Logistics Initiatives in Gujarat

Initiatives Undertaken

1. PM Gati Shakti Gujarat: Transforming infrastructure planning
   1. Gujarat has embraced the PM Gati Shakti initiative, taking its State Master Plan to new heights.
   2. Integration of over 1350 data layers from 22 departments and their 73 agencies, into the PM Gati Shakti Gujarat with total of 95 stakeholders’ portals.
   3. Mapping of key infrastructure assets such as roads, railways, bridges, civil aviation facilities, ports, and terminals was undertaken as part of the PM Gati Shakti Gujarat initiative. In addition, government logistics infrastructure assets like godowns, cold storages, warehouses, and similar facilities were also mapped under PM Gati Shakti Gujarat.
   4. Mobile Application has been for mapping of private freight infrastructure facilities, promoting efficient collaboration and decision-making.
2. Port Operations and Financial Management System (GPOFMS)
   1. The Gujarat Maritime Board (GMB) is actively digitizing processes for Port Operations Management.
      1. Services offered through this web-based integrated application include requesting services by Vessel/Shipping Agents, online payment for vessel calls, booking vessel stays, generating service bill estimates, issuing No Due Certificates, processing vessel service bills, managing budgets and treasury, making vendor payments for port work, and handling GMB employee payroll.
      2. The portal became operational on April 1, 2023, streamlining financial and operational aspects of port management.
3. Enhancing multimodal connectivity to Gujarat’s ports
   1. Gujarat is actively expanding rail connectivity to enhance logistics and transportation capabilities.
   2. Ongoing efforts include the development of connectivity between MBSIR (Maruti Suzuki India Limited) to Katosan and Ranuj villages, which are strategically positioned on the route of Viramgam-Mehsana and Patan-Mehsana. This development aims to connect Maruti Suzuki India Limited to Kandla and the Delhi Mumbai Freight Corridor, potentially facilitating the transport of over 4 lakh cars via rail connectivity.
4. State policy for logistics ²
   1. Gujarat has formulated an Integrated Logistics and Logistics Park Policy 2021
5. Institutional mechanism for logistics implementation
   1. The State has setup a robust institutional mechanism for logistics – appointed nodal officer for logistics, constituted State logistics cell as well as State Logistics Co-ordination Committee, City Logistics Co-ordination Committee, Logistic core Committee, Logistics Consultative Committee, State Level Empowered Committee
   2. To ease the freight traffic movement, the City Logistics Co-ordination Committee has been formed for eight cities having Municipal Corporations viz
      1. Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation,
      2. Surat Municipal Corporation,
      3. Rajkot Municipal Corporation,
      4. Vadodara Municipal Corporation,
      5. Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation,
      6. Bhavnagar Municipal Corporation,
      7. Jamnagar Municipal Corporation and
      8. Junagadh Municipal Corporation.
6. Investment in logistic infrastructure – facilitation and incentivization ⁶
   1. Gujarat Integrated Logistics and Logistics Park Policy 2021 has granted special financial assistance to develop industrial infrastructure in State, as follows:
      1. The new policy provides a 25% capital subsidy on eligible fixed capital investment of up to a maximum INR 15 Crore to develop and facilitate support mechanism for new jetties, 7% interest subsidy for seven years on sanctions loan which maximum of INR 0.5 crore can extend.
      2. The policy has the provision to reimburse 100% stamp duty. It has the provision for assistance for quality certification, patenting, research, and development.
      3. provision for reimbursing stipend up to INR 15000 per head for 120 hours training to fulfil the demand for skilled manpower and 100% reimbursement for women trainees
7. Key initiatives under the regulatory regime⁶
   1. The State has a single-window provision, through the State Investor Facilitation Portal, for granting clearances for industrial investments including logistics infrastructure.
8. Strategic Partnerships and Collaborations for Improving Logistics Sector

   1. MOU was signed with Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya (GSV) to develop a framework and build capacity for improving logistics efficiency in Gujarat.

      

   2. MOU was signed with NICDC Logistics Data Services Limited (NLDSL) to develop the Gujarat Unified Logistics Interface Platform (GujULIP) dashboard, to monitor various logistics-related key performance indicators (KPIs) and leverages technology to improve state logistics.

      

   3. A collaboration was signed with the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) aims to develop an operational framework and tools for monitoring the progress of EXIM logistics infrastructure development in the state.

