New Delhi, 29 October (H.S.): Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for faster implementation of major development projects, stronger domestic pharmaceutical production and improved coordination between the Centre and states after reviewing initiatives worth more than Rs. 16,000 crore at the 54th PRAGATI meeting.

The meeting, held at Seva Teerth in New Delhi on Wednesday, October 28, covered infrastructure and development projects spanning 31 states and Union Territories. Discussions centred on railway station modernisation, the development of Ekta Malls to promote local products and the expansion of India’s pharmaceutical manufacturing capabilities.

Sharing an update on his official X account following the meeting, PM Modi highlighted the key priorities and stressed the importance of delivering concrete results within stipulated timelines.

“Chaired the 54th PRAGATI meeting yesterday. The focus areas: Reviewed projects worth over Rs. 16,000 crore across 31 States and UTs. Faster redevelopment of railway stations as multimodal hubs. Boosting self-reliance in pharma manufacturing. Ekta Malls to empower artisans and local businesses. The focus is clear… substantive outcomes, timely execution and long lasting benefits for people,” the Prime Minister wrote.

PRAGATI, which stands for Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation, is a technology-enabled platform that brings Central and state government representatives together to review projects, resolve administrative obstacles and improve the implementation of public welfare schemes.

During the review, PM Modi stressed that development initiatives must be supported by effective monitoring, clearly defined responsibilities and timely decisions. He directed the concerned ministries and state governments to address implementation hurdles promptly and strengthen coordination across departments.

The Prime Minister also emphasised the potential of PM Ekta Malls to provide wider markets for indigenous products and improve the commercial prospects of local artisans and businesses. He called for connecting these facilities with tourism and local enterprises, noting that rising demand could create employment opportunities across rural production, packaging, warehousing and transportation.

He further called on chief secretaries to monitor progress regularly and ensure that the malls are completed on schedule.

On pharmaceutical manufacturing,PM Modi reviewed Bulk Drug Park projects in Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh. He underscored the need to expand domestic production of active pharmaceutical ingredients and other essential inputs to strengthen India’s self-reliance in the sector.

The Prime Minister also directed chief secretaries to hold monthly reviews of government schemes with district magistrates. The exercise, he said, should identify gaps in implementation and ensure that eligible beneficiaries receive assistance without unnecessary delays.

Emphasising the importance of measurable results, PM Modi said public expenditure should translate into tangible improvements in people’s lives. He also highlighted the role of coordination among departments, regular assessments and local accountability in advancing the Aspirational Districts and Aspirational Blocks programmes.

According to the official account of the meeting, the Prime Minister noted that sustained improvements in governance and welfare delivery had helped nearly 25 crore people move out of multidimensional poverty.

Railway station redevelopment was another key area of discussion. Reviewing the modernisation of Ahmedabad railway station, PM Modi called for accelerating similar projects across the country. He stressed that upgraded stations should serve as integrated transport hubs, with convenient connections to metro services and other modes of public transport.

Concluding the review, the Prime Minister called for a proactive administrative approach, with officials anticipating potential obstacles rather than reacting after delays arise. He emphasised the need for close monitoring at senior levels, greater ownership of responsibilities and prompt corrective action to ensure that projects deliver their intended benefits on time.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar