The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has finalized model City Logistics Plans (CLPs) for Delhi and Bengaluru to enhance urban freight efficiency and lower logistics costs. These plans, developed under the Indo-German Green Freight Project, aim to adopt global best practices to tackle urban congestion, pollution, and logistics inefficiencies.

The collaboration, supported by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), has emphasized international approaches to sustainable urban freight systems. The Delhi and Karnataka governments have actively contributed to shaping these CLPs, which serve as adaptable frameworks for other Indian cities. Additional Secretary Rajeev Singh Thakur highlighted the comprehensive and theoretical nature of these plans, aimed at equipping cities with focused strategies for urban logistics improvement.

Goals and Features of the Model CLPs: Reduce Urban Congestion and Pollution: Address the environmental and infrastructural challenges caused by inefficient freight systems. Cut Logistics Costs: Streamline first- and last-mile freight movement, a major contributor to India’s high logistics expenses. Enhance Quality of Life: Promote cleaner, efficient urban environments through integrated freight solutions. Tailored Frameworks: Equip cities with tools to design logistics ecosystems based on unique local needs, infrastructure, and challenges. Global and National Context: India’s National Logistics Policy (2022) underpins this initiative, aligning with the country’s Net Zero carbon goal for 2070. The model CLPs draw inspiration from global benchmarks:

Japan: Consolidation centers and efficient urban freight strategies. Germany, France, and the Netherlands: Emissions reduction and traffic flow integration. Brazil: Urban freight solutions in cities like São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. These international precedents underscore the potential of CLPs to create sustainable, efficient urban ecosystems, balancing freight and passenger transport needs.

Challenges in City Logistics: India’s urban logistics faces hurdles due to the shared road space between passenger and freight vehicles, ad-hoc planning approaches, and private dominance over freight operations. CLPs aim to counter these issues by fostering holistic, stakeholder-inclusive planning.

This living document will evolve with feedback from cities and states, ensuring its relevance and effectiveness. DPIIT’s support will extend to state and union territory governments ready to implement these plans, marking a pivotal step in advancing India’s urban logistics transformation.