States across India are making significant strides in enhancing multimodal logistics infrastructure, transforming the cargo and logistics landscape.
The Indian government is driving the enhancement of multimodal logistics through initiatives like PM GatiShakti, aiming to boost efficiency, reduce costs, and unify planning. The National Master Plan promotes comprehensive multimodal connectivity, integrating economic zones and infrastructure. Here’s how key states are contributing to this transformation:.
Delhi: A Key Multimodal Hub
Delhi serves as a crucial node in India’s logistics network, with Indira Gandhi International Airport providing international connectivity and the Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) facilitating rail transport. The Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, under the Bharatmala Pariyojna, will enhance road connectivity. The first interstate multimodal transport hub near Delhi airport, expected by 2025, will integrate rail, road, and air transport.
Maharashtra: A Trade Gateway
Maharashtra, home to the Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNPT), plays a vital role in international trade. The Mumbai-Nagpur Expressway enhances road connectivity, while new logistics parks in Mumbai increase capacity. Upgrades to Mumbai Port and the development of Navi Mumbai International Airport aim to manage 1 million metric tons of cargo annually by 2025.
Gujarat: Port and Rail Connectivity
Gujarat’s extensive port infrastructure, including Mundra and Kandla Ports, positions it as a key player in logistics. The state was ranked an achiever in logistics by LEADS 2023, with the Dholera Special Investment Region developing a multimodal logistics hub and expecting ₹50,000 crore in investments.
Tamil Nadu: Integrating Ports with Networks
Tamil Nadu is a significant hub for maritime trade, with ports like Chennai and Ennore. The Chennai-Bengaluru Expressway and other projects aim to improve rail and port connectivity. Chennai Port is upgrading with a new deep-water berth, and integrated logistics parks are being developed to enhance connectivity and reduce costs.
Karnataka: Developing Logistics Hubs
Bangalore’s proximity to major highways and ports supports Karnataka’s logistics infrastructure. The Bengaluru Multi Modal Logistics Park (MMLP) at Muddelinganahalli, costing ₹1,770 crore and spanning 400 acres, aims to handle 30 million metric tons of cargo by the end of the concession period, with the first phase set for completion by 2026. This project seeks to reduce logistics costs from 13% to 9% and enhance connectivity through road, rail, and air. Key stakeholders include NHLML (51.29%), KIADB (32.38%), and RVNL (16.33%).
Northern States: Strengthening Corridors
Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal are enhancing connectivity through major freight corridors and investments in road and rail infrastructure. The Eastern Peripheral Expressway and improvements at Kolkata Port are crucial to their logistics strategies.
Andhra Pradesh: Enhancing Ports and Connectivity
Andhra Pradesh’s Visakhapatnam Port handled approximately 75 million metric tons of cargo in 2023, with plans to increase capacity to 100 million metric tons by 2025. The Multi-Modal Logistics Park (MMLP), expected by the end of 2024, will feature advanced warehousing and cargo facilities. The East Coast Dedicated Freight Corridor aims to reduce transit times by 30%.
Odisha: Boosting Ports and Connectivity
Odisha’s Paradip Port handled around 120 million metric tons of cargo in 2023, aiming to increase to 150 million metric tons by 2025. The Apeejay Logistics Park in Kalinganagar, operational since early 2023, offers seamless multimodal connectivity. The East Coast Economic Corridor completed a dedicated railway siding facility, improving cargo efficiency by 25%.
Punjab and Haryana: Strengthening Networks
Punjab and Haryana are enhancing their logistics capabilities through key infrastructure developments along major freight corridors. Improvements in road and rail infrastructure are vital to their strategies, ensuring efficient multimodal logistics and supporting regional economic growth.
