PM Modi reviews Rs 30,000 crore infrastructure projects at 51st PRAGATI meeting

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday chaired the 51st meeting of PRAGATI, the ICT-enabled platform aimed at ensuring proactive governance and timely implementation of key projects by integrating the efforts of the Centre and states.

During the meeting held at Seva Teerth, the Prime Minister reviewed seven major infrastructure projects related to the Railways, Power and Road sectors across nine states, involving a cumulative investment of nearly Rs 30,000 crore. He also reviewed the Ken-Betwa River Inter-linking Project and the implementation of Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0.

Reviewing power sector projects, PM Modi stressed the need to accelerate rooftop solar adoption in urban areas, residential clusters and public institutions. He said rooftop solar projects should be implemented in mission mode to reduce electricity costs, strengthen energy security and promote clean energy generation.

While assessing road and port connectivity projects, the Prime Minister said the Vadhavan Port project should emerge as a model for port-led multi-modal development. He said the port must function as a national logistics gateway integrated with coastal shipping, inland waterways, dedicated freight corridors, high-speed rail, highways and airport connectivity.

On the implementation of Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0, the PM emphasised that the focus should go beyond infrastructure creation and ensure measurable outcomes through regular monitoring and public participation. He directed states to speed up the completion of waste processing plants and GOBARdhan plants linked to solid waste management.

Reviewing the Ken-Betwa River Inter-linking Project, the Prime Minister said it should become a model for resolving inter-state water disputes through cooperation, timely clearances and technology-driven monitoring. He encouraged states to explore similar projects involving river-linking, groundwater recharge, water conservation and efficient irrigation to strengthen long-term water security.

PM Modi also highlighted that delays in public infrastructure projects lead to cost escalation and deprive citizens of timely access to essential services and development benefits. He urged ministries, departments and state governments to adopt a more proactive and time-bound approach to resolve pending issues and remove bottlenecks.

The Prime Minister further suggested exploring innovative use of canal networks, including installing solar panels over and along canals to generate clean energy, optimise land use and reduce water evaporation losses.

At the beginning of the meeting, the Cabinet Secretary informed that a system of monthly reviews of social sector schemes at the state level has been operationalised following the Prime Minister’s directions. The review mechanism has begun with the Swachh Bharat Mission to improve monitoring, accountability and faster resolution of implementation issues at the state and district levels.