Gati Shakti Vishvavidyalaya (GSV)

Key Highlights of the Meeting

Union Minister of Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw, presided over the meeting. The agenda revolved around positioning GSV as a world-class university dedicated to industry-driven education and enhancing employability across critical sectors like railways, aviation, marine engineering, highways, shipping, logistics, and defense.

1. Probationary Training for IRMS Officers:
   A significant decision was made to mandate probationary training for newly recruited Indian Railway Management Service (IRMS) officers at GSV. This innovative training program will blend theoretical and practical learning at Centralized Training Institutes (CTIs) and industry hubs, culminating in an MBA degree awarded by GSV.
2. Introduction of New Programs:
   GSV announced the launch of specialized programs in:
   • Bridge and Tunnel Engineering
   • Aviation Operations
   • Maritime Infrastructure
   • Highway Engineering
   • Defense Logistics and Operations

   These programs aim to address emerging needs in the infrastructure and logistics sectors by equipping students with cutting-edge skills and knowledge.

3. Collaborative Efforts:
   The meeting underscored collaboration with industry stakeholders, government ministries, and Centralized Training Institutes to ensure that GSV’s courses remain practical and relevant to the needs of the economy.

Attendees and Contributions

The meeting brought together prominent policymakers and experts, including:

• Satish Kumar, Chairman & CEO, Railway Board
• V Uma Shankar, Secretary, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways
• Amardeep Singh Bhatia, Secretary, DPIIT
• Lt. Gen. NR Raja Subramani, Vice-Chief of Army Staff
• Representatives from the Ministry of Higher Education, Ports Shipping and Waterways, Civil Aviation, AICTE, and other relevant organizations.

These attendees highlighted the importance of inter-ministerial collaboration to ensure that GSV fulfills its mandate of contributing to India’s infrastructure and logistics development.

GSV’s Role in PM GatiShakti Plan

Launched in 2021, the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan aims to synchronize infrastructure development across various sectors to reduce logistics costs, increase efficiency, and boost economic growth. GSV’s establishment is a crucial step toward this goal, as it will:

• Provide industry-relevant education to create a skilled workforce.
• Foster research and innovation in transportation and logistics.
• Enhance India’s global competitiveness in infrastructure development.

Future Vision for GSV

With a strong focus on employability and industry relevance, GSV is set to become a pivotal institution in addressing the challenges and opportunities in India’s rapidly growing transportation and logistics sectors. Its mission to provide interdisciplinary and practical training ensures that graduates are well-equipped to contribute to the nation’s progress.

By offering cutting-edge programs and fostering collaboration with industry and government stakeholders, GSV aligns itself with the aspirations of a New India, contributing to the realization of the $5 trillion economy vision.

Conclusion

Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya is not just an educational institution; it is a symbol of India’s transformative journey in infrastructure and logistics. Through its innovative courses, collaborative training models, and focus on employability, GSV is poised to play a critical role in shaping India’s future workforce and infrastructure landscape.

For UPSC aspirants, GSV serves as a case study of how targeted educational reforms can contribute to national development, aligning seamlessly with government initiatives like PM GatiShakti.