Oxford University and the Gates Foundation have praised India’s PRAGATI platform as a breakthrough in digital governance. The study highlights how the platform, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has accelerated infrastructure development in India. PRAGATI has successfully completed over 340 delayed projects, valued at $205 billion.
The Saïd Business School at Oxford and the Gates Foundation collaborated on this study. It credits PRAGATI with improving accountability and collaboration between central and state governments. It also reduced delays that often spanned decades to just months.
PRAGATI’s Role in Transforming Projects
PRAGATI monitors projects in real-time using a digital dashboard. Prime Minister Modi regularly reviews progress through video conferences, offering solutions and setting deadlines. Several major projects saw completion under PRAGATI, including:
- Chenab Bridge (Jammu and Kashmir): Stalled for over a decade, this world’s highest railway bridge was completed after PRAGATI’s intervention.
- Bogibeel Bridge (Assam): Delayed for years, the bridge was finished in 2018 under PRAGATI’s oversight, connecting remote Assam regions.
- Jal Jeevan Mission: PRAGATI boosted coordination between central and state governments, leading to a 20% increase in rural water connections in 2021.
Key Reasons for PRAGATI Platform ’s Success
The study highlights two main reasons for PRAGATI’s impact:
- Top-Level Monitoring: Prime Minister Modi reviews large projects and social programs, proposing solutions and ensuring deadlines are met.
- Collaborative Governance: PRAGATI promotes teamwork between central ministries and state governments, enabling aligned efforts for national development.
Lessons for Global Governance
The study calls PRAGATI a model for emerging economies. It shows how digital governance and active leadership can drive large-scale infrastructure and social program success. It urges other nations to adopt similar strategies to enhance project execution and development.