In a recent meeting chaired by Special Secretary (Logistics), Ms. Sumita Dawra, under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), India presented ongoing and upcoming initiatives to enhance logistics efficiency to the World Bank Team in New Delhi. Notable attendees included nodal officers from the Logistics Performance Index (LPI) team and representatives from various ministries. DPIIT emphasised the collaborative action plan across ministries, generating significant big data to boost India’s logistics efficiency and elevate its World Bank LPI ranking. The meeting showcased effective practices adopted by Indian ministries, reflecting a commitment to continuous improvement in logistics efficiency.
The Land Ports Authority of India (LPAI) successfully digitised Integrated Check Post (ICP) operations through the Land Port Management System (LPMS), reducing export release time from 101 to 22 hours. The Ministry of Railways (MoR) plans 100% electrification of railway tracks, increasing construction speed and expanding locomotive and wagon holdings. With a US$ 31.2 billion capital expenditure in 2024, the Eastern and Western dedicated freight corridors aim for a 50-60 km/h average speed, tripling regular tracks’ efficiency. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW) introduced NLP Marine, a National Maritime Single Window platform, streamlining end-to-end logistics solutions. The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) integrated ICEGATE with ULIP while digitising Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) certification processes. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) plans 35 multi-modal logistics parks, 108 port connectivity projects, and 608 wayside amenity sites. Introducing FASTag and other digital measures in the aviation and road sectors contributes to streamlined logistics.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) implemented the e-Air Way Bill (e-AWB) and the e-Cargo Security Declaration. The upcoming e-Gatepass in September 2024 will further enhance digitalisation efforts. The World Bank commends India’s digital interventions in logistics, with new Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) measuring global trade speed derived from extensive datasets. Special Secretary (Logistics) at the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) emphasises targeted interventions to enhance logistics efficiency, continuing collaboration with the World Bank to understand evolving Logistics Performance Index (LPI) methodologies.
Disclaimer: This information has been collected through secondary research and IBEF is not responsible for any errors in the same.
