Budget 2024: Logistics sector seeks infra, economic corridor, digital fillip

Ahead of the general budget, the country’s logistics sector has called for a push to infrastructure, multi-modal transport cum economic corridor development approach, and green energy and electric vehicle ecosystem. The sector has also called for investment in technology and digitisation for smooth functioning of the sector.

“We are optimistic about the government's commitment to bolstering the logistics sector. An emphasis on infrastructure development, streamlined regulations, upskilling programs for the workforce and enhanced investment in technology will be pivotal in driving efficiency and sustainability in our industry,” says Vineet Agarwal, managing director, Transport Corporation of India (TCI).

"We look forward to policies that support innovation, facilitate ease of doing business, and create a robust framework for the growth of the logistics and transportation sector,” Agarwal adds.

Continuity in policy measures related to infrastructure development, social initiatives for poverty eradication and education upliftment, agricultural and structural reforms are the crucial aspects for turning the dream of Viksit Bharat by 2047 into reality, says Shashi Kiran Shetty, chairman and founder, Allcargo Group.  

“We expect the budget to propose measures to continue with its capex push to further strengthen these aspects. I am sure the government will also introduce measures for multimodal transport linkages to enhance logistics competitiveness. An efficient logistics ecosystem will boost manufacturing, consumption & employment generation, these are major drivers of economic growth. In addition, the budget should propose measures to facilitate board-based adoption of e-mobility and renewable energy adoption which will accelerate the country’s progress towards a green economy,'' Shetty adds.

“Building on the interim budget's foundation, we foresee this budget to significantly boost infrastructure investments, particularly in multi-modal transport and advanced warehousing. We expect a continued emphasis on green energy and strong EV infrastructure, accelerating our journey towards green logistics. Focus on automation and digitisation across the logistics value chain will be crucial to achieving higher efficiencies and reduced costs,” says Rampraveen Swaminathan, MD and CEO, Mahindra Logistics.

The sector representatives also emphasised the need to undertake an economic corridor development approach to logistics in the country. "Building on the positive steps taken in the interim budget, it is essential to prioritise a well-distributed allocation for the logistics sector in the upcoming budget," says Harpreet Singh Malhotra, CMD, Tiger Logistics.

"This should ensure continued transformation across all aspects. Infrastructure development, dedicated economic/freight corridors, and continued investment in seamless customs processes and multimodality are all crucial for a more efficient and integrated logistics network. Such a comprehensive approach will be instrumental in propelling the overall transformation of the sector and India's economic growth," Malhotra adds.

Apart from measures to facilitate investments in the sector, players have also called for expediting the existing policy measures announced for the sector. “Expediting the National Logistics Policy and projects like ONDC, ULIP and Direct freight corridor is essential for creating a unified logistics ecosystem. Addressing skill development in the sector is vital to meet the demands of modern logistics. Establishing a comprehensive regulatory framework to support the gig economy and formalise last-mile delivery employment should remain a priority in budget allocation. These initiatives will help establish a fair, inclusive, and innovative logistics landscape,” says Swaminathan.