“Oxford & Gates Foundation Highlight PRAGATI’s Role in Infrastructure Growth”

India’s digital governance platform, PRAGATI (Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation), has revolutionized the nation’s infrastructure development landscape. Launched under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, PRAGATI has become a game-changer in driving accountability, fostering collaboration between federal and regional authorities, and expediting the completion of long-delayed infrastructure projects. A study by Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, and the Gates Foundation has highlighted the transformative impact of PRAGATI on the nation’s infrastructure, overseeing $205 billion worth of projects.

Key Findings from the Study

1. Overcoming Decades of Delays

• PRAGATI has played a critical role in resolving delays in over 340 infrastructure projects across India.
• Some projects had been stalled for up to 20 years, with issues ranging from construction halts to bureaucratic bottlenecks.
• The digital dashboard and video-conference reviews have streamlined decision-making, cutting project timelines from decades to months.

2. Digital Monitoring and Real-time Reviews

• PRAGATI employs a digital platform for real-time monitoring of infrastructure projects.
• Prime Minister Modi personally oversees these projects through regular video-conference meetings, ensuring timely intervention and decision-making.
• These reviews help reduce red tape, streamline processes, and promote swift project completion.

3. Empowering Leadership and Driving Collaboration

• PRAGATI’s success lies in the direct involvement of top leadership, particularly PM Modi, who ensures accountability at the highest levels.
• The platform has fostered unprecedented cooperation between central and state governments, resolving issues and expediting project progress.

4. Collaboration and Technology

• According to Professor Soumitra Dutta of Oxford, PRAGATI serves as a model for other developing countries looking to improve their infrastructure governance.
• By utilizing technology for real-time monitoring and fostering collaboration, PRAGATI has shown how infrastructure development can be accelerated through leadership and digital tools.

5. Leadership and Accountability

• The study underscores the importance of top leadership’s commitment to overseeing infrastructure projects through technology.
• Regular reviews and updates ensure that projects do not remain stagnant due to bureaucratic delays, with the involvement of all stakeholders.

6. Successful Projects Accelerated by PRAGATI

Several key infrastructure projects benefited from PRAGATI’s intervention,

• Chenab Bridge (Jammu and Kashmir): Once stalled for a decade, this bridge is now the world’s highest rail bridge. PRAGATI helped expedite its construction, turning it into a vital socio-political and economic link.
• Bogibeel Bridge (Assam): After over a decade of delays, PRAGATI’s review process in 2015 helped accelerate this critical bridge’s construction, improving connectivity for the Dhemaji region.
• Jal Jeevan Mission (Nationwide): PRAGATI’s intervention has played a major role in increasing the number of rural households with indoor tap water connections. As of November 2024, 79% of Indian households now have access to running water, up from 17% in 2019.