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New Delhi : The 60th Network Planning Group (NPG) meeting, held on November 16, 2023, under the chairmanship of Special Secretary (Logistics) Sumita Dawra, focused on discussions on the Sectoral Plan for Efficient Logistics (SPEL) by individual line Ministries/Departments.
The SPEL initiative, proposed under the Comprehensive Logistics Action Plan (CLAP) of the National Logistics Policy (NLP), aims to address logistics-related requirements at the individual sector level.
The Ministry of Steel and the Ministry of Coal presented their plans to address logistics issues pertaining to infrastructure, processes, digital improvements, policies and regulatory reforms, and capacity building for a better workforce.
The Ministry of Steel outlined its SPEL approach, encompassing in-depth Supply & Demand Analysis for Iron Ore and steel, Forecasted Requirements up to 2030-31 and beyond, Strategic Planning for Future Readiness in Logistics, etc.
The Ministry of Coal presented its key findings on the Integrated Coal Evacuation Plan prepared under the aegis of Coal Logistics Policy 2023. Infrastructural gaps project requirements were presented that shall improve logistics and cost efficiency, and achieve an optimum multimodal mix. The Ministry envisages a 14% reduction in Rail logistics cost through railway network optimization for coal logistics. Further, there is potential to lower Co2 emissions by 100,000 Tonnes Co2 per Annum by FY30 due to a reduction in railway leads and the replacement of Road Transportation by Rail.
The Special Secretary emphasized prioritizing cross-sectoral cooperation and focus on the optimization of modal mix for holistic planning.
Other Ministries have also taken actions to address logistics-related requirements:
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways developed and notified the Comprehensive Port Connectivity Plan.
The development of a Cement Sectoral Plan is underway.
The Department of Food and Public Distribution is undertaking a study to identify optimized routes for the movement of foodgrains, with the aim of reducing logistic cost and transit time.
The Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has developed an Agriculture Infrastructure Fund to develop logistics-related infrastructure as a part of post-harvest management infrastructure.
The discussions at the NPG meeting highlighted the importance of sector-specific SPELs in addressing the unique logistics challenges faced by different industries. The SPELs will play a crucial role in improving efficiency, reducing costs, and enhancing the competitiveness of the Indian economy.
Key Points:
The Sectoral Plan for Efficient Logistics (SPEL) initiative aims to address logistics-related requirements at the individual sector level.
The Ministry of Steel and the Ministry of Coal presented their plans to address logistics issues in their respective sectors.
Other Ministries have also taken actions to address logistics-related requirements.
The discussions at the NPG meeting highlighted the importance of sector-specific SPELs in improving efficiency, reducing costs, and enhancing the competitiveness of the Indian economy.
