PIB: Published on 16 July 2026
The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) released the latest quarterly update of the PAIMANA (Project Assessment, Infrastructure Monitoring & Analytics for Nation-building) Performance Monitoring Dashboard on 16 July 2026. Launched on 16 April 2026, this initiative marks a significant step toward data-driven governance in India’s infrastructure sector. By consolidating performance indicators across key sub-sectors under a unified digital platform, PAIMANA aims to enhance transparency, enable timely policymaking, and improve public access to official statistics.
Dashboard Expansion and Framework
The latest update expands the dashboard to 165 standardized indicators, adding 44 new ones. This broadens coverage and deepens insights into infrastructure performance. The framework evaluates sectors across five critical dimensions: Access, Quality, Fiscal Cost & Revenue, Utilization, and Affordability.
Sector-wise distribution as of 16 July 2026:
The inclusion of sector-wise narratives alongside interactive visualizations and time-series data makes the dashboard a practical tool for policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders. Quarterly updates ensure data remains current, with the next release scheduled for 16 October 2026.
Sector-wise Performance Highlights
Civil Aviation continues to show strong recovery and growth. Cargo carried in April 2026 stood at 98,920.10 tonnes (11.8% YoY growth). The number of aerodromes has risen to 165, up by 81 since 2014. For FY 2026-27 (up to May), passenger traffic reached 7.1 crore, cargo handled 7.3 lakh tonnes (10.6% YoY), and foreign tourist arrivals hit 10.52 lakh in April–May, underscoring aviation’s role in trade, tourism, and connectivity.
Telecommunications demonstrates sustained digital expansion. Wireless/mobile data consumption reached 2,85,376 PB in FY 2025–26 (24.7% YoY growth). Telephone subscribers grew from 120.17 crore to 133.06 crore (10.7% growth). Tele-density improved to 93.26%, supported by infrastructure expansion to 8.55 lakh towers and 32.25 lakh BTS.
Road Transport and Highways maintained steady progress with 9,360 km of National Highways constructed in FY 2025–26. Digital tolling adoption accelerated, with electronic transactions rising to Rs. 88 crores (39.7% YoY) in the early part of FY 2026-27.
Ports, Shipping & Waterways recorded healthy volumes: 2.06 crore passenger traffic at non-major ports (FY 2024–25), coastal cargo handling growth at major and non-major ports, and fleet expansion to 1,592 vessels (3% YoY). Navigable waterways extended to 29,151.9 km, while sea-borne trade nearly doubled between 2015 and 2023. The inland water vessel fleet stands at 10,623.
Railways showed efficiency gains with average carrying capacity of Broad Gauge wagons rising to 64.0 tonnes (from 60.8 tonnes in 2015–16), and further to about 68 tonnes recently. Daily passengers averaged 19.98 million (5.8% YoY), and the rail network expanded to over 1.37 lakh track kilometers.
Power sector highlights focus on future readiness. Energy storage requirements are projected to surge more than tenfold — from 87 GWh in 2027–28 to 888 GWh by 2035–36 — driven by Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and Pumped Storage Plants (PSPs). Capacities are expected to reach 80 GW (BESS) and 94 GW (PSP) by 2035–36, critical for renewable integration and grid stability.
Strategic Implications
The PAIMANA update paints a picture of multi-modal infrastructure momentum aligned with India’s long-term goals of economic expansion, regional connectivity, and sustainability. Growth in aviation, telecom, and railways directly supports services and manufacturing sectors, while ports and waterways enhancements strengthen logistics efficiency — a key factor in improving India’s global trade competitiveness.
The emphasis on digital and cashless systems (e.g., electronic tolling) and efficiency metrics (wagon capacity, tele-density) indicates maturing operational capabilities beyond mere asset creation. Projections in the power sector reflect proactive planning for the renewable energy transition, addressing intermittency challenges.
Strengths of the Initiative:
Challenges and Outlook
While the data is largely positive, sustained high growth will require addressing implementation bottlenecks, land acquisition, financing gaps, and climate resilience — areas not deeply detailed in the release but critical for long-term outcomes. The dashboard’s success will depend on consistent data quality, inter-ministerial coordination, and regular updates.
Overall, the quarterly PAIMANA release reinforces the government’s commitment to monitoring and accountability in one of India’s highest-priority sectors. As infrastructure remains a key driver of GDP growth, employment, and inclusive development, tools like PAIMANA can help translate ambitious targets into measurable progress.
With the next update due in October 2026, stakeholders will watch closely for continued momentum and deeper insights into emerging challenges. The dashboard not only disseminates statistics but also builds public trust in India’s infrastructure journey.
