NEW DELHI, 26 Sept — The Centre has selected Ludhiana, Shimla, and six other cities to develop integrated state and city logistics plans aimed at boosting operational efficiency and creating a globally competitive logistics ecosystem in India.
Anchored by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to modernising logistics infrastructure and streamlining supply chains nationwide. The other cities chosen for the programme include Jaipur, Indore, Patna, Visakhapatnam, Bhubaneswar, and Guwahati.
The planning exercise will assess existing logistics infrastructure, identify gaps, and provide a roadmap to improve efficiency and reduce costs. According to the ministry, successful plans will be replicated nationwide to ensure smoother movement of goods, enhanced competitiveness, and stronger supply chain resilience.
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is providing technical assistance under its programme to strengthen multimodal and integrated logistics ecosystems. The initiative aims to harmonise state-level logistics, connect growth hubs with trunk routes, and streamline freight movement. At the city level, the programme focuses on urban freight and last-mile delivery, aligning with broader city mobility objectives.
“Integrating state and city logistics is critical because inefficiencies in one component can create bottlenecks across the entire supply chain,” the DPIIT noted. The programme fosters collaboration between the Centre, state governments, and the private sector to ensure local priorities align with national strategies.
Key city-level measures include optimising urban and peri-urban freight movement to meet demands from local retailers and e-commerce, improving urban roads, establishing truck terminals, and enhancing last-mile connectivity. The plans will also address freight routes, congestion points, and restricted zones, supported by relevant urban policies and institutional mechanisms.
Sustainability is a central focus, with an emphasis on low- and zero-emission vehicles for last-mile delivery, low-emission zones, and noise reduction measures. Digital transformation through process automation and data-driven decision-making will further improve efficiency and logistics planning.
