India’s logistics performance has seen remarkable improvements, as indicated by its rank in the Logistics Performance Index (LPI) Report by the World Bank. Through collaborative efforts among various ministries and departments, alongside the implementation of key policies and initiatives, India is advancing towards enhancing its competitiveness globally.
Improving Logistics Performance: India’s Progress
- India has significantly climbed in the Logistics Performance Index (LPI) ranking, securing the 38th position out of 139 countries, according to the World Bank’s report.
- This progress reflects a substantial leap from its previous positions of 44 in 2018 and 54 in 2014, underscoring the nation’s commitment to bolstering its logistics infrastructure and efficiency.
Collaborative Approach: Inter-Ministerial Efforts
- An Inter-Ministerial team has been established to spearhead targeted action plans, focusing on all six LPI parameters: Customs, Infrastructure, Ease of arranging shipments, Quality of logistics services, Tracking and Tracing, and Timeliness.
- This concerted effort aims to address key areas for improvement and drive significant enhancements in India’s logistics landscape.
Facilitating Trade: National Committee for Trade Facilitation (NCTF)
- The National Committee for Trade Facilitation (NCTF) plays a pivotal role in streamlining processes and driving reforms.
- With the NTFAP 2020-23 guiding its efforts, NCTF has identified 27 action points under the working group on infrastructure upgradation, further bolstering India’s trade facilitation agenda.
Strategic Initiatives: PM GatiShakti National Master Plan and National Logistics Policy
- The launch of the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan for multimodal connectivity and the National Logistics Policy underscores India’s commitment to enhancing logistics efficiency and reducing costs.
- These strategic frameworks provide a roadmap for improving connectivity and optimizing logistics operations across the country.
Digitization Drive: Leveraging Digital Reforms
- Digital reforms play a pivotal role in India’s logistics transformation journey. Initiatives such as the Unified Logistics Interface Platform (ULIP) and the Logistics Data Bank have revolutionized ease of doing business and enabled real-time tracking and tracing of containerized EXIM cargo.
- Furthermore, automation initiatives, including the digitization of weighbridges, are enhancing operational efficiency across the logistics sector.
Sectoral Initiatives: Driving Innovation
- Various line Ministries, including the Ministry of Railways and the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW), are driving sector-specific initiatives to enhance logistics infrastructure and processes.
- From railway electrification to reducing export and import release times and launching platforms like NLP Marine, these initiatives are instrumental in fostering innovation and efficiency.
Collaboration, Policy Innovation, and Digital Advancements
- India’s journey towards improving its logistics performance is marked by collaborative efforts, strategic policy interventions, and leveraging digital advancements.
- With a focus on enhancing connectivity, streamlining processes, and driving innovation across sectors, India is poised to emerge as a global logistics hub, further bolstering its position on the international stage.
Important Questions Related to Exams
1. What is India’s rank in the World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index Report 2023?
2. Which ministry launched the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan for multimodal connectivity?
Kindly share your responses in the comment section.