From Gridlock to Growth

BENGALURU, December 03, 2024: A new case study by Oxford’s Said Business School being released at IIM Bangalore today reveals how India's PRAGATI platform is transforming the way large infrastructure and social development projects are implemented. The research, conducted with support from the Gates Foundation, documents how this digital governance innovation has helped accelerate 340 projects worth $205 billion.

The key findings are:

PRAGATI for Infrastructure

Since its launch in 2015, PRAGATI (Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation) has helped accelerate 340 projects worth $205 billion. The platform has supported unprecedented infrastructure development, including 50,000 kilometers of new National Highways and a doubling of airports. For every rupee spent on infrastructure, studies show a 2.5 to 3.5-rupee gain in GDP.

Leadership from the Top

At PRAGATI's core is Prime Minister Modi's direct involvement through video conference meetings, typically held once a month, with state chief secretaries and central ministry officials. This hands-on leadership, combined with digital monitoring tools, has created a new culture of accountability. The Prime Minister's active engagement in reviewing specific projects helps break bureaucratic deadlocks and accelerate implementation.

Problem Monitoring and Resolution

PRAGATI has emerged as India's primary problem-solver for infrastructure bottlenecks. The platform's mere existence catalyzes resolution - officials often solve problems before they reach the Prime Minister's review. For projects that do come up for review, PRAGATI's integrated approach helps break long-standing deadlocks in areas such as land acquisition and environmental clearances.

A Digital Governance Ecosystem

PRAGATI operates within a broader ecosystem including PM Gati Shakti for infrastructure planning and PARIVESH for environmental clearances. This integration has dramatically reduced approval timelines - environmental clearances that once took 600 days can now be obtained in 70-75 days. The ecosystem uses sophisticated tools including drone monitoring and GIS-based mapping.

PRAGATI for the Social Sector

The platform's impact extends beyond infrastructure to accelerating social development programs. Under PRAGATI's oversight, rural households with tap water connections increased from 17% to 79% in five years. The platform has also helped reduce government response time to citizen grievances from 32 to 20 days and supported initiatives like the Swachh Bharat Mission.

Collaboration Across States

PRAGATI has created a neutral forum where central and state governments work together effectively regardless of political affiliations. The platform embodies "Team India" - transcending traditional bureaucratic and political barriers to foster cooperation across India's federal structure. Several states have now created their own versions of PRAGATI.

Digital Governance Lessons for Global Leaders

The study offers key lessons for other emerging economies: the importance of high-level leadership in driving digital transformation, the value of regular review mechanisms, and the power of integrated platforms in accelerating development. The research suggests PRAGATI's approach could help other countries in the Global South overcome similar infrastructure and governance challenges.