Pushpank Kaushik explores Make in India

Push pan Kaushik, Director by Jasper Send

India is one of the largest logistics sectors in the world, connecting various sectors by providing supply chain, warehousing and transportation solutions from suppliers to customers. This industry is crucial to India’s thriving economic climate and supports the free flow of products and services across the country and internationally. As India strives to achieve its lofty economic goals of reaching a GDP of US$5.5 trillion by 2027, modernization of the logistics industry is becoming increasingly important.

Role of Make in India in Logistics:
In September 2014, the Make in India programme was launched to support over 20 sectors, including the shipping and port industries in India. The programme enables smooth integration of infrastructure and industry, and promotes social and economic growth. It has also strengthened trust-based governance by streamlining customs operations with the Indian Customs Single Window and PCS1x, enabling electronic clearing processes for importers and exporters, and improving ease of doing business.

Financial assistance is being provided to Indian shipyards under the Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Policy (SBFAP) to secure international orders and enhance competitiveness. The SBFAP has proven to be effective as 31 shipyards have received 88 ship orders worth Rs. 6,800 crore in the last four years.

Moreover, infrastructural developments such as transhipment hubs, logistics parks and national industrial corridors, along with modern ports with effective cargo handling facilities and port-based SEZs, offer strategic advantages for the industry. These efforts are in line with PM GatiShakti – National Master Plan, which enhances systematic, multi-modal connectivity between economic zones to ensure smooth movement of people, goods and services.

National Logistics Policy: Improving Operational Efficiency
Complementing PM GatiShakti’s National Master Plan (NMP), the National Logistics Policy (NLP) was further introduced in September 2022 to improve both physical infrastructure and operational efficiency. It focuses on reforms, improved services and digitalisation in the logistics sector to support growth and integration and has taken significant steps

● Advanced NLP technology through the launch of Unified Logistics Interface Platform (ULIP), which integrates 34 logistics systems, provides a unified login for traders and seamlessly integrates GST data.

● Infrastructure was developed through the Gati Shakti programme, integrating national infrastructure and optimising coastlines and waterways in collaboration with Sagarmala for better connectivity.

● NLP also promotes reforms by supporting a uniform regulatory framework for multimodal logistics parks (MMLPs), improving first and last mile connectivity and boosting logistics for export-import and related industries.

How Do Make in India and NLP Collaborate to Strengthen the Logistics Sector? India’s Make in India initiative and the National Logistics Policy (NLP) are complementary strategies that work together to strengthen the country’s logistics sector. Pushpank Kauhsik, CEO of Jassper Shipping, outlines the transformative capabilities of both initiatives when combined:

Public-private cooperation – Make in India and NLP are contributing to Public Private Partnerships (PPP) by improving infrastructure. This includes projects such as construction of a container terminal at Tuna-Tekra, Deendayal Port, development of non-major ports and setting up of a special economic zone at Gangavaram Port. Other initiatives include upgrading of Berth No.13 at Deendayal Port for clean cargo handling and mechanisation of NCB-III at VO Chidambaranar Port for dry bulk cargo.

Paperless export and import – Recent technological developments like e-sanchit portal facilitate paperless export-import trade while customs now uses faceless evaluation. Systems like ULIP with Goods and Services Tax (GST) data streamline logistics processes.

Increased efficiency and low costs – India’s Comprehensive Logistics Action Plan (CLAP) outlines targets to reduce logistics costs to global standards by 2030, with the aim of ranking among the top 25 countries in the Logistics Performance Index. It emphasises interoperability, risk reduction, process efficiency and ease of operation through standardised physical assets and service quality benchmarks in logistics sectors such as transport infrastructure, warehousing and packaging.

Kaushik adds: “Make in India and the National Logistics Policy are strengthening the Indian economy and its position in the global logistics sector. From manufacturing ships to advanced customs clearance technology and paperless shipping, these initiatives are improving the efficiency of the sector, reducing costs and boosting industry growth.”

Moreover, these efforts encourage investments and strengthen various sectors, thereby contributing substantially to GDP growth. The logistics sector acts as a crucial facilitator of trade and business and through these initiatives plays a fundamental role in economic progress, enabling India to unlock its full potential and achieve lasting prosperity.