India’s PRAGATI Platform

A recent University of Oxford study, "From Gridlock to Growth: How Leadership Enables India's PRAGATI Ecosystem to Power Progress," highlights PRAGATI platform has revolutionized project execution in India.

What is PRAGATI Platform?

• India's PRAGATI (Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation) platform was launched in 2015
• PRAGATI uses real-time data, drone feeds, and video conferencing to monitor projects, streamline processes, and ensure timely execution.
• It connects multiple government agencies, enabling quicker decision-making and better accountability in project execution.

Achievements of PRAGATI

• By June 2023, PRAGATI had reviewed over 340 projects worth ?17.05 lakh crore (approx. $205 billion), spanning sectors like railways, roads, power, and aviation.
• PRAGATI’s efforts have significantly improved the implementation of several key infrastructure projects, some of which had been delayed for decades.
• Notable Projects Transformed by PRAGATI
• Bogibeel Rail and Road Bridge, Assam: Delayed since 1998, the project was fast-tracked under PRAGATI, leading to its inauguration in December 2018.
• Jammu Udhampur Srinagar Baramulla Rail Link, J&K: Approved in 1995, the project faced challenges until PRAGATI's intervention in 2015. It will connect Kashmir Valley to the rest of India and is expected to be completed by 2025.
• Bengaluru Metro Rail Project, Karnataka: Phase 1 was operationalized in 2017 after resolving land acquisition challenges. PRAGATI’s support is helping complete Phase 2 by 2026.
• Haridaspur-Paradeep Rail Line, Odisha: Stalled for over 10 years, this 82 km project was completed after PRAGATI’s intervention, halving travel time between mining hubs and Paradeep Port.
• Dahisar-Surat Highway, Maharashtra-Gujarat: A 239 km highway expansion project, delayed due to land acquisition issues, was completed after PRAGATI’s review in 2014.
• Varanasi-Aurangabad Highway, UP-Bihar: Stuck for years due to land acquisition challenges, this road project is nearing completion after PRAGATI's review in 2016.
• North Karanpura Thermal Power Plant, Jharkhand: Approved in 2014, the 1,980 MW plant faced delays until PRAGATI expedited necessary approvals. It is expected to begin operations in 2024.
• Navi Mumbai International Airport, Maharashtra: Delayed since 2007 due to land disputes, PRAGATI’s intervention in 2015 led to the resolution of disputes, with the airport set to open by December 2024.
• Environmental and Sustainable Impact: PRAGATI has not only fast-tracked stalled projects but also promoted sustainable practices by integrating green technologies and facilitating necessary environmental clearances for projects.