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In a bid to revolutionise the landscape of EXIM logistics and infrastructure, the 9th Services Improvement Group (SIG) meeting, marked a significant milestone under the guidance of Ms Sumita Dawra, Special Secretary, Logistics Division, DPIIT. The meeting served as a platform to showcase a plethora of initiatives devised to address challenges faced by the industry, with a particular focus on the resounding success of the Electronic Logs (E-Logs) platform.
Central to the meeting’s discussions was the unveiling of the E-Logs platform’s key features, including real-time issue tracking, secure data sharing, and streamlined communication channels. This technological marvel has played a pivotal role in expediting issue resolution for stakeholders in the logistics sector, resulting in a commendable enhancement of operational efficiency and an overall improvement in logistics performance.
An outstanding achievement highlighted during the meeting was the resolution of a longstanding staff-related issue at the Air Freight Station in Kapashera. The Department of Revenue apprised the SIG members of the swift actions taken, showcasing the effective collaboration between the Department and the Logistics Division.
Industry associations lauded the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) for inviting comments on the B-2-B draft policy, emphasising the collaborative spirit between the government and industry stakeholders. A key player in the e-commerce sector, shared insights into the tremendous benefits derived from the notification of the Joint Parcel Policy, specifically in enhancing parcel freight movement on railways.
The meeting also addressed concerns related to the transportation of rubber products from the North-Eastern region, with the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways presenting ongoing initiatives. These include the awarding of dredging contracts for waterway routes connecting Tripura and Kolkata port, utilisation of alternative routes like the Sonamura Inland Waterway Terminal and Sabroom land port, and efforts to facilitate 24×7 operations through night navigation systems.
Bringing together a diverse group of over 40 participants, including officials from the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Port, Shipping and Waterways, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, and Ministry of Railways, alongside industry representatives from prominent organisations such as FFFAI, FICCI, CSLA, ASSOCHAM, and WAI, the 9th SIG meeting showcased the collaborative approach between the government and industry associations.
At the forefront of the National Logistics Policy (NLP), the SIG serves as an inter-ministerial institutional mechanism, engaging with more than 30 business associations in the logistics sector. The 9th SIG meeting stands as a testament to the outcomes of these collaborative efforts, exemplifying the commitment to driving innovation, streamlining processes, and fostering growth in the EXIM logistics sector. As the industry continues to evolve, these concerted efforts underscore the proactive measures taken by the government to propel the sector towards excellence.
India actively invests in cutting-edge technology to boost economic strength and infrastructure, aligning with global standards. This proactive approach underscores India’s commitment to leveraging technology for comprehensive development and reinforcing its global standing.
OpenGov Asia reported that Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, is set to introduce two digital modules – the Maritime Single Window (MSW) and the Mercantile Maritime Department (MMD) – on the Sagar Setu (NLP-M) platform, marking a pivotal step towards a more efficient and technologically advanced maritime landscape in India.
The MSW module facilitates the electronic exchange of maritime information among stakeholders, streamlining processes and transforming data management. Simultaneously, the MMD module enhances the Mercantile Maritime Department’s efficiency by providing vital vessel detention and release status information.
This technological leap aligns with broader government initiatives, discussed in the recent Services Improvement Group (SIG) meeting, showcasing India’s commitment to modernising and streamlining the EXIM logistics and infrastructure sector. The integration of these modules strengthens India’s maritime capabilities and contributes to sector-wide growth and efficiency.