The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation has launched a Performance Monitoring Dashboard under the PAIMANA framework, operationalising a new approach to evaluating infrastructure performance.
Replacing the OCMS-2006 system, the dashboard shifts assessment from output-based tracking to multi-dimensional performance measurement. Infrastructure is evaluated across five dimensions, Access, Quality, Utilisation, Fiscal Cost/Revenue, and Affordability, moving beyond physical creation of assets to how effectively they are used and delivered.
The dashboard tracks 116 indicators across 11 sectors, including power, transport, and telecommunications. Early data for FY 2025–26 reflects strong operational performance, with improvements in tele-density, near-zero power deficits, and sustained growth in transport usage. More importantly, the framework enables identification of gaps between infrastructure creation and service delivery outcomes.
Key Sectoral Performance Highlights (FY 2025–26)
Power Sector: Grid reliability remains near-perfect with a peak demand of 23.01 lakh MW almost fully met. Thermal Plant Load Factor (PLF) stood at 69.5%.
Civil Aviation: Strong operational recovery with a Passenger Load Factor of 81.8% and cargo handling growing by 4.6% YoY.
Telecommunications: Infrastructure expanded to 8.48 lakh towers, driving wider digital access and a 7.8% growth in tele-density.
Roads & Highways: Digital adoption surged with electronic toll transactions rising by 13.3% YoY, supported by the issuance of 114.4 lakh FASTags.
Railways: Efficiency improved with a 77.1% punctuality index for Mail/Express trains and a 4.4% increase in passenger train kilometers.
Ports & Waterways: India's fleet grew to 1,545 vessels, while inland waterways expanded to 29,267 km to boost multimodal connectivity.
What is "PAIMANA"?
PAIMANA (Project Assessment, Infrastructure Monitoring & Analytics for Nation-building) is a sophisticated digital platform that uses data analytics to monitor the progress and performance of Central Sector Infrastructure Projects.
Unlike its predecessor, it is designed for "evidence-based policymaking," meaning it provides real-time data that helps officials decide where to intervene or invest. The name itself reflects its goal: to provide a standard "measure" (Paimana) for infrastructure excellence, ensuring that projects are not just completed, but are serving their intended purpose efficiently and affordably.
Policy Relevance
Enables Targeted Interventions: By measuring "Quality" and "Affordability" alongside physical progress, the dashboard helps the government identify regions where infrastructure exists but is underutilized or too expensive.
Strengthens Fiscal Discipline: Tracking "Fiscal Cost & Revenue" for each sub-sector ensures that public funds are being used efficiently and that infrastructure projects are generating the expected economic returns.
Optimizes Multi-Modal Logistics: The inclusion of 49 indicators for Ports and 9 for Railways facilitates better coordination for the National Logistics Policy and PM GatiShakti.
Drives Digital Transparency: The operationalisation of a public-facing dashboard holds departments accountable for their performance targets, fostering a culture of transparency in public spending.
Relevant Question for Policy Stakeholders: To what extent will the 116 dashboard indicators be made accessible to the general public to foster a "social audit" culture regarding the quality and affordability of local infrastructure projects?
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