Government Aims to Reduce Logistics Costs to Boost Economic Growth

New Delhi, April 24 (NationPress) The government is actively pursuing measures to minimize regulatory challenges, with ongoing discussions aimed at making the PM Gati Shakti initiative more accessible to the private sector in order to lower logistics costs, as stated by a senior official from the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) on Thursday.

During a national conference on logistics and warehousing organized by ASSOCHAM, DPIIT's Joint Secretary Pankaj Kumar remarked, "It's crucial for any project to avoid being confined to a silo; rather, it should connect with other regional projects to establish an integrated logistics framework. The DPIIT is contributing its part, but we anticipate that all stakeholders will equally engage to foster a safe and secure business environment, ensuring the nation's continuous growth trajectory."

He emphasized that the government is tackling the intricate challenges involved and recognizes that sustainable solutions necessitate collaborative efforts across various ministries and departments.

The launch of the PM Gati Shakti and National Logistics Policy is a pivotal step, with initiatives underway to decrease logistics costs through the E-Logs platform. Numerous other efforts are being made to enhance the ease of doing business, simplify regulations, and attract more investments, he noted.

"However, the government alone cannot reach the targeted objectives. Every stakeholder, including the industry and business community, must engage to further elevate the logistics sector in the nation," he added.

In a special address at the conference, Ministry of Railways' Executive Director Surendra Kumar Ahirwar stated, "The Ministry of Railways has initiated three significant programs aimed at enhancing connectivity to ports via the Rail Sagar, increasing the network capacity of railway infrastructure through high-density network projects, and developing the Energy, Mineral, and Cement Corridor. A major initiative will be rolled out in the next three to four years to improve railway infrastructure capacity, network capability, and address last-mile connectivity to key logistics hubs across the country."

Warehousing Development and Regulatory Authority Chairperson Anita Praveen underscored India's advancements in logistics and warehousing. "The Warehousing Development and Regulatory Authority is prioritizing development over regulation. The warehouse licensing process is being streamlined and accelerated to facilitate quicker approvals and enhanced ease of doing business."

Vice Chancellor of Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya, Manoj Choudhary, stated, "The path to Viksit Bharat encompasses various elements, all rooted in logistics. To achieve a Viksit Bharat through increased manufacturing capabilities, logistics must be prioritized. Efficient logistics also plays a crucial role in controlling domestic inflation and enhancing export competitiveness."

ASSOCHAM's Warehousing and Logistics Council Chairman Anshul Singhal pointed out that warehousing is a fundamental pillar of the ecosystem, currently undergoing a transformation. What was once viewed as a peripheral activity is now a strategic component in supply chain management, driven by technology, responsive to demand, and deeply intertwined with consumption markets.