PRAGATI, the Prime Minister’s flagship platform for Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation, has completed its 50th meeting. Launched in 2015, it is designed to speed up decision-making, monitor major infrastructure projects, and address public grievances through direct review by the Prime Minister. The platform has become a key example of cooperative federalism by bringing the Centre, States and Union Ministries onto one digital interface.
PRAGATI’s Governance Model
PRAGATI uses technology-based review to track delays in important projects. It focuses on time-bound resolution of issues linked to land, forests, clearances and inter-ministerial coordination. The platform has improved accountability by placing project progress under regular high-level scrutiny.
Jabalpur-Gondia Gauge Conversion
A major project reviewed under PRAGATI was the Jabalpur-Gondia Gauge Conversion of the Ministry of Railways. The project covers about 285 km and was approved at a cost of around ₹1,991 crore. It converted a narrow-gauge line, including the Balaghat-Katangi section, into broad gauge. This created an alternate route to saturated rail corridors and improved rail capacity in central India.
Regional and Economic Importance
The corridor passes through Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. It serves districts with agricultural production, forest-based activity and mineral movement. The project supports freight movement and operational flexibility for the rail network. It also strengthens connectivity in a region where transport infrastructure is important for economic activity.
Clearances and Completion
The project faced environmental and coordination-related delays. It was brought under PRAGATI in March 2016. The review emphasised forest clearances, land transfer, and coordination among the Railways, Road Transport and Highways, and Environment ministries. After the issues were resolved, the project was fully commissioned in March 2021 with 100 per cent physical progress.
Last Modified: April 26, 2026