NEW DELHI, Oct 28: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday reviewed infrastructure and development projects worth over Rs 16,000 crore across 31 States and Union Territories, calling for faster implementation, stronger administrative accountability and measurable outcomes from government spending.
Chairing the 54th meeting of PRAGATI (Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation) at Seva Teerth, Modi assessed progress on railway infrastructure, Bulk Drug Parks and PM Ekta Malls. He directed officials to address delays, improve coordination between government agencies and ensure projects are completed within timelines.
The PRAGATI platform facilitates direct interaction between the Centre and State governments to resolve implementation challenges, monitor major projects and strengthen the delivery of public services.
During the review of Ahmedabad railway station’s redevelopment, Modi emphasised the need to accelerate the modernisation of major railway stations nationwide. He said upgraded stations should offer greater passenger convenience and operate as integrated transport hubs, with smooth connections to metro systems and other modes of transportation.
The Prime Minister also reviewed Bulk Drug Parks being developed in Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh. Highlighting the importance of pharmaceutical self-reliance, he called for greater domestic production of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and other essential raw materials used by the pharmaceutical industry. Strengthening local manufacturing, he said, would help reduce dependence on overseas suppliers for critical medical inputs.
Discussing PM Ekta Malls, Modi highlighted their role in promoting indigenous products, expanding market access for artisans and supporting local businesses. He urged States to connect these facilities with tourism initiatives and commercial networks to increase the visibility and demand for traditional products.
The Prime Minister noted that stronger markets for locally produced goods could support employment across several activities, including manufacturing, packaging, warehousing and transportation. He asked Chief Secretaries to regularly assess the progress of the malls, prioritise timely completion and ensure their long-term commercial sustainability.
On welfare programmes, Modi directed Chief Secretaries to hold monthly reviews with District Magistrates to identify implementation gaps and ensure eligible beneficiaries receive their entitlements promptly. He stressed that the effectiveness of governance must be measured by improvements in people’s lives rather than the amount of money spent.
The Prime Minister also called for closer coordination among departments implementing the Aspirational Districts and Aspirational Blocks programmes. He emphasised regular monitoring, the convergence of government initiatives and greater accountability at the grassroots level to improve development outcomes in underserved regions.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, sustained governance and welfare initiatives have contributed to nearly 25 crore people moving out of multidimensional poverty.
Modi urged Central ministries and State governments to resolve administrative obstacles through mission-mode action and strengthen cooperation among implementing agencies. He called for proactive decision-making, regular monitoring by senior officials and clear responsibility for meeting project deadlines.
He further stressed the importance of identifying potential challenges early and taking corrective measures before delays affect implementation. Officials, he said, must demonstrate greater ownership of their responsibilities and ensure that approved projects deliver their intended benefits.
The meeting reinforced the government’s focus on efficient project execution, domestic industrial capacity, support for local enterprises and improved public service delivery, with an emphasis on translating policy commitments into tangible results.