In India’s dynamic economic framework, the logistics sector stands as a pivotal artery, facilitating seamless supply chain operations across diverse sectors. With aspirations to achieve a USD 5.5 trillion GDP by 2027, India’s logistics industry is pivotal to realizing these ambitious economic goals.
Central to this journey are the synergistic initiatives of the Make in India campaign and the National Logistics Policy (NLP), each playing a crucial role in bolstering infrastructure, enhancing operational efficiency, and promoting digital integration within the sector. Launched in September 2014, Make in India has propelled advancements across 20 sectors, prominently including shipping and ports. The initiative integrates infrastructure development with industrial growth, fostering a conducive environment for economic expansion. It has streamlined customs operations through initiatives like the Indian Customs Single Window and PCS1x, simplifying electronic clearance processes for importers and exporters, thereby enhancing the ease of doing business. The Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Policy (SBFAP) under Make in India has significantly bolstered Indian shipyards, securing substantial international orders and enhancing competitive capabilities. This policy has seen 31 shipyards securing 88 vessel orders amounting to Rs. 6800 crore over recent years, underscoring its efficacy in fostering domestic shipbuilding capabilities.
Complementing Make in India, the NLP introduced in September 2022 focuses on comprehensive reforms and digitalization within logistics. Key among its initiatives is the Unified Logistics Interface Platform (ULIP), integrating 34 logistics systems to provide a unified interface for traders, seamlessly incorporating GST data for streamlined logistics processes. The NLP also emphasizes infrastructural development through the Gati Shakti Programme, optimizing coastlines, waterways, and national industrial corridors to bolster connectivity across economic zones. Moreover, the NLP advocates for unified regulatory frameworks for multi-modal logistics parks (MMLPs), enhancing first and last-mile connectivity critical for efficient logistics operations in export-import and related industries.Together, these initiatives have fostered public-private partnerships (PPP), facilitating significant infrastructure projects like container terminals and special economic zones across various ports including Deendayal and Gangavaram. Initiatives like the e-sanchit portal and faceless customs evaluations have further streamlined paperless export-import procedures, significantly enhancing operational efficiencies.
