Ludhiana, Shimla and six other cities have been selected by the Centre for developing integrated state and city logistics plans. The move aims to improve operational efficiency and create a globally competitive, future-ready logistics ecosystem in India.
The programme is led by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. It aligns with the government’s efforts to modernise logistics infrastructure and streamline supply chains across the country. The other cities chosen are Jaipur, Indore, Patna, Visakhapatnam, Bhubaneswar, and Guwahati.
The planning exercise will review current logistics infrastructure, identify gaps, and provide a roadmap to improve efficiency and reduce costs. The ministry said such plans will be rolled out nationwide to enable smoother goods movement, stronger supply chains, and better competitiveness.
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is offering technical support under its programme to strengthen multimodal and integrated logistics ecosystems. The initiative focuses on improving freight movement and supply chain efficiency by linking state-level logistics with key growth hubs and trunk routes. At the city level, attention is on urban freight and last-mile delivery, in line with broader city mobility goals.
DPIIT stressed that integrating state and city logistics is vital, as inefficiencies in one part can create bottlenecks across the entire supply chain. The programme encourages collaboration between the Centre, state governments, and private players to align local priorities with national strategies.
At the city level, the focus is on improving urban and peri-urban freight movement to meet the needs of local retailers and e-commerce. Key upgrades will include better urban roads, truck terminals, and last-mile connectivity. The plans will also tackle freight routes, traffic congestion, and restricted zones, supported by urban policies and institutional frameworks.
Sustainability is a key focus, promoting low- and zero-emission vehicles for last-mile delivery, setting up low-emission zones, and reducing noise pollution. The initiative also emphasises digital transformation through automation and data-driven decisions to improve overall efficiency.
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