      
9. Gujarat Logistics Dashboard An ULIP Initiative of Gujarat
   1. Aims to provide data for improving efficiency in the logistics sector by introducing real-time tracking and visibility, thereby reducing logistics costs and time.
   2. It will enhance efficiency and reduce the time and cost of logistics through a transparent, single-window platform that offers real-time information to all stakeholders.
   3. The platform will also ensures real-time monitoring of cargo movement while maintaining data confidentiality with end-to-end encryption.
   4. Additionally, it will be integrated with the National ULIP Platform in a Hub & Spoke mechanism to provide national visibility.
10. Skill Development
    1. Gujarat Skill Development Mission (GSDM) in association with National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) has trained (Skilling and upskilling) around 25 thousand candidates in the logistics sector till date under Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) 2.0 and 3.0, and Project Sankalp
    2. The candidates have been trained in more than 25 Job roles across the three segments of logistics value chain - Transportation, Warehousing and Value-Added Services
    3. GSDM has announced to train more than 3,000 candidates in the logistics sector in FY 2022-23 through its flagship scheme Mukhyamantri Bhavishyalakshi Kaushalya Vikas Yojana (MBKVY) and Project Sankalp.
    4. Gujarat promotes logistics skill development through educational initiatives at institutions such as Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya, Gujarat Maritime University and Kaushalya- The Skill University.
    5. The Directorate of Employment and Training is introducing skill-based programs across industries, including logistics, with new courses planned ⁸.
    6. The State has signed MoUs with private industries and educational institutions to boost training, and a proposed think tank will guide infrastructure development and sector performance with data-driven decisions.
    7. GIDB | GSV | GKS | NLDSL encouraged Startup and Students to participate in Logistics Hackathon 2.0 of Government of India in 2024. 10 teams (Student-04|Startup-04|Professional-02) out of 72 that have its team members from Gujarat reached Prototype Level | 2024. Two Teams were shortlisted in the Final Round.
11. Logistics Infrastructure
    1. Corporation (G-RIDE) facilitates critical rail projects, including last-mile connectivity to ports and industrial hubs, boosting rail transport efficiency.
    2. Constructing a new greenfield airport in Rajkot would streamline logistics for industries, such as ceramics in Morbi and Jamnagar.
    3. Dedicated freight corridors are being developed to improve rail capacity and reduce logistics costs, while the Jamnagar–Amritsar Expressway will enhance connectivity across key industrial areas.
    4. Additionally, a greenfield project connecting Gothangam to Hazira Port and the development of 11 jetties will further strengthen Gujarat’s logistics network.
12. Smart Enforcement
    1. The state has implemented e-challan and ‘POS’ system to prevent unwarranted stoppages accompanying informal payments
    2. Border check posts have been abolished in Gujarat and online Over Dimension Carriage (ODC) and Tax exemption module have been implemented for online payments in advance for ODC vehicles and levy tax online from other state vehicles for seamless plying of inter-state movement
    3. Validation of digital documents through Mparivahan and Digilocker. Therefore, digital copy of the vehicle related documents is also valid.
    4. The state has taken up the process of identifying theft prone highway locations and implementing CCTV based surveillance and monitoring mechanism under VISWAS Phase-II
13. Operating & Regulatory Environment
    1. Gujarat has streamlined logistics by removing check-posts, reducing road stoppages and using the Parivahan Sewa Portal for tax filing and services.
    2. Motor Vehicle Act violations are processed through the eChallan portal, enabling online payment.
    3. The Investor Facilitation Portal (IFP) allows online approval applications, and the Gujarat Maritime Board’s GPO-FMS portal manages port operations and financial services.
    4. The State is also improving cargo turnaround, establishing local testing and quarantine facilities and expediting infrastructure support for logistics.
14. Operating Operating & Regulatory Environment Abolition of Octroi and Implementation of GST 
    1. The removal of Octroi Check Ports and the introduction of GST in Gujarat have greatly improved logistics efficiency. Along with economic growth and liberalization, these changes have increased trade volumes, boosting demand for transportation, handling, and warehousing, and thereby enhancing the need for comprehensive logistics solutions.
15. Awareness Of Gujarat Integrated Logistics Policy
    1. City Logistics Plans for 08 Cities - The City Logistics Plan focuses on creating dedicated logistics zones and multi-modal facilities to improve freight management, optimizing first-mile and last-mile delivery for reduced congestion and costs, promoting eco-friendly practices to cut carbon emissions, and ensuring effective coordination among government agencies, private stakeholders, and local authorities.
    2. State Integrated Logistics Master Plan - Enhance goods transportation and storage efficiency, it is crucial to develop a comprehensive logistics ecosystem that includes promoting integrated logistics parks in strategic locations across Gujarat. This approach not only improves the logistical infrastructure but also attracts investment in the logistics sector, driving job creation and fostering economic growth. Additionally, streamlining supply chain and logistics operations is essential to enhance business competitiveness, ensuring that the region remains an attractive hub for trade and commerce.
16. Sustainability and Equity Logistics
    1. Gujarat’s sustainable logistics initiatives include the Gujarat State Electric Vehicle Policy-2021, promoting Electric Vehicle (EV) adoption and infrastructure.
    2. The State launched 50 electric buses, with plans for double-decker buses in 2024.
    3. It also supports green hydrogen production and has developed a green hydrogen policy.
    4. The State promotes EV use in logistics, develops charging infrastructure for critical corridors and explores greener transport—such as slurry pipelines—to reduce emissions.
17. Industry Status to Logistics Sector
    1. In 2018, the Gujarat Government provided “Industry Status” to the Logistics Sector to enhance the sector's growth and competitiveness.
18. Awareness Of Gujarat Integrated Logistics Policy
    1. An awareness campaign was conducted across 32 districts in collaboration with the Industries Commissionerate, involving 1,950 participants.

19. Awareness Of Gujarat Integrated Logistics Policy

    1. With the objective of improving logistics sector performances of the State, Capacity building programs are being organised in collaboration between Gujarat Infrastructure Development Board and Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalay for government officers working at District/ Taluka/ Local level.

     

    

    

    

    

    

    

     

20. Inclusion of Logistics GID Act 1999 Amendment
    1. To facilitate Public Private Partnership (PPP) in Logistics Infrastructure development in Gujarat, Government of Gujarat through GIDB has included “Logistics Infrastructure and Facilities” in Schedule I of Gujarat Infrastructure Development Act, 1999 and Gujarat Infrastructure Development (Amendment) Act, 2006. 
       
       “9A Logistic Infrastructure and Facilities including Integrated Logistic Park, Multi-modal Logistic park, Inland Container Depot, Freight Terminal, Container Freight Station, Air Freight Station, Air Cargo Complex, Cold Chain facility, Warehouse, Truck Terminals, Silos and such other Infrastructure".