In News- Recently, the Finance Minister inaugurated the National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP) Online Dashboard. 

Background:

  • In the budget speech of 2019-2020, the Finance Minister announced an outlay of ₹100 lakh crore for infrastructure projects over the next 5 years.
  • A high-level Task Force submitted a final report on the National Infrastructure Pipeline with projected infrastructure investment of ₹111 lakh crore during FY 2020-25.

About National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP):

  • It is a great step in the direction of implementing NIP — giving a fillip to infrastructure development in the country. 
  • It will provide a boost to the vision of an AatmaNirbhar Bharat and availability of NIP projects on IIG will ensure easy accessibility to updated project information and attract investors for PPP projects. 
  • It is a first-of-its-kind initiative to provide world-class infrastructure across the country and improve the quality of life for all citizens. 
  • It will improve project preparation, attract investments (both domestic & foreign) into infrastructure, and will be crucial for attaining the target of becoming a $5 trillion economy by FY 2025.
  • It covers both economic and social infrastructure projects– based on the updated Harmonized Master List of Infrastructure.
  • Out of the total expected capital expenditure of ₹111 lakh crore, projects worth ₹44 lakh crore (40 percent) are under implementation, projects worth ₹33 lakh crore (30 percent) are at a conceptual stage, projects worth ₹22 lakh crore (20 percent) are under development (project identified and DPR prepared, but yet to draw-down funds) and the balance projects worth ₹11 lakh crore (10 percent) are unclassified.

 Online Dashboard-

  • It will be a one-stop solution for all stakeholders looking for information on infrastructure projects in India.
  • It is being hosted on the India Investment Grid (IIG).

What is the India Investment Grid (IIG)?

  • It is an interactive and dynamic online platform that showcases updated and real-time investment opportunities in the country. 
  • It serves as the gateway to investments in India and is also widely used by Indian missions and embassies across the world.
  • It allows investors to search a pan-India database for investment opportunities across sectors; Track the progress of preferred projects and indicate interest and Directly communicate with project promoters.