Webinar at IIM-A explores NLDS platforms, enabling AI-driven logistics research with vast national data.
The Centre for Transportation and Logistics (CTL) at IIM Ahmedabad hosted a high-impact webinar on June 4, 2025, titled “Unlocking Research Potential with NLDS: Exploring Data Sources and Opportunities in Logistics”. The session featured Arvind Devaraj, COO of NICDC Logistics Data Services (NLDSL), and was moderated by Prof. Debjit Roy, Co-Chair of CTL.
The event offered deep insights into the transformational role of data platforms like the Logistics Data Bank (LDB), Unified Logistics Interface Platform (ULIP), and the Track Your Transport (TYT) app—each of which supports AI-driven decision-making and research-ready data access for India’s logistics ecosystem.
LDB: Powering visibility across India’s freight corridors
Devaraj introduced NICDC and its LDB platform, a cloud-based, nationwide logistics visibility tool using RFID technology for end-to-end container tracking. The platform spans:
- 18 Ports
- 185 Toll Plazas
- 490+ CFS/ICD locations
- 89 Manufacturing SEZs
The LDB integrates with systems like PCS, FOIS, and TOS, offering sanitised data through performance dashboards that support benchmarking, policy interventions, and multi-agency collaboration. Key performance indicators (KPIs) such as Port Dwell Time, Transit Speed, and Container Turnaround Time assist in identifying logistical bottlenecks and improving India’s LPI and Ease of Doing Business scores.
Looking ahead, LDB 2.0 will introduce a predictive export journey map, providing visibility beyond domestic borders and supporting AI-driven logistics modelling.
ULIP: India’s unified logistics backbone
Highlighting the ULIP platform—a cornerstone of India’s National Logistics Policy—Devaraj emphasised its role in aggregating logistics data from 11 ministries, 43 systems, and 129 APIs, covering over 2,000 data fields.
So far, ULIP has enabled:
- 1,270+ submitted use cases
- 168 digital applications, focusing on traceability, gate automation, sustainability, and digitised processes.
The platform’s open architecture provides immense potential for logistics innovation, especially for AI/ML use cases and advanced automation.
TYT App: Empowering small fleet operators
The Track Your Transport (TYT) mobile app—built on ULIP infrastructure—caters specifically to single-truck and small fleet operators, providing real-time tracking and enhanced fleet management capabilities.
Academic-industry collaboration for AI in logistics
The webinar concluded with a forward-looking dialogue between Prof. Roy and Devaraj, highlighting opportunities for academia-industry collaboration. A proposal for an academia-focused portal featuring sample datasets was discussed, aiming to fuel foundational research and the development of generative and agentic AI models using NLDS datasets.
This initiative sets the stage for India’s research community to tap into national logistics data, unlocking new frontiers in predictive analytics, policy design, and tech innovation.
Source: Linkedin
