Latest news with #Multi-ModalLogisticsParks
Fibre2Fashion
3 days ago
- Business
- Fibre2Fashion
India's NPG evaluates projects across logistics & textiles
India's Network Planning Group (NPG) has evaluated seven projects—one road/highway project of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), one Multi-Modal Logistics Park (MMLP), three rail projects, and two textile parks under the PM MITRA Scheme—for their conformity with PM GatiShakti principles of integrated multimodal infrastructure, last-mile connectivity to economic and social nodes, and a whole-of-government approach. These initiatives are expected to boost logistics efficiency, reduce travel times and deliver socio-economic benefits to the catchment areas of the projects. The Network Planning Group (NPG) has evaluated seven projects under PM GatiShakti, including road, rail, Multi-Modal Logistics Parks (MMLPs), and textile parks. These initiatives are aimed to boost logistics efficiency, regional development, and global competitiveness, improving connectivity, freight capacity, and socio-economic outcomes. The Ministry of Textiles has proposed the development of the PM Mega Integrated Textile Region and Apparel Park in Madhya Pradesh within the Delhi–Mumbai Industrial Corridor influence zone. The park will provide infrastructure for the full textile value chain and benefit districts including Dhar, Indore, Ratlam, Jhabua and Ujjain. The Ministry of Textiles has also proposed the development of a PM MITRA Park in Virudhunagar, Tamil Nadu, spanning 1,052 acres. The park will offer plug-and-play manufacturing units, CETP and STP facilities, training centres, and social amenities. Both textile projects aim to enhance global competitiveness, create employment, support regional development, and strengthen India's position in the global textile sector, in alignment with PM GatiShakti and Make in India. The Ministry of Railways has proposed the construction of the third and fourth railway lines between Bakhtiyarpur and Fatuha, covering 24.156 km in Patna, Bihar. This section is part of a multi-tracking initiative on the Kiul–Patna–Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction corridor (approximately 390 km). The project will strengthen regional mobility, freight capacity and economic integration, benefitting major industrial establishments including Ultratech Cement Plant, NTPC Super Thermal Power Plant (Barh), Carriage Repair Workshop (Harnaut) and SJVN Power Plant (Chausa), as well as SMEs in automotive, marble, stone, food processing, petroleum and textiles, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry said in a press release. The alignment through a fertile agricultural zone will improve market access for farmers, and enhance tourism connectivity to sites in Patna, Rajgir, Bodh Gaya, Nalanda and Bihar Sharif. It will increase passenger capacity, reduce congestion and contribute to economic and social development in Bihar and adjoining regions. The Ministry of Railways has proposed a fourth railway line between Tambaram and Chengalpattu, covering 30.021 km within Chengalpattu district, Southern Railway. The section includes one junction station, four crossing stations and five halt stations. The project aims to augment capacity for rising passenger and freight traffic, improve logistics efficiency, reduce transportation costs and support key industries including cement, thermal power, coal, iron and steel, and agriculture-based sectors. The Ministry of Railways has proposed a fourth railway line between Dongargarh and Gondia, covering 84.10 km. The project falls under the 'Energy Corridor' to improve bulk freight movement efficiency. It will decongest Gondia Junction by creating a bypass and facilitate seamless movement of loaded trains between Durg Junction, Nagpur and Balharshah Junctions. The project will benefit mining, agriculture and manufacturing sectors, reduce transportation costs, and encourage modal shift from road to rail. For all three railway projects, the NPG recommended upgradation of station infrastructure, passenger amenities, accessibility for persons with disabilities, and development of related facilities, including parking, waiting areas and evacuation road connectivity. MoRTH has proposed a 54.2 km road corridor connecting Rewa to Churhat to improve connectivity between eastern Madhya Pradesh and the state capital. The project will serve as a vital freight corridor for cement and coal industries in Singrauli, integrating with multiple National Highways, reducing travel time and vehicle operating costs. MoRTH has proposed the development of an MMLP at Parkibanda village, Medak district, Telangana, spanning 315 acres. The facility will handle 1.47 million metric tonnes (MMT) of cargo annually from 2028, with capacity to increase to 19.98 MMT by 2070. The site is strategically located within 50 km of major industrial hubs and offers multimodal connectivity through NH-44 and Manoharabad Railway Station. Upon completion of the Regional Ring Road, the MMLP will have direct access to major freight corridors, including Mumbai and JNPT. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (RR)
Hans India
31-07-2025
- Business
- Hans India
