In a significant stride towards bolstering India’s logistics and transportation network, the government has announced three new major railway corridors under the Interim Budget 2024-25. These corridors will be woven into the fabric of the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan, aiming to enhance multi-modal connectivity across the nation.
Features of the New Railway Corridors:
- Energy, Mineral, and Cement Corridors: Streamlining the transport of essential commodities to support industrial growth.
- Port Connectivity Corridors: Strengthening links between major ports and inland regions to facilitate seamless trade.
- High Traffic Density Corridors: Expanding capacity on routes with heavy passenger and freight movement to reduce congestion.
Significance:
- Enhanced Logistics Efficiency: Reducing costs and improving the speed of rail transportation.
- Decongestion of Rail Routes: Easing pressure on overburdened lines to improve service reliability.
- Modal Shift to Sustainable Transport: Encouraging the use of rail and coastal shipping over road transport.
- Reduction in Carbon Footprint: Aligning with environmental goals by lowering emissions in the logistics sector.
PM GatiShakti National Master Plan
Launched in 2021, the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan is a transformative initiative designed to provide integrated, multi-modal connectivity infrastructure to various economic zones in India.
Key Objectives:
- Comprehensive Database Creation: Collates data on existing infrastructure and future projects across central and state departments.
- GIS-Enabled Platform Integration: Utilizes Geographic Information Systems for planning and monitoring infrastructural projects on a single portal.
- Economic Growth Acceleration: Aims to achieve a $5 trillion economy by 2025 through enhanced connectivity and infrastructure.
Focus on Seven Growth Engines:
- Railways
- Roads
- Ports
- Waterways
- Airports
- Mass Transport
- Logistics Infrastructure
Integration with Key Schemes:
- Bharatmala Pariyojana
- Sagarmala Programme
- UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik)
- And other significant infrastructure initiatives.
Six Pillars of PM GatiShakti:
- Comprehensiveness: Visibility of inter-departmental activities enhances project planning.
- Prioritization: Cross-sectoral interactions enable effective prioritization of projects.
- Optimization: Selection of the most efficient routes and modalities in terms of time and cost.
- Synchronization: Harmonization of activities across departments ensures cohesive implementation.
- Analytical: Access to centralized data with GIS-based tools for informed decision-making.
- Dynamic: Continuous identification and integration of vital interventions for plan enhancement.
NITI Aayog Report on LNG as a Transportation Fuel
The NITI Aayog has unveiled a report advocating the use of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) as a transportation fuel for Medium and Heavy Commercial Vehicles (M&HCVs).
About LNG:
- Nature: LNG is a clear, colorless, non-toxic liquid formed when natural gas is cooled to -162°C.
- Purpose: The liquefaction process reduces the volume of gas, making it efficient for storage and transportation.
Rationale for LNG Adoption in M&HCVs:
- Emission Reduction: A step towards achieving Net Zero carbon emissions by 2070.
- Energy Security: Reduces dependence on oil imports, enhancing national energy autonomy.
- Growing Trucking Market: Addresses the needs of a trucking industry projected to quadruple by 2050.
- Gas-Based Economy Goal: Supports the target of increasing natural gas’s share in the primary energy mix to 15% by 2030.
Challenges:
- High Initial Costs: LNG vehicles are more expensive than diesel counterparts.
- Infrastructure Gaps: Limited availability of LNG fueling stations.
- Market Hesitancy: Uncertainty and lack of awareness among consumers and industries.
Details for UPSC Preparation
For aspirants aiming to crack the UPSC examination, understanding these developments is crucial, as they touch upon key areas like infrastructure, economic development, environmental sustainability, and energy policies.
Important Points:
- Interlinking Infrastructure with Economic Goals: The new railway corridors and PM GatiShakti plan exemplify how infrastructure projects are tailored to meet economic objectives.
- Sustainable Development Focus: Emphasizes balancing growth with environmental considerations, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Technological Integration: The use of GIS and data analytics in planning underscores the role of technology in governance and public administration.
- Policy Implementation Challenges: Recognizing the hurdles in LNG adoption helps in understanding policy execution intricacies.