States must plan for better logistics to boost investments: Goyal

States, along with the private sector, must develop action plans for better logistics business to attract investments.

"There is a need to develop regional and city-level logistics plans as well for last-mile connectivity," Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, said during the release of the Logistics Ease Across Different States (LEADS) 2024 report in New Delhi.

He also presided over the felicitation function of the Logistics Excellence, Advancement and Performance Shield (LEAPS) 2024, according to an official release.

Goyal emphasised on implementation of measures to promote green logistics, workforce inclusivity and facilitation of central government projects."Adoption of newer technologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning and data analytics is vital for achieving greater success in future."

He also urged the states to look at multi-modal hubs for in-land container depots and make land available through the bidding mode to promote transparency and cut down costs.

The government is considering a digital public infrastructure like the unified payments interface (UPI) type of framework for the logistics sector, Economic Times reported.

Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Haryana, Telangana, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Chandigarh and Delhi were the achievers in LEADS 2024 and Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Meghalaya and Mizoram were among the fast movers.

The winners of LEAPS 2024 include Kerry Indev Logistics, Vishaka Container Terminals, DP World Rail Logistics and Delhivery.