform focuses on multimodal connectivity and geospatial planning, enabling faster execution of infrastructure projects.
- PARIVESH: Designed to streamline environmental clearances, PARIVESH embodies the principle of ‘Minimum Government, Maximum Governance’, reducing project approval times significantly.
- These platforms, together with PRAGATI, have brought down approval timelines from 600 days to just 70-75 days, while optimizing project design and minimizing environmental impact.
Lessons for the Global South
- Leadership Commitment: Sustained involvement from senior leadership, as demonstrated by the Prime Minister’s active role, is essential for driving large-scale projects.
- Inter-Governmental Collaboration: Platforms must enable seamless coordination among various government levels while maintaining respect for local governance autonomy.
- Use of Cutting-Edge Technology: The integration of tools like drones and real-time monitoring enhances oversight and accountability.
- Replicability for Global Projects: PRAGATI’s model can inspire initiatives like Africa’s Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA), which seeks to address the continent’s infrastructure gaps through cross-border projects.
Conclusion
- PRAGATI’s success highlights the transformative potential of digital governance:
- Efficiency in Project Delivery: Structured processes and real-time data enable timely decision-making.
- Scalability of Digital Ecosystems: The collaborative integration of platforms like PM Gati Shakti and PARIVESH underscores the adaptability of such initiatives to diverse challenges.
- Inclusive Development: PRAGATI’s approach bridges physical and social infrastructure, making it a comprehensive tool for nation-building.
