The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has finalized model city logistics plans for Delhi and Bengaluru to enhance urban freight efficiency. These plans aim to reduce logistics costs, minimize environmental impacts, and improve the overall supply chain within cities. Key Highlights of the Plan: Objective:

Address inefficiencies in urban freight movement by creating data-driven models for seamless logistics. Promote sustainability and reduce the carbon footprint of urban freight operations. Components of the Plans:

Smart Infrastructure: Dedicated freight corridors and urban logistics hubs to streamline goods movement. Green Mobility: Adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and other low-emission technologies for last-mile deliveries. Digital Platforms: Use of real-time tracking systems and data integration for optimizing logistics routes and reducing delays. Targeted Improvements:

Last-Mile Delivery: Enhanced coordination to make deliveries faster and more cost-effective. Traffic Decongestion: Implementing designated zones and time slots for freight transport to reduce urban congestion. Pilot Cities:

Delhi: Focus on reducing vehicular pollution and addressing traffic bottlenecks in high-demand zones. Bengaluru: Addressing challenges of rapid urbanization and traffic density with innovative freight solutions. Economic and Environmental Impact: Economic Benefits:

Reduction in logistics costs from the current 13-14% of GDP to globally competitive levels. Boost in trade efficiency and cost savings for businesses and consumers. Environmental Gains:

Reduction in vehicular emissions through increased use of EVs and alternative fuels. Improved air quality and lower noise pollution in urban centers. Challenges: Implementation Hurdles:

Integrating new logistics hubs into existing urban layouts may face resistance and require significant investment. Coordination Needs:

Effective collaboration among government bodies, private players, and logistics providers is essential. Future Plans: The DPIIT intends to replicate the success of these models in other Indian cities, tailoring solutions to unique urban challenges. A comprehensive strategy to encourage the adoption of EVs and digitization in urban freight is underway. Conclusion: The model city logistics plans for Delhi and Bengaluru represent a strategic move by DPIIT to enhance urban freight systems, ensuring economic growth, environmental sustainability, and improved urban living standards. These initiatives will set the benchmark for urban freight management across India.