The National Geospatial Mission is an initiative aimed at enhancing India’s geospatial data infrastructure. The allocation of ₹100 crore in the Union Budget 2025–26 is designated for several critical purposes:
For instance, precise mapping of land parcels in Bihar using drone surveys facilitates quicker property registration under the SVAMITVA scheme.
The allocated funds will aid in generating detailed topographic maps and digital elevation models, which are vital for designing infrastructure such as roads, sewage systems, and drainage in fast-growing urban areas. A notable example includes the utilization of geospatial data in Nagpur to simulate potential traffic flow before constructing flyovers or metro extensions.
Under PM Gati Shakti, the integration of data from various ministries onto a unified platform helps mitigate project overlaps, delays, and cost overruns. For example, prior to laying a gas pipeline, the framework allows planners to verify the presence of underground infrastructure such as railway lines or optical fiber cables.
The budget allocation fosters collaboration with the private sector by granting businesses access to previously restricted datasets available on the PM Gati Shakti portal. This accessibility benefits various sectors including logistics, urban design, and construction. For instance, a startup focused on warehousing can leverage highway and rail maps to strategically select locations.
In the context of this policy, PPPs facilitate joint planning and execution of projects between government entities and private companies. Access to government geospatial data significantly enhances accuracy and efficiency. A relevant example would be a private firm partnering with a state road department to utilize government survey data to circumvent environmentally sensitive or flood-prone areas during highway construction.
Private entities now have access to various types of geospatial data, including:
For instance, an agricultural analytics firm can combine rainfall, soil type, and crop yield data to assist farmers in optimizing their sowing schedules.
This budget move promotes the development of domestic GIS platforms, mapping tools, and decision-support systems, reducing reliance on foreign data providers. An example is an Indian drone startup that can utilize publicly funded base maps to create 3D models for construction without needing to import tools or datasets.
Improved data leads to smarter planning, resulting in less environmental degradation, better space utilization, and timely services. For example, in Kerala, flood risk zones are mapped using high-resolution elevation data, which informs housing and drainage projects to avoid disaster-prone areas.
Geospatial dashboards enable administrators to monitor real-time progress, identify delays, and enhance inter-departmental coordination. In Madhya Pradesh, district officials employ geotagged data to oversee the implementation of rural roads under PMGSY.
The anticipated long-term benefits from this investment include:
For example, training youth in GIS mapping as part of skill development initiatives can generate thousands of jobs in smart city projects.
Kutos : AI Assistant!
