In a recent meeting under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), chaired by Special Secretary (Logistics) Ms. Sumita Dawra, India presented a comprehensive set of ongoing and upcoming initiatives to enhance logistics efficiency. The meeting, attended by representatives from various ministries and the World Bank Team, focused on collaborative efforts to generate significant big data, aiming to elevate India’s Logistics Performance Index (LPI) ranking.
DPIIT highlighted the commitment to a joint action plan across ministries, showcasing effective practices geared towards continuous improvement in logistics efficiency. Among the notable initiatives discussed were:
- Land Ports Authority of India (LPAI): Successful digitization of Integrated Check Post (ICP) operations through the Land Port Management System (LPMS), significantly reducing export release time from 101 to 22 hours.
- Ministry of Railways (MoR): Plans for 100% electrification of railway tracks, increasing construction speed, and substantial capital expenditure of US$ 31.2 billion in 2024 for the Eastern and Western dedicated freight corridors, aiming for a 50-60 km/h average speed.
- Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW): Introduction of NLP Marine, a National Maritime Single Window platform, providing end-to-end logistics solutions.
- Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC): Integration of ICEGATE with ULIP and digitization of Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) certification processes.
- Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH): Plans for 35 multi-modal logistics parks, 108 port connectivity projects, and 608 wayside amenity sites, along with the introduction of FASTag and digital measures in aviation and road sectors.
- Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA): Implementation of e-Air Way Bill (e-AWB) and e-Cargo Security Declaration, with the upcoming e-Gatepass in September 2024 to further enhance digitalization efforts.
The World Bank Team commended India’s digital interventions in logistics, recognizing new Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that measure global trade speed derived from extensive datasets. Special Secretary (Logistics) Ms. Sumita Dawra emphasized targeted interventions to enhance logistics efficiency, continuing collaboration with the World Bank to understand evolving LPI methodologies. These initiatives collectively reflect India’s commitment to harnessing technological advancements for a more efficient and seamless logistics network.
