Latest news with #NationalLogisticsPolicy
News18
10 hours ago
- Business
- News18
Modi's Maritime Revolution: Redefining India's Economic, Climate And Strategic Future
Last Updated: Modi's maritime gambit positions India as an indispensable seafaring power capable of shaping the oceanic order of the 21st century India's 7,500-km coastline has long been an underused asset. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, however, the waterfront has been recast as a fulcrum for national power. Data reveals a sector in unprecedented expansion: cargo-handling capacity has surged by 87.6 per cent under the NDA government, rising from 1,399.99 million metric tonnes per annum (MMTPA) in 2013-14 to 2,627 MMTPA in 2022-23. This remarkable growth, however, represents only the foundation of Modi's vision for India as a global maritime powerhouse by 2047. Historically a neglected asset in India, ports are now surging upwards. Major ports now handle 855 million tonnes of cargo annually, a 4.3 per cent increase from the previous year, while achieving a 48 per cent improvement in average turnaround time, from 96 hours in 2014-15 to 49.5 hours in 2024-25. These efficiency gains position Indian ports ahead of developed economies, with container dwell times averaging just 2.6 days compared to 6-7 days at major US ports. Closing the Gap Modi's maritime transformation has fundamentally altered India's position in global logistics rankings. The World Bank's Logistics Performance Index reflects this progress, with India rising from 54th position in 2014 to 38th in 2023. More significantly, nine Indian ports now feature among the world's top 100, with Visakhapatnam Port ranking 19th globally for container performance. Whilst India's logistics costs have fallen to 10 per cent of GDP—targeting single-digit levels by year-end—China's equivalent figure remains at 14.4 per cent. Union minister Nitin Gadkari emphasised the impact: 'Turnaround times at ports are down by 45 per cent, and transport costs have dropped by 25 per cent". The National Logistics Policy, launched in September 2022, provides the strategic framework for this transformation. Through its four pillars: digital integration, Unified Logistics Interface Platform, ease of logistics, and system improvement, the policy coordinates logistics development across 16 ministries. The PM Gati Shakti Master Plan complements this approach, utilising GIS-enabled digital platforms to ensure coherent multimodal infrastructure development. These initiatives have already reduced port dwell times from 3.4 days in 2018 to 2.6 days in 2023, delivering benefits to exporters and importers nationwide. Sagarmala and Beyond The Sagarmala Programme, launched by Modi in March 2015, represents the cornerstone of India's maritime transformation. This flagship initiative encompasses 839 projects worth Rs 5.79 lakh crore, of which 272 projects valued at Rs 1.41 lakh crore have been completed. The programme's impact extends beyond physical infrastructure: it has generated 118 per cent growth in coastal shipping over the past decade and achieved a remarkable 700 per cent surge in inland waterway cargo movement. Under Sagarmala's modernisation pillar, 103 completed projects have added 528 million metric tonnes per annum of port capacity. The programme's connectivity dimension has been equally transformative, with 94 projects costing Rs 58,073 crore adding 8,400 kilometres of road and rail networks connecting ports to consumption centres. This infrastructure expansion directly addresses India's long-standing challenge of last-mile connectivity, ensuring that port efficiency gains are translated into broader logistical improvements. The Major Port Authorities Act, 2021, grants port authorities greater tariff autonomy, facilitating private sector engagement. Recent parliamentary approvals include the Bills of Lading Act 2025, replacing 169-year-old colonial legislation with modern, internationally aligned frameworks. The Indian Ports Bill, 2025, further consolidates port governance, establishing Maritime State Development Councils and empowering State Maritime Boards for comprehensive sector oversight. The private sector has responded enthusiastically to these reforms. Investment in public-private partnership projects at major ports has increased threefold, from Rs 1,329 crore in FY 2022-23 to Rs 3,986 crore in FY 2024-25. Modi's maritime vision explicitly links port development with employment generation and technological advancement. Sagarmala-linked industrial and logistics clusters are projected to create 10 million positions, including four million direct roles by 2025. The Skill Development Programme under the DDU-GKY framework has already trained over 20,000 coastal youth across twenty districts, demonstrating the government's commitment to inclusive maritime growth. The Centre of Excellence in Maritime & Shipbuilding at Visakhapatnam and Mumbai exemplifies this approach, training 10,500 technicians annually in mechatronics, simulation, and robotics for shipyards. These institutions ensure that India's maritime expansion rests on