Prime Minister Narendra Modi chairs the 44th edition of PRAGATI, the ICT-based multi-modal platform for Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation on August 28, 2024. Photo: pmindia.gov.in

A recent study by Oxford University’s Saïd Business School (SBS) has lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s PRAGATI infrastructure monitoring system for accelerating 340 projects worth $205 billion across the country and bringing about economic transformation.

The study entitled “From Gridlock to Growth: How Leadership Enables India’s PRAGATI Ecosystem to Power Progress” was authored by Soumitra Dutta, dean at the SBS, and co-authored by associate fellow Mukul Pandya. It was presented at a symposium hosted by the Indian Institute of Management-Bangalore.

The study looked at factors including close monitoring of infrastructure projects and their completion since 2015 through the PRAGATI system, an acronym for Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation of projects.

“The platform symbolises India’s commitment to overcoming bureaucratic inertia and fostering a Team India mindset and culture of accountability and efficiency,” says the report.

“PRAGATI has brought together diverse stakeholders from Central and State governments onto a single platform and this collaborative approach has been instrumental in addressing some of the most complex challenges in infrastructure development, from land acquisition to inter-ministerial coordination. The initiatives leveraged real-time data, drone feeds, and video conferencing to not only accelerate project timelines but also ensured that the benefits of development reach even the most remote corners of the country,” says the report.

The report adds that the economic impact of PRAGATI is evident. According to studies by the Reserve Bank of India and the National Institute of Public Finance and Policy, for every rupee spent on infrastructure, India sees a gain of ₹2.5 to ₹3.5 in GDP. This multiplier effect underscores the critical role that well-executed infrastructure projects play in driving economic growth.

“By fast-tracking projects that provide essential services like roads, railways, water, and electricity, PRAGATI has improved the quality of life for millions of Indians. It has incorporated sustainability into its core operations, facilitated faster environmental clearances and promoted the use of green technologies. This holistic approach ensures that India’s development is both inclusive and sustainable,” the report says.

“The lessons from PRAGATI are particularly relevant as nations worldwide grapple with the Middle-Income Trap. The platform demonstrates that governance innovation, coupled with strategic investments in infrastructure, can create the conditions necessary for sustained economic growth and social progress,” the report further says.