The PM GatiShakti National Master Plan (PMGS NMP) has emerged as a major framework for coordinated infrastructure development in India, bringing Central Ministries, Departments and States and Union Territories together for integrated planning and execution. Launched in October 2021, the initiative seeks to improve connectivity, strengthen last-mile infrastructure and enhance the efficiency of movement of people, goods and services across the country.
Data-Driven Infrastructure Planning
PM GatiShakti uses geospatial data, satellite imagery and application programming interface (API) integration to support evidence-based decision-making. The platform enables participating Ministries and States to plan infrastructure projects in a coordinated manner, taking into account different modes of transport and related infrastructure requirements.
The initiative is designed to ensure greater synchronization among projects and avoid fragmented development. It also supports planning for social infrastructure projects, helping improve connectivity and reduce travel time.
The Government has clarified that PM GatiShakti itself does not have separately quantified expenditure targets. Individual projects are approved and implemented by the concerned Ministries, Departments and States/UTs under their respective schemes, plans, procedures and budgetary provisions.
Network Planning Group Reviews Major Projects
The Network Planning Group (NPG), established under the PM GatiShakti framework, plays a key role in assessing major Central Government infrastructure projects at the planning stage.
The NPG examines projects for multimodal and intermodal connectivity, synchronization of infrastructure development, last-mile connectivity, comprehensive development around project locations and the use of data-driven planning.
So far, 396 infrastructure projects with an estimated total cost of around ₹18.66 lakh crore have been evaluated through the NPG mechanism. Of these, 256 projects have received sanction, while 198 sanctioned projects are currently under implementation.
PM GatiShakti Expands Across Infrastructure Sectors
The national master plan has been adopted by 58 Central Ministries/Departments and all 36 States and Union Territories. Its coverage extends across key infrastructure sectors, including roads, railways, ports and waterways, power, petroleum and natural gas, civil aviation, telecommunications and industrial corridors.
The Government is also encouraging States to use the platform for planning at the district level, which could help integrate local infrastructure requirements with broader regional and national connectivity plans.
Public Platform Opens Access to Data Analytics
A significant expansion of the initiative came with the launch of the PM GatiShakti public platform in September 2025. The platform has enabled private entities and members of the public to access PM GatiShakti data analytics through a query-based mechanism.
The system allows users to obtain analytical reports from the PMGS-NMP portal by submitting simple queries, potentially supporting better-informed decisions for infrastructure and project planning.
The platform currently incorporates around 1,800 data layers, while more than 65 software modules and tools and over 100 mobile and web applications have been developed and integrated for stakeholders.
Improving Logistics and Economic Efficiency
Government assessments and independent studies indicate that integrated infrastructure planning has contributed to improvements in logistics efficiency, turnaround time, ease of doing business and industrial growth.
An assessment conducted by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) in collaboration with the National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER) in 2025 estimated India’s logistics cost at 7.9% of GDP, placing it broadly at levels comparable with advanced economies.
The Economic Survey 2023-24 also highlighted the role of infrastructure and connectivity initiatives in strengthening domestic manufacturing and export competitiveness.
A study by the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore on the impact of National Highway development found that every ₹1 spent on National Highway development generated an estimated ₹3.2 increase in GDP, underscoring the wider economic impact of infrastructure investment.
Continuous Expansion of the Master Plan
The Government has indicated that expansion of PM GatiShakti will remain an ongoing process. Further integration of data layers, development of new analytical tools and software modules, and addition of mobile and web applications will be undertaken according to the requirements of Ministries, Departments, States/UTs and other stakeholders.
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Author: Shivam
Shivam Dwivedi is a senior journalist with extensive experience in research-driven journalism, policy communication, and multi-platform storytelling. His areas of interest include international relations, defence, science & technology, education, urban development, agriculture, spirituality, and environmental sustainability. His work focuses on in-depth analysis, public discourse, and impactful narratives across governance and development sectors, with a strong commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Contact: [email protected]