Gati Shakti & the Digital Freight Future: How Logistics Startups Can Fuel India's $160B Vision
India's logistics sector is at the cusp of a digital revolution. With initiatives like PM Gati Shakti and the National Logistics Policy (NLP), the government aims to streamline the movement of goods across the country and reduce logistics costs from 13–14% of GDP to 8–9%. This transformation is crucial to achieving the country's target of a $160 billion logistics economy. At the heart of this revolution lies digitization, supported by logistics startups that are building scalable, tech-driven freight systems. These startups are helping bring transparency, efficiency, and inclusivity—especially for India's rapidly growing base of SMEs. PM Gati Shakti: The Infrastructure Blueprint Launched in 2021, PM Gati Shakti – National Master Plan is a digital platform that unifies planning across 43 ministries to coordinate and fast-track infrastructure projects. It integrates road, rail, port, air, and warehouse development on a GIS-based dashboard, making logistics planning smarter and more aligned with economic growth. Over 400 key infrastructure projects have been identified, with ₹11.17 lakh crore committed to their execution. The plan also supports the creation of Multi-Modal Logistics Parks (MMLPs), cargo terminals, and better last-mile connectivity—giving logistics companies the foundation they need to scale operations nationally. Making Logistics Accessible & Affordable for SMEs Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) form the backbone of the Indian economy, contributing over 30% to GDP. Yet, these businesses often struggle with unreliable and expensive logistics. Common logistics challenges faced by SMEs: • Limited access to organized freight networks • Opaque and fluctuating freight pricing • Lack of shipment tracking • Manual documentation and poor service transparency Digital logistics startups are solving these issues by: • Offering instant truck bookings via web/app platforms • Providing GPS-enabled live tracking for consignments • Enabling ePOD (electronic Proof of Delivery) and digital invoicing • Offering transit insurance and automated billing • Aggregating fleet from small operators to ensure availability and scale This democratizes access to efficient logistics and allows even small businesses in Tier 2 and 3 cities to move goods with confidence and predictability. Digitization: Unlocking Efficiency and Monetization Improved digitization in logistics operations doesn't just make movement faster—it makes it measurably cheaper. According to the Economic Survey of India, better digital adoption can reduce logistics costs by up to 2% of total GDP, saving billions. Here's how: 1. Faster Fleet Mobilization: Digital freight platforms connect demand (shippers) and supply (truckers) in real time, reducing truck idling time. Empty return trips—one of the biggest inefficiencies in logistics—can now be minimized with load-matching algorithms and predictive demand systems. 2. Better Route Planning: Data-driven route optimization allows for more deliveries per truck per month, reducing fuel costs and carbon emissions. Truckers can use live traffic data and delivery slots to avoid congestion and improve turnaround times. 3. More Monetization for Fleet Owners: With better utilization, truckers run more trips and improve earnings. Reduced dependence on brokers increases margins. Additionally, digital payment and billing systems ensure faster settlement cycles—critical for small operators. Startups: Powering the Digital Freight Movement The rise of logistics startups is aligned closely with the Gati Shakti vision. Startups like Delhivery, Shiprocket, Porter, and Trukky are playing a key role in modernizing how goods move across the country. These startups are: • Building data-driven freight platforms • Offering AI-powered pricing and route selection • Reducing information asymmetry between shippers and carriers • Supporting digital adoption among small fleet owners • Feeding valuable operations data back into government platforms like ULIP (Unified Logistics Interface Platform) Trukky's Role in the Transformation Trukky, a leading digital freight startup, is actively aligning with new policies like NLP and Gati Shakti. It empowers thousands of SMEs by providing on-demand freight booking, instant pricing, and transparent service models across major logistics corridors. Their tech platform helps formalize informal players—enabling small truck owners and operators to become part of India's integrated digital supply chain. Conclusion: The Road to $160 Billion is Digital The combination of infrastructure push under PM Gati Shakti and technology-led execution by startups is changing the face of logistics in India. The goal is not just to build roads or ports—but to create a seamlessly connected ecosystem where trucks don't wait, routes are optimized, shippers trust the system, and even the smallest business can ship nationwide. Startups like Trukky are showing how the vision can be implemented on the ground—enabling India's freight economy to be smarter, faster, and more inclusive. As India marches toward its logistics vision, digital freight is no longer a luxury—it's the foundation.
