We should first ensure the optimal utilisation of available infrastructure: Pawan Agarwal

Stressing on why looking at logistics sector from the lens of cost would be unfair, Pawan Kumar Agarwal, Special Secretary (Logistics), Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, says, “The estimate of costs that we have is somewhat ambiguous; we don’t have a good idea of what these costs are and what it should be and therefore we don’t reach to the right conclusion.” Having said this, he maintains, “There are several issues that may need to be done from the users of logistics industry.”
The country has done very well over the last few years in making huge investments in infrastructure. Private sector has also supported government in creating infrastructure, the new warehousing capacities has largely been created by private players, a lot of expansion in fleet of vehicles has happened. Now the biggest challenge with us is to ensure that we optimally use the available infrastructure; of course there are gaps in infrastructure and more investment is needed. However, our primary concern should be whatever assets that are created should be optimally used,” he adds
Agarwal shares his perspective at the virtual seminar organised by PHD Chamber of Commerce on ‘How Logistics will contribute to Atmanirbhar Bharat’.