In the recently unveiled Logistics Ease Across Different States (LEADS) 2023 report by Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Chandigarh, and Gujarat have been distinguished as “achievers” in the logistics performance index. This index serves as a crucial indicator of the efficiency of logistical services, essential for fostering exports and economic growth.
This year, the number of states and Union Territories recognized as “achievers” has slightly reduced from 15 to 13. Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand have transitioned into the “aspirers” and “fast movers” categories, respectively.
Sikkim and Tripura have demonstrated commendable progress, elevating them from the “fast movers” category in 2022 to the esteemed “achievers” category this year.
Delhi, Assam, Haryana, Punjab, Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh are the additional states and Union Territories acknowledged in the “achievers” category.
Kerala, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Andaman and Nicobar, Lakshadweep, and Puducherry are classified as “fast movers” in the report.
In the “aspirers” category, Goa, Odisha, West Bengal, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Daman and Diu, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh find a place.
The LEADS report ranks states based on their logistics ecosystem, outlines key challenges faced by stakeholders, and presents recommendations. It aims to focus attention on improving logistics performance across states, crucial for enhancing the nation’s trade and reducing transaction costs.
Minister Piyush Goyal emphasized the pivotal role of the logistics sector in propelling India’s economy to approximately USD 35 trillion by 2047. While the country’s logistics cost currently stands at an estimated 7.8% to 8.9%, Goyal expressed confidence in reducing it to the 5-6% range. He underscored government initiatives such as substantial investments in infrastructure development to curb logistics costs.
To further boost the growth of the country’s logistics sector, Goyal urged the industry to prioritize skilled manpower, increased state participation, adoption of technologies like AI, blockchain, and data analytics, along with measures to minimize carbon footprint.
