Is Gujarat Close to Finalizing Its Statewide Logistics Master Plan for 8 Major Cities?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Gujarat is finalizing a statewide Logistics Master Plan.
- Eight major cities are included in the initiative.
- The plan aims to reduce logistics costs significantly.
- GIDB is the nodal agency for logistics and infrastructure planning.
- Alignment with national infrastructure goals is a key focus.
Gandhinagar, July 24 (NationPress) Gujarat is nearing the completion of a comprehensive Logistics Master Plan that encompasses the entire state, incorporating specific City Logistics Plans for eight prominent municipal corporations, according to State Industries Minister Balvantsinh Rajput.
During a review session of the Gujarat Infrastructure Development Board (GIDB) convened in Gandhinagar, the minister highlighted the state's dedication to aligning with national infrastructure objectives. He pointed out that projects valued at over Rs 500 crore, executed by Central agencies, are systematically monitored through the Project Monitoring Group (PMG) mechanism.
GIDB serves as the principal agency in Gujarat for facilitating and accelerating the resolution of related issues.
Upon its completion, the master plan is expected to pinpoint and enhance industrial transport requirements across the state, streamline goods movement, and aid in the development of a portfolio of infrastructure projects. This initiative is regarded as a vital measure to decrease logistics expenses and enhance industrial competitiveness. The minister led an extensive review of GIDB’s logistics and infrastructure planning efforts.
Minister Rajput urged officials to expedite the finalization of the City Logistics Master Plans for Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Vadodara, Surat, Rajkot, Bhavnagar, Jamnagar, and Junagadh. Additionally, he stressed the importance of developing a Unified Logistics Interface Platform (ULIP) database to consolidate logistics information across various agencies and stakeholders.
Furthermore, he instructed officers to ensure that Gujarat retains a competitive edge in the national LEADS (Logistics Ease Across Different States) rankings while continuing proactive measures to enhance its logistics framework.
Emphasizing a broader vision, the minister remarked that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's “Viksit Bharat@2047” initiative, Gujarat is progressing in harmony to achieve the state’s developmental aspirations.
He acknowledged Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel's leadership for promoting effective infrastructure planning aimed at reducing logistics costs and accelerating crucial infrastructure developments.
GIDB's CEO, P. Swaroop, provided the minister with insights into various initiatives, including the PM Gati Shakti Gujarat plan, efforts to minimize logistics expenses, oversight of critical infrastructure projects, and the progress of Special Investment Regions (SIRs).