DPIIT Holds Meet With World Bank To Elevate Country’s Logistics Efficiency

The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) recently held a meeting with World Bank and showcased ongoing initiatives and forthcoming reforms aimed at elevating India's logistics efficiency.

Sumita Dawra, Special Secretary (Logistics), DPIIT, said, “The primary focus of the meeting was to unveil a collaborative action plan shared by various Ministries and Departments. The objective is to drive improvements in the country's logistics efficiency and enhance its position in the World Bank Logistics Performance Index (LPI).”

DPIIT seized the opportunity to highlight best practices and transformative initiatives deployed by key ministries and departments contributing to the continuous enhancement of India's logistics efficiency. One such initiative is the implementation of the Land Port Management System (LPMS) to digitize operations at Integrated Check Posts (ICPs).

Additionally, smart gates for automated entry and exit at Land Port Petrapole are expected to substantially reduce export release time. Plans for 100 per cent electrification of railway tracks, accelerated track construction speed, increased capacity for locomotives and wagons, and a robust capital expenditure (CAPEX) of USD 31.2 billion in 2024 were also unveiled to improve freight transport speed and volume, the department informed.

National Logistics Portal-Marine

The launch of NLP Marine, a National maritime single-window platform offering end-to-end logistics solutions for seamless document exchange among exporters, importers, and service providers, was also highlighted. Furthermore, the integration of Indian Customs Electronic Data Interchange Gateway (ICEGATE) for various APIs and digitization efforts in application filing, processing, and digitally signed delivery of Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) certification was emphasized.

Other notable initiatives include a blueprint for 35 multi-modal logistics parks (MMLPs), 108 port connectivity projects, and 608 way-side amenity sites. The introduction of FASTag for electronic toll collection, implementation of the e-Air Way Bill (e-AWB) and e-Cargo Security Declaration as digital measures, and the upcoming launch of e-Gatepass in September 2024 were also outlined.

World Bank Praises Efforts

Jean-Francois Arvis, Senior Transport Economist at the World Bank, praised India's decisive efforts in promoting digital interventions within the logistics sector. He introduced a noteworthy change in the LPI calculation approach, incorporating new Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) derived from extensive global tracking datasets including shipping containers, air cargo, and parcels.

Expressing optimism, the Special Secretary (Logistics) DPIIT asserted that the targeted interventions showcased during the meeting would significantly enhance India's logistics efficiency. DPIIT, alongside the Inter-Ministerial Dedicated Team, reaffirmed their commitment to collaborative efforts with the World Bank, aligning closely with the evolving methodology of the LPI.

Conclusion

India's recent collaboration with the World Bank to boost logistics efficiency through digital initiatives and infrastructure enhancements reflects a promising trajectory. The nation's commitment to leveraging technology, such as the National Logistics Portal-Marine and smart gates, coupled with strategic investments in railway electrification and multi-modal logistics parks, positions India for an accelerated evolution in global logistics performance.