PM Modi Reviews Rs 16,000-Crore Infrastructure Projects at PRAGATI Meeting

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday reviewed infrastructure projects worth over Rs 16,000 crore across 31 states and Union Territories, emphasising effective coordination, resolution of implementation bottlenecks and accountability.

Chairing the 54th meeting of PRAGATI (Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation) at his office, Seva Teerth, Modi reviewed projects related to Railways, PM Ekta Malls and Bulk Drug Parks, according to an official statement.

During the review of PM Ekta Malls, the prime minister stressed their role in promoting local products, supporting artisans and expanding livelihood opportunities. He called for linking the malls with tourism and local businesses to boost demand and generate rural employment in production, packaging, storage and transportation.

He asked chief secretaries to regularly monitor progress. The malls are intended to showcase One District, One Product (ODOP) items, Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged products and handicrafts, with dedicated spaces for every state and Union Territory.

Reviewing Bulk Drug Parks in Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh, Modi emphasised prioritising domestic production of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and other essential inputs to strengthen self-reliance.

He called for monthly reviews by chief secretaries and district magistrates to identify implementation gaps and ensure welfare benefits reach eligible beneficiaries. Emphasising outcomes over outlays, he said public expenditure must translate into tangible improvements in people's lives.

Referring to the Aspirational Districts and Aspirational Blocks programmes, Modi highlighted convergence, regular monitoring and local accountability as key to accelerating development in underserved areas. The statement said sustained efforts to improve governance and welfare delivery had helped nearly 25 crore people move out of multidimensional poverty.

On railway infrastructure, Modi reviewed the redevelopment of Ahmedabad railway station and called for accelerating similar projects nationwide. He stressed that upgraded stations should function as multimodal transport hubs with seamless connectivity to metro and other transport networks.

He urged ministries and state governments to resolve bottlenecks in mission mode, strengthen Centre-State coordination and establish clear accountability for project execution. PRAGATI brings the Centre and state governments together to expedite infrastructure projects and improve the implementation of welfare schemes.