As we hopefully set foot in the post pandemic world, this budget should aim at reigniting our growth ambitions for the Indian economy. The plans for manufacturing led growth are however not possible to achieve without bringing efficiencies in logistics sector. It is therefore imperative to push on digitization and infrastructure development. It is also desirable this budget offers us the opportunity to set a few long-term goals around sustainability. The onus should be on unveiling radical policy reforms for promoting green logistics. 

 

On the short-term front, there is a long wish list from the budget 2022-23. The industry is hoping for a strong push to infrastructure development. We need concrete announcements towards effective implementation of the National Logistics Policy. There should be subsidies to promote integrated logistics and multi-modal connectivity to reduce cost and time. Clear allocations are required on the Prime Minister’s visionary Gati Shakti Master Plan. On infrastructure, there is a good progress on transport side with development of highways and the dedicated rail freight corridors. However, on the storage and hubs, there is a need for greater support from government in setting up multi modal logistics parks. It will be good to see focus on the same, particularly for development in tier 2 cities and around the agricultural hubs. It is also important to accelerate the implementation of projects and any budgetary support to expedite road and rail freight corridors will be very good for the country.

 

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