Govt Launches PRISM-SG Portal to Fast-Track Bridge Projects, Cut Approval Time by 70%

In a major push to modernise infrastructure delivery, the government has launched the PRISM-SG Portal (Portal for Rail-Road Inspection & Stages Management – Steel Girders), a digital platform aimed at streamlining approvals and inspections for Road Over Bridges (ROBs).

The portal was jointly launched by Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways Shri Nitin Gadkari and Union Minister for Railways, IT & I&B Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, marking a significant step towards digitisation, transparency, and faster project execution.

From 12 Months to 3–4 Months: Major Time Reduction

One of the biggest impacts of the PRISM-SG portal will be the drastic reduction in approval timelines:

• Current process: ~12 months

• With PRISM-SG: 3–4 months

This is expected to accelerate the construction of Road Over Bridges and railway infrastructure, improving connectivity and reducing bottlenecks.

End-to-End Digital Workflow for Bridge Approvals

The portal introduces a fully digital, integrated workflow, covering:

• Online submission of documents

• Automated scrutiny and query resolution

• Digital approvals and scheduling of inspections

• Uploading of inspection reports, photos, and test results

• Real-time tracking with complete audit trail

This eliminates dependence on manual processes and enhances accountability and efficiency.

Bridging a Critical Gap in Existing Systems

Until now:

• General Arrangement Drawings (GAD) and structural approvals were handled digitally via the RRCAS portal

• However, key processes like Quality Assurance Plan (QAP), Welding Procedure Specification Sheet (WPSS), and fabrication inspections remained offline

This fragmentation led to:

• Delays in approvals

• Lack of coordination among agencies

• Limited transparency

The PRISM-SG portal addresses these gaps by bringing all processes onto a single digital platform.

Unified Platform for All Stakeholders

The portal integrates all key stakeholders involved in ROB construction:

• Road Owning Departments

• Indian Railways

• Contractors and fabricators

• Inspection and quality assurance agencies

This unified approach ensures better coordination, faster decision-making, and seamless communication.

Strengthening Quality and Monitoring

The platform also enhances quality control mechanisms by digitising:

• Quality Assurance Plans (QAP)

• Welding Procedure Specifications (WPSS)

• Fabrication stage inspections of steel girders

Real-time monitoring and documentation ensure higher construction standards and traceability.

Boost to Infrastructure and Connectivity

With thousands of ROBs required across India to ease traffic congestion and improve rail-road integration, the PRISM-SG portal is expected to:

• Speed up project execution timelines

• Improve transparency and governance

• Enhance public infrastructure delivery

• Reduce costs associated with delays

Digital Transformation of Infrastructure Governance

The launch reflects a broader government push towards:

• Digital governance in infrastructure

• Data-driven project management

• Seamless inter-ministerial coordination

By reducing procedural delays and improving oversight, PRISM-SG is set to play a crucial role in building faster, safer, and more efficient transport infrastructure.