No Plan to Change Land Acquisition Policy Despite Project Delays: Cabinet Secretary
Cabinet Secretary T V Somanathan announced that the government has no plans to change its land acquisition policy, even though land acquisition accounts for 35% of project delays. The PRAGATI platform has successfully resolved 7,156 out of 7,735 issues raised across 3,300 projects worth ₹85 lakh crore, demonstrating a 92.51% resolution rate with an average of one issue resolved per working day.
*this image is generated using AI for illustrative purposes only.
Cabinet Secretary T V Somanathan confirmed that the government has no plans to change its land acquisition policy, despite land acquisition emerging as the biggest impediment in timely execution of infrastructure projects. Speaking at a press briefing flanked by secretaries from various ministries, Somanathan revealed comprehensive data on the PRAGATI platform's performance and issue resolution capabilities.
PRAGATI Platform Performance and Issue Resolution
The PRAGATI platform has demonstrated remarkable effectiveness in addressing project bottlenecks since its launch. The comprehensive data showcases both the platform's extensive reach and its problem-solving capabilities across India's infrastructure landscape.
| Parameter: | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Projects Handled: | 3,300 projects |
| Total Project Value: | ₹85 lakh crore |
| Total Issues Raised: | 7,735 issues |
| Issues Resolved: | 7,156 issues |
| Resolution Rate: | 92.51% |
| Average Resolution: | One issue per working day |
Somanathan emphasized that "all states, irrespective of their political dispensations, want to complete their projects and all chief secretaries have been very responsive in resolving issues." The platform operates as a multi-tier follow-up mechanism ensuring timely implementation of decisions, with projects tracked by the Cabinet Secretariat and continuous PMO oversight.
Breakdown of Project Challenges and Sectoral Distribution
The detailed analysis of resolved issues reveals specific patterns in project impediments. Land acquisition continues to dominate the challenge landscape, reinforcing the Cabinet Secretary's policy statement.
| Challenge Category: | Share of Resolved Issues |
|---|---|
| Land Acquisition: | 35% |
| Forest/Wildlife/Environment: | 20% |
| Right of Use/Way: | 18% |
| Other Issues: | 27% |
Among the 382 projects personally reviewed by the Prime Minister, sectoral distribution shows infrastructure focus:
| Sector: | Number of Projects |
|---|---|
| Roads and Highways: | 114 projects |
| Railways: | 109 projects |
| Electricity: | 54 projects |
| Petroleum and Coal: | 40 projects |
| Housing and Urban Development: | 17 projects |
| Health and Family Welfare: | 13 projects |
Notable Project Examples and Success Stories
Somanathan highlighted the 272-km Jammu-Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail link as the most challenging project handled by PRAGATI. Worth ₹42,760 crore and approved on March 31, 1994, the project was finally commissioned on June 6, 2025, after progressing from 40% completion in 2015 to 60% by 2019.
Transport Secretary V Umashankar cited the New Delhi-Mumbai expressway as another complex road project successfully cleared through PRAGATI after tackling numerous bottlenecks. Railway Board Chairman Satish Kumar noted that the completed Jammu-Srinagar rail link has attracted a new category of travelers drawn by food and scenic beauty.
Governance Framework and Multi-Tier Review System
PRAGATI operates through a structured escalation framework where regular issues are resolved at ministry level, while complex matters are escalated for higher-level review. The platform reviews all projects valued above ₹500 crore and covers 61 government schemes including 'One Nation-One Ration Card', 'PM Jan Aarogya Yojna', and 'Swachh Bharat Mission' across 36 sectors.
A study by the Said Business School titled "From Gridlock to Growth" describes PRAGATI as "a compelling case study in how digital governance can drive progress," symbolizing India's commitment to overcoming bureaucratic inertia and fostering accountability. The platform was conceptualized by Prime Minister Modi in 2015 to address chronic time and cost overruns in public projects.
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