- PM Modi chaired 51st PRAGATI meeting in New Delhi
- Seven major infrastructure projects worth ₹30,000 crore reviewed
- PM stressed mission-mode rooftop solar expansion in cities
- Ken-Betwa project cited as model for resolving water disputes
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 27th May: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday chaired the 51st meeting of PRAGATI, the ICT-enabled platform for Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation, and reviewed seven major infrastructure projects worth nearly ₹30,000 crore across the Railways, Power and Road sectors.
The projects, spread across nine states, were reviewed with focus on timely completion, coordination among agencies and removal of implementation bottlenecks. The Prime Minister also reviewed the Ken-Betwa River Inter-linking Project and the implementation of Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0.
During the review of power sector projects, Modi stressed the need to accelerate rooftop solar adoption in urban areas, residential colonies and public institutions. He said rooftop solar initiatives should be implemented in mission mode to reduce electricity costs, improve energy security and promote clean energy generation.
Reviewing road and port connectivity projects, the Prime Minister said the Vadhavan Port project should emerge as a model for port-led multi-modal development with seamless integration of coastal shipping, inland waterways, freight corridors, highways, rail and airport connectivity.
On Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0, the Prime Minister emphasised that the programme must move beyond infrastructure creation and deliver measurable outcomes through monitoring, citizen participation and coordination among stakeholders. He directed states to speed up the completion of waste processing facilities and GOBARdhan plants.
While discussing the Ken-Betwa River Inter-linking Project, Modi said it should become a model for states to resolve inter-state water issues through cooperation, technology-based monitoring and timely execution. He encouraged states to identify similar opportunities involving river-linking, groundwater recharge and integrated irrigation systems to strengthen long-term water security.
The Prime Minister also highlighted that delays in public projects increase costs and deprive citizens of timely benefits and development opportunities. He urged ministries, departments and state governments to adopt a more proactive and time-bound approach to clear pending issues and fast-track implementation.
Modi further suggested exploring innovative use of canal networks, including installation of solar panels along and over canals to generate clean energy, reduce water evaporation and optimise land use.
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. Swachh Bharat Mission has been taken up for review in the first phase under this mechanism.
