"PM Modi Reviews Progress of ₹31,000 Crore Worth of 8 Projects"

In a recent development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a PRAGATI meeting to assess the advancement of eight significant projects, spanning across seven states and collectively valued at around ₹31,000 crore, according to a statement from his office.

PRAGATI, the multi-modal platform for Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation, serves as the vehicle for the seamless execution of projects that involve both the central and state governments. This gathering marked the 43rd edition of the PRAGATI meeting.

Of the eight projects under scrutiny, four are related to water supply and irrigation, two focus on expanding national highways and enhancing connectivity, while the remaining two are associated with rail and metro rail connectivity.

The statement highlighted that "these projects have a cumulative cost of around ₹31,000 crore and relate to 7 states: Bihar, Jharkhand, Haryana, Odisha, West Bengal, Gujarat, and Maharashtra."

During the meeting, Prime Minister Modi underscored the significance of leveraging the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan Portal alongside advanced technologies like satellite imagery to address various challenges associated with the implementation and planning of projects, especially concerning location and land requirements.

He proposed the appointment of nodal officers and the formation of dedicated teams for enhanced coordination among stakeholders, particularly for projects executed in densely populated urban areas.

In the context of irrigation projects, the Prime Minister recommended organizing visits to areas where successful rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts have been carried out. This approach aims to showcase the transformative impact of such projects, thereby motivating stakeholders for their timely completion.

Additionally, the meeting delved into the review of 'Mobile Towers and 4G Coverage under USOF Projects.' The Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF) endeavors to provide mobile connectivity to 33,573 villages with the installation of 24,149 mobile towers.

Modi urged officials to ensure the establishment of mobile towers in all uncovered villages within the current financial year. Regular meetings with all stakeholders were emphasized, a strategy aimed at achieving comprehensive mobile coverage in even the most remote regions.

As of the 43rd edition of PRAGATI meetings, a total of 348 projects, with a combined cost of ₹17.36 lakh crore, have undergone review, reflecting the government's commitment to proactive governance and project implementation.

BS