A high-level delegation from the central government's Gati Shakti programme and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) is scheduled to visit Indore on either December 12 or 13. The primary objective of this visit is to conduct an in-depth survey of the city's existing logistics and transportation infrastructure.
Indore Chosen as a Pilot City
This significant development comes after Indore was selected as a pilot city under the City Logistics Plan of the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan. This recognition places Indore among a select group of cities in India chosen for this transformative initiative, according to an official release.
The visiting team of experts will undertake a comprehensive examination of various facets of the city's logistics ecosystem. Their focus will include:
- The current traffic management system.
- Freight and goods transportation networks.
- Major entry and exit points for the city.
- Warehousing and storage facilities.
- Patterns of truck movement and parking.
- Key market and industrial zones.
This data collection is aimed at formulating a robust, long-term logistics strategy specifically tailored for Indore.
Preparatory Meetings and Strategic Focus
In preparation for this crucial survey, Indore MP Shankar Lalwani convened a meeting on Friday at the Ministry of Commerce in Delhi. The meeting was attended by senior officials from the Gati Shakti initiative as well as representatives from the Asian Development Bank.
The discussions covered the final arrangements for the upcoming visit, including the detailed scope of the survey, planned workshops with stakeholders, field study methodologies, technical support requirements, project financing aspects, and the integration of international best practices.
MP Lalwani revealed that he had personally requested Union Minister Piyush Goyal to include Indore in the City Logistics Pilot of the Gati Shakti scheme. "Accepting this request, the Central government has given Indore a place among select cities of the country," Lalwani stated.
Expected Outcomes and Benefits
According to Lalwani, the survey and the subsequent plan will focus on improvements at two critical levels. The first is streamlining traffic and transportation systems within the city limits. The second involves strengthening connectivity and logistics networks between Indore and other cities.
"Its implementation will provide relief to common citizens from traffic woes, while also providing major assistance to industry and trade," the MP emphasized.
Once fully implemented, the City Logistics Plan is anticipated to deliver multiple benefits for Indore. These include improved traffic flow, reduced travel time for commuters and goods, lower logistics and business operational costs, and enhanced inter-city connectivity. Ultimately, the plan aims to solidify Indore's position as a leading logistics and trade hub in central India.
The PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, launched on October 13, 2021, represents a transformative approach to integrated infrastructure development in India. Its core mission is to ensure multi-modal connectivity and seamless first and last-mile linkages for the efficient movement of both people and goods. Driven by seven key engines—Railways, Roads, Ports, Waterways, Airports, Mass Transport, and Logistics Infrastructure—the plan seeks to synchronize efforts for accelerated economic growth and sustainable development.