a foundation of skilled human capital capable of operating and maintaining advanced port technologies. The government's broader skilling initiative aims to train 50,000 youth from the Northeast in maritime skills over the next decade, with dedicated centres in Guwahati and Dibrugarh leading this effort. On the technological front, the Unified Logistics Interface Platform represents perhaps the most ambitious technological initiative, integrating datasets from 16 ministries into a single digital ecosystem. It enables seamless cargo release processes and real-time tracking across multimodal transport networks. The National Logistics Portal, launched in January 2023, provides one-stop access to all logistics services, reducing bureaucratic friction and improving transparency for businesses of all sizes. Sustainability and Climate Leadership Modi's maritime agenda explicitly positions ports as leaders in India's climate transition. Three major ports, Kandla, Paradip, and VO Chidambaranar, are being developed as green hydrogen hubs under the National Green Hydrogen Mission. This Rs 1.5 lakh crore initiative aims to produce five million tonnes of green hydrogen annually by 2030, positioning India as a global leader in clean fuel exports. Kandla Port will become India's first operational green hydrogen facility by July 2025, with a 1-megawatt electrolyser producing 18 kg of hydrogen per hour. The facility will scale to 10 megawatts, generating 80-90 tonnes annually whilst serving as a model for similar developments across India's port network. These hydrogen hubs leverage India's renewable energy capacity, currently 223 gigawatts, including 108 GW from solar and 51 GW from wind, to create export-oriented clean fuel industries. Major ports have committed to sourcing 60 per cent of their electricity from renewables by 2030 and reducing carbon emissions per tonne of cargo by 30 per cent over the same period. Jawaharlal Nehru Port's 30-megawatt rooftop solar installation already produces 45 GWh annually, offsetting 32,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions and demonstrating the practical feasibility of port-based renewable energy. Maritime Power Projection Apart from all the good it does for the economy and the environment, major ports are the epitome of maritime power projection. China, Russia, the UK, and the United States all possess advanced major ports. Modi's maritime strategy also explicitly recognises ports as instruments of geopolitical influence and national security. The transformation of India's SAGAR doctrine into MAHASAGAR reflects this evolution, positioning India as the Indian Ocean's primary security provider whilst expanding cooperation mechanisms with regional partners. The Indian Navy's 17 interventions during Red Sea disruptions since December 2023 demonstrate India's operational capability to protect maritime trade routes crucial to global commerce. Container sovereignty remains a critical vulnerability in India's maritime strategy. Current domestic production of 10,000-30,000 containers annually pales beside China's 2.5-3 million, leaving Indian exporters vulnerable to supply shocks and price manipulation. Modi's government is addressing this through proposed production-linked incentives targeting 500,000 TEUs of domestic capacity by 2028, reducing strategic dependence whilst building indigenous manufacturing capabilities. Modi's maritime transformation carries profound implications for India's broader strategic positioning. The Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 envisages Rs 75-80 lakh crore in sectoral investment, targeting 10,000 MMTPA of port capacity and positioning India among the world's top five shipbuilding nations. International recognition of India's maritime progress validates Modi's strategic vision. The country's re-election to the International Maritime Organisation Council with the highest tally reflects global confidence in India's maritime leadership. top videos View all The challenges remain formidable. Container supply vulnerabilities, chokepoint exposure, and the complex geopolitics of corridor development require sustained attention and adaptive strategies. If India sustains this trajectory, the numbers generated at today's ports will translate into tomorrow's diplomatic leverage on the global stage. Modi's maritime gambit positions India as an indispensable seafaring power capable of shaping the oceanic order of the 21st century. The transformation of India's coastline represents, ultimately, the anchoring of India's broader global ascent in the strategic realities of maritime dominance. About the Author Sohil Sinha Sohil Sinha is a Sub Editor at News18. He writes on foreign affairs, geopolitics along with domestic policy and infrastructure projects. tags : Indian ports pm narendra modi Sagarmala United states view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: July 23, 2025, 10:25 IST News opinion Opinion | Modi's Maritime Revolution: Redefining India's Economic, Climate And Strategic Future Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Logistics parks, tech, and ONDC to drive AllCargo Gati's next phase: MD and CEO Ketan Kulkarni
Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Logistics major AllCargo Gati is aligning itself with India's National Logistics Policy and the PM Gati Shakti vision by deepening MSME engagement, building new logistics parks , embracing green energy, and joining the ONDC network. In an exclusive interview with ET Online, Ketan Kulkarni, MD & CEO of AllCargo Gati Express and Supply Chain Pvt. Ltd, discusses the company's strategies to scale up operations, support small businesses, and minimise carbon footprints. Edited excerpts:: We have aligned our operations with the NLP and Gati Shakti initiative. With our reach spanning over 19,800 pin codes, we ensure connectivity to even remote regions. Aligned with NLP's goal to reduce logistics costs and improve service delivery, we've implemented efficiency-enhancing measures, reduced transit times, and strengthened last-mile digital transformation and automation efforts have streamlined operations, providing real-time visibility and data-driven solutions. We also focus on empowering MSMEs by providing customised logistics solutions that enhance their the backbone of India's economy, often struggle to access reliable and cost-effective logistics. Many operate with limited resources and need partners who offer flexibility, consistency, and reach—without added complexity or provide end-to-end logistics, door-to-door pickup and delivery, cash-on-delivery, and custom packaging, enhancing operational ease and business engage with MSME clusters nationwide, including Solapur, Ludhiana, Meerut, Agra, Moradabad, Saharanpur, Chickpet, Tiruppur, Doddaballapur, and Sivakasi. Our programmes support supply chain optimisation, packaging, digital enablement, and reliable connectivity, helping these businesses scale beyond local our infrastructure and tech-driven approach, Allcargo Gati is more than a service provider; we're a growth partner helping MSMEs India's logistics sector expanding, driven by infrastructure investments, logistics parks have become vital. These modern facilities integrate warehousing, cargo handling, and multimodal transport, acting as hubs for storage, distribution, and value-added services. They help businesses optimise operations, reduce transit times, and lower Allcargo Gati, logistics parks are core to our hub-and-spoke model. They serve as strategic bases extending express distribution to smaller cities and towns. This structure ensures faster, dependable service, especially crucial for manufacturing hubs, e-commerce zones, pharma corridors, and agri-markets. By leveraging these parks, we scale operations while contributing to a future-ready logistics already operate parks in key hubs like Farukhnagar, Guwahati, Nagpur, Bhiwandi, Bangalore, Indore, and Vijayawada. These support cargo handling, warehousing, and regional distribution. We're expanding with new parks in Chennai, Hyderabad, Lucknow, Ahmedabad, Raipur, and Patna. These parks improve cargo turnaround, reduce dwell time, and enhance last-mile delivery by serving as consolidation points. By combining warehousing, multimodal transport, and value-added services, they ensure better coordination, cost efficiency, and operational control. This is especially vital for time-sensitive sectors like e-commerce, pharmaceuticals, and are building a technology-driven ecosystem, using AI and IoT for route optimisation, real-time tracking, and predictive planning—cutting transit times, fuel usage, and inefficiencies. Our move to Oracle Cloud Infrastructure has improved system uptime, speed, and order management visibility. Our logistics parks are equipped with modern handling tools and dedicated fleets, ensuring faster turnaround. Advanced track-and-trace systems offer real-time updates and better inventory control. We remain focused on system integration, data consistency, and cybersecurity to deliver scalable, efficient, and trustworthy with ONDC enables us to directly connect with customers nationwide, offering reliable, tech-enabled logistics to businesses of all sizes—from MSMEs to large enterprises. This helps streamline deliveries, optimise supply chains, and boost operational efficiency. Direct links with consumers build engagement, loyalty, and repeat business through more personalised a government-backed platform, ONDC strengthens our position in India's digital economy. It enhances our network capacity, improves our hub-and-spoke model, and supports the adoption of advanced tech to meet rising e-commerce demand across are integrating sustainability across operations, focusing on carbon reduction through Alternative Fuel Vehicles (AFVs) and resource optimisation. AFVs are now deployed across India for first and last-mile deliveries. This supports our broader goal of becoming carbon neutral by are also increasing solar energy use. Our five solar-powered facilities across India generate 3.75 lakh units annually, reducing CO₂ emissions by 2.77 lakh tonnes. An additional 500 kWp of solar capacity is in the pipeline, furthering our renewable energy commitment.
