Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday, February 1, while presenting Budget 2025, announced key developments to enhance India’s infrastructure landscape through the PM Gati Shakti initiative. The government will make PM Gati Shakti data accessible to the private sector, opening doors for improved collaboration and efficiency in infrastructure projects.CompanyValueChange%ChangeLaunched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 13, 2021, PM Gati Shakti is an initiative designed to streamline and enhance the country’s infrastructure development. The programme integrates 16 ministries and several national schemes—including Bharatmala, Sagarmala, UDAN, and various industrial corridors—into a unified framework. The aim is to improve the coordination of infrastructure projects across different sectors, including transportation, energy, and logistics.ALSO READ: Budget 2025 | 50,000 Atal Tinkering Labs, Bhartiya Bharat Pustak scheme, & IIT expansion to drive India’s innovation boom
The recent decision to provide PM Gati Shakti data to the private sector is expected to foster better planning, decision-making, and execution of infrastructure projects. By providing real-time data, the initiative enables businesses to make more informed decisions, enhancing the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of logistics, transport, and manufacturing activities.This will not only boost India’s domestic infrastructure but will also contribute to the country’s growing prominence as a global economic player.In addition to the focus on infrastructure, Sitharaman also announced significant developments for India’s tourism sector, aiming to drive employment-led growth.”Tourism for employment-led growth: top 50 tourist destinations will be developed in partnership with states through a challenge mode. Land for building key infrastructure will have to be provided by the states. Hotels and these destinations will be included in the infrastructure harmonised list,” she said.The emphasis on tourism is set to create new employment opportunities while bolstering the country’s appeal as a global travel destination.The government will also initiate intensive skill development programmes for youth, particularly in hospitality management, to equip them for roles in the expanding tourism industry. These initiatives align with the government’s broader strategy to develop human capital, which is essential for sustainable growth in both the infrastructure and tourism sectors.PM Gati Shakti, with its focus on multimodal connectivity and data-driven decision-making, is already making an impact. By fostering efficient resource use and reducing infrastructure development timelines, it is helping position India as a global leader in infrastructure development.You can follow our live blog for the latest updates from the Budget 2025
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