Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal, emphasized the importance of developing action plans for logistics business growth, in collaboration with both the public and private sectors. He stressed the need for regional and city-level logistics plans to improve last-mile connectivity. This statement was made during the release of the “Logistics Ease Across Different States (LEADS) 2024” report in New Delhi.
Key Points from Shri Piyush Goyal’s Address
- Promotion of Green Logistics: Shri Goyal highlighted the need for green logistics, workforce inclusivity, and facilitation of central government projects.
- Technological Advancements: He emphasized the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and Data Analytics for future success in the logistics sector.
- Skill Development: The Minister stressed the importance of skill development to enhance the logistics workforce.
- Gender Inclusivity: He encouraged greater participation of women in the logistics sector and highlighted the need for gender inclusivity.
- Public-Private Partnerships (PPP): States should leverage PPPs to improve logistics operations.
- Multi-Modal Hubs: States should focus on creating multi-modal hubs for inland container depots to enhance efficiency and transparency.
LEAD Framework for Logistics Transformation
Shri Goyal urged the logistics sector to adopt the LEAD framework, which stands for:
- Longevity
- Efficiency and Effectiveness
- Accessibility and Accountability
- Digitalisation of Processes
These principles are essential for transforming the logistics sector and achieving the vision of a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India) by 2047.
LEADS 2024 Report Highlights
The LEADS 2024 report evaluates logistics performance across four key pillars:
- Logistics Infrastructure
- Logistics Services
- Operating and Regulatory Environment
- Sustainable Logistics (newly introduced)
It also highlights initiatives taken by States and UTs and identifies opportunities for improvement.
Performance Groups in LEADS 2024
- Coastal Group:
- Achievers: Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Odisha, Tamil Nadu
- Fast Movers: Andhra Pradesh, Goa
- Aspirers: Kerala, West Bengal
- Landlocked Group:
- Achievers: Haryana, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand
- Fast Movers: Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan
- Aspirers: Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand
- North-Eastern Group:
- Achievers: Assam, Arunachal Pradesh
- Fast Movers: Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, Tripura
- Aspirers: Manipur
- Union Territories:
- Achievers: Chandigarh, Delhi
- Fast Movers: Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, Jammu and Kashmir, Lakshadweep, Puducherry
- Aspirers: Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Ladakh
LEAPS 2024 Awards
The Logistics Excellence, Advancement, and Performance Shield (LEAPS 2024) awards recognized outstanding contributions to the logistics sector. The categories included core logistics services, MSMEs, startups, and institutions.
LEAPS 2024 Winners
- Core Logistics:
- Air Freight Service: Kerry Indev Logistics
- Maritime Freight Service: Visakha Container Terminal
- Multimodal Transport: Avana Logistek
- Rail Freight Service: DP World Rail Logistics
- Road Freight Service: CJ Darcl Logistics
- Warehouse Service (Industrial & Consumables): APM Terminals India
- Warehouse Service (Agriculture): Globus Warehousing
- Startups:
- Logistics Operations: Myzek Logistics
- Logistics Technology: Sarvodaya Infotech
- MSMEs:
- Logistics Service: Shipwaves Online
- Institutions:
- Education and Skill Development: Indian Institute of Management, Mumbai
- Special Categories:
- E-commerce Logistics: Delhivery Limited
- Multimodal Logistics: Pushpak Logistics Solutions
Additional Initiatives
- PM GatiShakti Course: Shri Goyal launched a 15-hour course on the PM GatiShakti concept for efficient infrastructure planning, hosted on the iGOT Karmayogi platform.
- Logistics Cost Framework: The report on logistics cost assessment was unveiled, focusing on both EXIM and domestic cargo data to estimate logistics costs accurately.
Conclusion
These initiatives aim to strengthen India’s logistics ecosystem, promoting sustainable growth and competitiveness, aligning with the goal of making India a $32 trillion economy by 2047.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
- What is the LEAD framework in logistics?
- A) Longevity, Efficiency, Accessibility, Digitalisation
- B) Longevity, Efficiency, Effectiveness, Accessibility
- C) Efficiency, Accountability, Digitalisation, Sustainability
- D) Effectiveness, Accessibility, Digitalisation, Transparency
- Which state was recognized as an achiever in the Coastal Group of LEADS 2024?
- A) Bihar
- B) Gujarat
- C) Punjab
- D) Assam
- What was the primary focus of the LEAPS 2024 awards?
- A) Government policies in logistics
- B) Recognition of exceptional contributions in logistics
- C) Environmental sustainability in logistics
- D) Technology adoption in logistics
- Which company won the award for Air Freight Service in LEAPS 2024?
- A) APM Terminals India
- B) Kerry Indev Logistics
- C) Visakha Container Terminal
- D) Delhivery Limited
- What is the purpose of the PM GatiShakti Course launched by Shri Piyush Goyal?
- A) To promote e-commerce logistics
- B) To educate on efficient infrastructure planning and national development
- C) To enhance logistics technology
- D) To assess logistics costs in India