New Delhi: Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, has urged states and the private sector to collaborate on developing action plans to enhance logistics operations and attract greater investments. Speaking at the release of the "Logistics Ease Across Different States (LEADS) 2024" report on January 3, Goyal emphasized the need for regional and city-level logistics plans to boost last-mile connectivity and transform India into a Viksit Bharat by 2047.

Adopting the LEAD Framework

Goyal called for the adoption of the LEAD framework—Longevity, Efficiency and Effectiveness, Accessibility and Accountability, and Digitalisation of processes—to revolutionize India’s logistics sector. He highlighted the importance of implementing modern technologies like Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Data Analytics for achieving operational efficiency and future growth.

Promoting Green Logistics and Workforce Inclusivity

The Minister stressed the importance of green logistics, inclusivity, and workforce development. He urged states to foster gender inclusivity and increase women’s participation in the logistics sector. Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) were identified as key to achieving success, with Goyal advocating for multi-modal hubs and in-land container depots to optimize costs and transparency.

LEADS 2024 Report Highlights

The LEADS 2024 report evaluates logistics performance across four core pillars:

1. Logistics Infrastructure
2. Logistics Services
3. Operating and Regulatory Environment
4. Sustainable Logistics

The report outlines state and union territory-specific initiatives to improve logistics operations and identifies actionable opportunities for reforms. Goyal praised the collaborative efforts that have made logistics a critical driver of India’s economic growth, noting that logistics excellence is vital for the country’s rapid development.

LEAPS 2024 Felicitation

Goyal also presided over the felicitation ceremony for the "Logistics Excellence, Advancement, and Performance Shield (LEAPS) 2024." He commended stakeholders for their efforts in advancing logistics standards and highlighted the importance of skill development programs to further strengthen the sector.

Looking Ahead

The Minister emphasized that exponential growth in logistics is essential for India’s rapid economic progress. By leveraging insights from the LEADS report and implementing reforms, states and the private sector can position India as a global logistics hub, propelling it toward sustainable development and economic leadership by 2047.