By 2030, India hopes to be ranked in the top 25 of the Logistics Performance Index (LPI)

According to Sumita Dawra, Special Secretary, Logistics, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), India aims to raise its ranking in the Logistics Performance Index (LPI) to the top 25 by 2030.

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In 2018, India was ranked 44th on the index, but has recently risen to 38th on the 2023 list. The country's performance has improved dramatically from 2014, when it was rated 54th on the LPI.

The DPIIT is also in discussions with the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund to alter the methodology used to calculate the LPI rating.

The World Bank's LPI is currently based on a very subjective examination. We are attempting to bring objectivity into the equation by demonstrating to the World Bank how we are leveraging technology to improve logistics in the country through the Unified Logistics Integration Platform (ULIP), Dawra added. She was doing a press conference in New Delhi.

National Logistics Policy

The 'National Logistics Policy (NLP)' includes the Unified Logistics Interface Platform (ULIP), which will be launched in September 2022. It is a logistics project that intends to make doing business in the logistics sector easier by simplifying logistical procedures, boosting efficiency, increasing transparency and visibility, and lowering logistics costs and time.

Meanwhile, according to Dawra, the Logistics Ease across Different States (LEADS) survey for 2022-23 will be launched in October.

An internal data-driven index called LEADS was created to assess logistical services, infrastructure, and human resources across all 36 states and territories.

In order to promote a seamless logistics ecosystem across the nation, the Union government developed this index by compiling the views and opinions of participants in the logistics business from various states and union territories around the nation.

Gujarat has excelled in this area

Gujarat has been in the achievers group for the previous four surveys, dating back to 2018.

Dawra told reporters on September 14 that the estimated total logistics expenses as a percentage of GDP would be disclosed by the end of September.

After a National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER) 2018 report stated that India's logistics cost was 8.35 percent of GDP, the government experienced opposition from India Inc. The total logistics cost in India is projected to be roughly 14 percent of GDP.

According to Dawra, the NCAER's 8 percent of GDP computation in 2018 has been used as the foundation for logistics calculation. Dawra also stated that the ICEGate customs concerns will be handled by November.

ICEGATE is a new payment method that allows users to create a virtual wallet account ICEGATE that can be used to pay customs duties online in addition to internet banking and NEFT/RTGS.

Due to difficulties in the new payment system, import consignments have been held at ports and terminals around the country since April 1 of this year.