Arabian Post
6 days ago
- Business
- Arabian Post
MagRail Set to Revolutionise Port Freight at Kandla
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai DP World, Deendayal Port Authority and Polish tech firm Nevomo have formalised an agreement to pilot Nevomo's MagRail system—a self-propelled, electric linear‑motor freight train—on a 750‑metre stretch at the port in Kandla. Signed on 15 July 2025 by top executives from each organisation, the deal marks India's first experiment with autonomous magnetic rail freight within an operational port environment. The partnership will pilot MagRail technology on existing railway tracks to autonomously transport containerised and bulk goods. Powered by electric linear motors, MagRail wagons eliminate diesel use, promising reductions in logistics time, operational costs and CO₂ emissions. The trial is designed to enhance port-hinterland connectivity and support India's broader logistics modernisation under the National Logistics Policy and the PM‑Gati Shakti agenda. ADVERTISEMENT DP World, a global supply chain specialist, is leading efforts to integrate this advanced freight solution. The Deendayal Port Authority—a significant multi‑cargo terminal under central government jurisdiction—is hosting the pilot to assess real‑world viability. Nevomo will provide its proprietary MagRailBooster system, designed for seamless integration with existing port rail networks. This three‑way collaboration reflects an alignment of private innovation and public logistics priorities. According to Sushil Kumar Singh, chair of the port authority, the initiative represents 'a strategic advancement in port infrastructure, enhancing capacity and operational efficiency to support growing cargo demands,' signalling strong institutional backing. Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, DP World's group chairman and CEO, emphasised that MagRail will 'reduce transit times and optimise infrastructure use,' adding value for customers while promoting sustainability. Nevomo's CEO, Przemek 'Ben' Paczek, said the project would 'showcase MagRail's real‑world potential in boosting freight efficiency,' reflecting confidence in the technology's applicability to closed‑loop logistics systems. Harj Dhaliwal, Nevomo's Chief Business & Capital Programmes Officer, was credited with advancing the partnership. European rail specialists have already acknowledged MagRail's promise in port and metro-campus settings. Industry experts note that MagRail addresses several persistent bottlenecks in freight logistics: it offers rapid container shunting without the need for diesel road vehicles, improves yard cycle times, and integrates with existing rail infrastructure, minimising capital expenditure. The pilot's green credentials also align with global port decarbonisation targets. Situated at Kandla, which recently welcomed a large satellite terminal by DP World with a TEU capacity of 2.19 million, the trial supports the port's expansion strategy. Officials hope that MagRail can help optimise operations across the new and existing facilities. Planning documents suggest a phased implementation: initial tests on a limited 750 m section within the yard, followed by performance metrics on speed, energy use, reliability, and integration before broader deployment. Results from this pilot are expected to influence decisions on port rail automation nationwide. This initiative positions India at the forefront of port logistics innovation within Asia. Similar systems have been deployed or tested in Europe, but this marks India's first on‑site demonstration combining magnetic propulsion and autonomy in a live port. Industry observers see potential for replication at other major ports, boosting capacity and reducing carbon footprints across maritime‑logistics hubs. Adoption of MagRail could revolutionise short‑haul freight by enabling fast, consistent and emissions‑free movement of containers between berths, storage yards, and hinterland connections. For DP World and the port authority, a successful trial could translate into scalable technology upgrades and competitive advantages in trade facilitation.
