J&K Logistics Policy aims to reduce logistics costs by 50%

The strategy also prioritizes decision-making in this area and regularly explores opportunities to improve ground, air and inland waterway connectivity across J&K (where possible or feasible),” the draft policy reads.

The Government of Jammu and Kashmir has proposed a draft Logistics Policy 2023 to build infrastructure for the transportation sector in response to J&K’s phenomenal expansion in the logistics sector.

With the help of accessibility measures, the administration wants to increase the average daily distance driven by trucks from 250 km to 500 km.

New efforts such as GPS-based tolling systems to enable distance-based toll collection, zero waiting times and digital clearance at motorway crossings and customs checkpoints were said to have been introduced in the draft strategy paper.

According to the draft plan, logistics costs are to be reduced by at least 50 percent over the next five years compared to the current level.

“The policy aims to identify critical issues and bottlenecks that affect the effectiveness of logistics at J&K.

The strategy also prioritizes decision-making in this area and regularly explores opportunities to improve ground, air and inland waterway connectivity across J&K (where possible or feasible),” the draft policy reads.

“A strong logistics infrastructure, including a network of logistics parks, transport yards, warehouses and controlled atmosphere shops, will be established under the proposed policy. This policy will take appropriate measures to improve the performance of J&K in logistics in terms of key indicators, including the quality of logistics infrastructure, the quality of logistics service providers, the efficiency of regulatory processes, the favorable operating environment, the ease of organizing logistics to be competitive prices and the timeliness of cargo delivery, safety and security of cargo movement and easy shipment tracking,” it said.

The policy said the government would encourage public-private partnerships in building modern logistics facilities in J&K.

“The policy focuses on the development of storage and transhipment facilities at strategic hubs to improve logistics efficiencies in focus sectors such as pharmaceuticals, e-commerce, agriculture and dairy. The development of air cargo terminals and air cargo stations is included while the facilities to promote air cargo are mapped. This policy encourages the development of e-commerce hubs in high-traffic zones closer to demand locations and on the outskirts of cities. This meets the needs of the e-commerce sector and avoids traffic congestion in cities,” it said.

The policy also aims to promote the development of truck terminals for their repair and maintenance, driver rest zones and parking lots in strategic locations (federal roads, motorway junctions).

The J&K Government has solicited proposals to introduce the J&K Logistics Policy.

The government began the process of amending and updating these guidelines on March 8, making them publicly available for review and feedback by March 28, 2023, and soliciting suggestions from the public and stakeholders.