‘Govt. Initiatives crucial to boost multimodal transport & efficiency’

“Indian govt. has taken initiatives to improve multimodal transport and connectivity in order to increase efficiency and promote economic growth,” says Sandeep Kulkarni, COO, Allcargo Gati. He adds, “Initiatives like the Bharatmala Pariyojana, Sagarmala Programme, Make in India, and Dedicated Freight Corridors have been critical in improving road, maritime, and rail infrastructure. Despite significant improvements, persistent issues continue, particularly as National Highways account for 40% of India’s road traffic despite comprising only 2% of the total road network. To address these challenges, ongoing efforts include increasing the road network initiatives through the National Highway Development Programme and the Bharatmala Pariyojana. Furthermore, the Logistics Efficiency Enhancement Programme (LEEP) intends to improve logistics efficiency by developing Multimodal Logistics Parks. While progress has been made in modernising facilities, there are still places that require further development, and challenges such as fragmented infrastructure and last-mile connection continue to prevent seamless freight flow. Overcoming these obstacles is critical for optimising supply chains and lowering costs across various transportation modes, resulting in a more efficient and robust logistical framework for India’s economic development.”