Hi Dubai
6 days ago
- Business
- Hi Dubai
DP World, Deendayal Port Authority, and Nevomo Partner to Pilot Autonomous MagRail Freight in India
DP World, the Deendayal Port Authority (DPA), and European rail tech company Nevomo have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore the deployment of autonomous, magnetic rail freight technology within a live Indian port environment for the first time. The agreement sets the stage for a 750-metre pilot project using Nevomo's proprietary MagRail system at Deendayal Port in Kandla, Gujarat, aiming to modernize short-haul cargo movement through self-propelled, electric-powered wagons operating on existing rail tracks. The pilot marks a major step in India's ambition to transform logistics infrastructure under the National Logistics Policy and the PM Gati Shakti initiative. It reflects a growing push toward smarter, greener, and more efficient port-hinterland connectivity by leveraging next-generation, linear motor-based rail technology to reduce CO₂ emissions, operational costs, and vehicle congestion within port terminals. DP World, a global leader in smart logistics, will oversee the project, while Deendayal Port Authority provides the site and regulatory support. Nevomo brings its innovative MagRail system, which allows autonomous rail wagons to operate without traditional locomotives—streamlining intra-port cargo transfers, reducing dependence on diesel vehicles, and improving yard operations. The MoU was signed in Kandla on 15 July 2025 by Shri Sushil Kumar Singh (DPA), Rizwan Soomar (DP World), and Przemek Paczek (Nevomo), with support from senior officials. This pilot could redefine short-distance freight movement across India's ports. If successful, it may be scaled across other terminals to support the country's goal of achieving carbon-neutral logistics ecosystems and global competitiveness in trade infrastructure. The collaboration is also expected to enhance India's position in the global supply chain by demonstrating how technology-driven partnerships can accelerate the transition to sustainable, efficient, and intelligent logistics networks. News Source: Dubai Media Office
Gulf Today
7 days ago
- Business
- Gulf Today
DP World, DPA, Nevomo sign MoU to explore cooperation potential
DP World, the Deendayal Port Authority (DPA), and Nevomo have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore potential opportunities for cooperation in the development and implementation of a pilot project using Nevomo's MagRail proprietary technology for the self-propelled movement of rail-based cargo and freight within the existing port ecosystems. DP World, a global leader in smart end-to-end supply chain solutions, is leading efforts to introduce advanced freight technology aimed at transforming cargo movement in India. Deendayal Port Authority (DPA), a key multi-cargo port under the Government of India, is facilitating exploration of this technology at its terminal in Kandla to evaluate the feasibility of this futuristic freight transportation system. The initiative marks a significant step toward building faster, more efficient, and sustainable port-hinterland connectivity. This initiative is aligned with India's National Logistics Policy and PM Gati Shakti agenda aimed at modernising and integrating the country's logistics infrastructure. The MoU was signed by Shri Sushil Kumar Singh, IRSME, Chairman of Deendayal Port Authority (DPA), Rizwan Soomar, CEO & Managing Director, Middle East, North Africa, India Subcontinent, DP World, and Przemek (Ben) Paczek CEO Nevomo Group BV along with other senior dignitaries in Kandla, Gujarat, on 15th July 2025. The MoU sets the framework for a 750-metre pilot project of MagRail technology at Deendayal Port. A first-of-its-kind initiative in India will demonstrate self-propelled freight movement within a live port environment. It aims to develop and implement MagRail-based solutions that enable autonomous, electric-powered wagons using linear motor technology on existing rail tracks, enhancing capacity, efficiency, and speed for containerised and bulk cargo while reducing costs and CO2 emissions, making the logistics systems greener, faster, and more interoperable. Commenting on the occasion, Shri Sushil Kumar Singh, IRSME, Chairman, Deendayal Port Authority (DPA), said, "This collaboration is a strategic advancement in port infrastructure, enhancing capacity and operational efficiency to support growing cargo demands. DP World, as trusted partner, plays a crucial role in enabling this initiative, which aligns with our commitment to strengthening India's logistics framework and ensuring seamless trade facilitation.' Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Group Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, DP World, said, "At DP World, we are committed to future-proofing our terminals by adopting innovative technologies that redefine how cargo moves through the supply chain. Piloting solutions like MagRail aligns with our focus on enhancing speed, efficiency, and sustainability in logistics. By reducing transit times and optimising infrastructure use, we aim to create greater value for customers, support Deendayal Port Authority in scaling capacity, and contribute to India's broader trade and connectivity goals.' Speaking at the signing ceremony, Rizwan Soomar, CEO & Managing Director, Middle East, North Africa & India Subcontinent, DP World, "We believe transformative infrastructure is driven by collaboration and long-term thinking. The partnership between DP World and Deendayal Port Authority along with Nevomo offers a unique opportunity to reimagine the future of freight movement in India. Our commitment goes beyond individual projects-we are partnering to accelerate India's ambition to further expand and integrate port-led logistics ecosystems and achieve carbon neutrality by leveraging technology effectively in infrastructure solutions.' Przemek (Ben) Paczek CEO Nevomo Group BV, commented, "We are proud to partner in this innovative initiative at Deendayal Port to showcase MagRail's real-world potential in enhancing freight efficiency, capacity, and flexibility. Collaborating with world-class organisations like DP World and Deendayal Port Authority, this is a significant step towards advancing sustainable logistics in India.' This landmark collaboration will demonstrate how MagRail technology can automate short-haul cargo transfers, reduce reliance on diesel vehicles, and improve yard efficiency. The pilot project at Deendayal Port aims to set new standards in efficiency and sustainability, showcasing how innovation can transform ports into engines of economic growth and global trade competitiveness. Last year, DP World has signed multiple Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) worth INR 250 billion (approx. $3 billion) with the Government of Gujarat, covering the development of new ports, terminals, and economic zones, strengthening its commitment to supporting trade in a growing Indian state. The MoUs highlight Gujarat's prowess as a role model of development and the growth engine of the nation while leveraging its logistics and maritime infrastructure. The MoUs underscore DP World's commitment to facilitating trade in Gujarat by developing: Multi-purpose deep-draft ports in South Gujarat and around the western coast of Gujarat towards Kutch, Special Economic Zones in Jamnagar and Kutch, Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals (GCT) and Private Freight Stations at Dahej, Vadodara, Rajkot, Bedi and Morbi DP World has also signed an MoU with Gujarat Maritime Board to jointly identify opportunities to develop additional ports along the coast of Gujarat. DP World's existing investments in Gujarat include a container terminal in Mundra, along with rail connected private freight terminals at Ahmedabad and Hazira. This is complemented by cold storage facilities in Surat and Bharuch, freight forwarding offices in Ahmedabad and Gandhidham, and express cargo services across the state. Additionally, DP World ensures global connectivity for businesses in the region by running weekly coastal services via DP World's Unifeeder Group, linking Mundra, Kandla, and Hazira ports to several international ports. The company recently launched a first-of-its-kind dedicated scheduled Rail Freight Service, 'SARAL' connecting traders from south Gujarat such as Surat, Vapi, Valsad Vadodara, Bharuch, Ankleshwar to the markets in and around North Capital Region (NCR). On 25 August 2023, DP World signed a $510 million concession agreement with the Deendayal Port Authority to develop, operate and maintain a new 2.19 million TEU per year mega-container terminal at Tuna-Tekra in Kandla. On commencement, this greenfield terminal will have state of the art equipment and a 1,100 m berth capable of handling next-generation vessels carrying more than 18,000 TEUs. WAM
