• The unveiling of the Logistics Ease Across Different States (LEADS) 2024 report and the Logistics Excellence, Advancement, and Performance Shield (LEAPS) 2024 Awards by Union Minister Piyush Goyal marked a pivotal moment in India's logistics sector and the transformative role of logistics in economic growth and sustainability.

Significance of Logistics for Economic Growth

• Economic Impact:

The logistics sector is critical for reducing costs, enhancing trade efficiency, and supporting India's ambition to become a $32 trillion economy by 2047.

1. Sustainability Focus:

Minister Piyush Goyal stressed adopting green logistics practices to align with global sustainability goals, integrating technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML).

1. Regional and Local Needs:

Customized logistics plans tailored to regional and city-level requirements were highlighted, with an emphasis on last-mile connectivity and multi-modal logistics hubs.

Highlights of LEADS 2024 Report

The LEADS 2024 report evaluates logistics performance across four pillars:

• Logistics Infrastructure
• Logistics Services
• Operating and Regulatory Environment
• Sustainable Logistics

Performance Rankings of States and Union Territories

Key Additions:

• New metrics like terminal accessibility and road corridor speeds were introduced to enhance the objectivity of rankings.

LEAPS 2024 Awards

• The LEAPS 2024 Awards recognized contributions across categories:

Innovative Initiatives

1. PM GatiShakti Course

• Launched by GatiShakti Vishwavidyalaya, this 15-hour program available on iGOT Karmayogi and UGC SWAYAM platforms aims to enhance infrastructure planning efficiency.
• Impact: Empowering logistics professionals to improve ecosystem efficiency.

2. Logistics Cost Framework

• Introduced by the National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER), this hybrid methodology integrates EXIM and domestic cargo data to estimate logistics costs.
• Goal: Supporting India's economic aspirations by reducing logistics costs and enhancing trade competitiveness.

Actionable Recommendations

Public-Private Partnerships (PPP):

• Collaborative models to enhance logistics hubs and promote innovation.
• Investment in Infrastructure:
• Transparent land allocation and investment in multi-modal logistics facilities.

Sustainability Goals:

• Adoption of green logistics practices and integration of AI and ML for efficiency.

Workforce Inclusivity:

• Increasing women’s participation in the logistics sector.