India showcased its ambitious PM GatiShakti National Master Plan at the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) 2023 Regional Cooperation and Integration Conference in Tbilisi, Georgia. The Ministry of Commerce & Industry made this announcement, emphasizing India’s commitment to advancing logistics efficiency and regional connectivity.
The conference, which spans from September 7th to 9th, brought together representatives from over 30 member countries, including senior officials from ADB’s Developing Member Countries responsible for Economic Cooperation and Development (ECD). It also featured participation from representatives of development partner agencies and regional cooperation organizations.
The Indian delegation at the conference was led by Sumita Dawra, Special Secretary (Logistics) from the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
The delegation highlighted PM GatiShakti as a groundbreaking “whole-of-government” initiative aimed at integrated planning of multimodal infrastructure connectivity to economic nodes and social infrastructure. This approach is expected to significantly enhance logistics efficiency and facilitate the seamless flow of goods and services.
Furthermore, the Indian delegation emphasized that PM GatiShakti principles incorporate socio-economic area-based development as an integral part of regional connectivity. This holistic approach is expected to not only improve infrastructure but also promote economic growth and development in the connected regions.
The government’s targeted interventions and substantial capital expenditure investments in infrastructure, coupled with the adoption of cutting-edge technologies such as geospatial technology, have been instrumental in transforming the entire logistics and infrastructure ecosystem, the delegation added.
PM GatiShakti represents a “Made in India” initiative aimed at creating a robust and interconnected infrastructure network that can support the nation’s economic development and enhance its competitiveness on the global stage. By focusing on multimodal connectivity and integrated planning, India aims to bolster its logistics capabilities, reduce transportation costs, and facilitate the movement of goods and services more efficiently.
The presentation of PM GatiShakti at the ADB conference underscores India’s commitment to fostering regional cooperation, improving connectivity, and promoting sustainable economic development in the region. The innovative approach of PM GatiShakti, which combines infrastructure development with socio-economic growth, aligns with India’s vision of becoming a global economic powerhouse while ensuring inclusivity and sustainable development.