"PM GatiShakti District-Level Workshop Concludes in Thiruvananthapuram"

On Tuesday, the third district-level workshop for the PM GatiShakti (PMGS) National Master Plan (NMP) was conducted in Thiruvananthapuram, Southern Zone. The workshop saw participation from over 175 officials, including representatives from Central ministries, state governments, and district-level authorities across 14 districts from Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana. Officials from Puducherry, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, and Lakshadweep joined virtually.

The workshop aimed to advance decentralized planning by leveraging the PMGS NMP’s comprehensive datasets, which include land records and geographical data. Kerala's Minister for Industries, Coir, and Law, P. Rajeev, highlighted the importance of using these datasets to enhance multimodal connectivity, improve disaster preparedness, and address regional needs effectively.

Rajesh Kumar Singh, Secretary of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), emphasized the value of the mapped data, which covers landslide zones, demographics, flood-prone areas, and other critical factors. He urged district officials to utilize this data for better disaster management and decision-making and encouraged them to prepare for the launch of the District Mater Portal by September 2024.

The workshop was inaugurated by A.P.M. Mohammed Hanish, Principal Secretary of Industries, Kerala, alongside Surendra Kumar Ahirwar, Joint Secretary of DPIIT (Logistics), and S. Harikishore, MD of Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC). They emphasized that effective use of the PMGS NMP can drive growth in the social sector, improve disaster preparedness, and boost multimodal connectivity.

A presentation focused on the Vizhinjam port as a case study demonstrated how the PMGS NMP could enhance regional maritime trade and infrastructure. District collectors from Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam, and other participating districts discussed potential infrastructure and social sector developments using the portal.

The workshop also included hands-on training sessions to familiarize participants with the benefits of the PM GatiShakti portal, including the identification of development use cases connected to essential services such as roads, power, and water.

The event provided a platform for stakeholders to engage in detailed discussions and cross-learning, reinforcing the collaborative efforts needed for effective implementation of the PMGS NMP.

ET