Ludhiana and Shimla Included in Centre’s Logistics Plan

Integrating infrastructure for greater efficiency and lower costs

The Centre has selected Ludhiana, Shimla, and six other cities to develop integrated state and city logistics plans aimed at boosting operational efficiency and building a future-ready, globally competitive logistics ecosystem in India.

The initiative, led by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, aligns with the government’s commitment to modernizing logistics infrastructure and streamlining supply chains nationwide. The other cities chosen are Jaipur, Indore, Patna, Visakhapatnam, Bhubaneswar, and Guwahati.

As part of the planning process, existing logistics infrastructure will be assessed, gaps identified, and a roadmap prepared to improve efficiency and reduce costs. The ministry noted that these plans, once implemented, will enable smoother movement of goods, enhance competitiveness, and strengthen resilience across supply chains.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is providing technical assistance to support the program, which emphasizes multimodal and integrated logistics ecosystems. The focus is on streamlining freight by aligning state-level logistics with national goals and linking growth centers to key corridors. At the city level, the priority is on urban freight and last-mile delivery in line with broader urban mobility objectives.

DPIIT underscored that integrating state and city logistics is vital, as inefficiencies in any single component can disrupt the entire supply chain. The program promotes collaboration between the Centre, state governments, and the private sector to ensure that local priorities align with national strategies.

At the city level, the focus is on optimizing urban and peri-urban freight to meet the needs of retailers and e-commerce. Key infrastructure improvements include better urban roads, truck terminals, and last-mile connectivity. The plans will also address freight routes, congestion hotspots, and restricted areas, supported by relevant urban policies and institutional mechanisms.

Sustainability is at the core of the initiative, with measures to promote low- and zero-emission vehicles for last-mile delivery, establish low-emission zones, and implement noise-reduction strategies. The program also emphasizes digital transformation, leveraging process automation and data-driven decision-making to further improve efficiency.