The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has selected Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi among 50 tier-2/3 cities across the country for the preparation of city logistics plans to reduce logistics costs, congestion and improve connectivity. The State government has now proposed the Directorate of Urban Affairs as the nodal agency for coordinating activities related to the city logistics plans.
The National Logistics Policy (NLP) aims to drive economic growth and business competitiveness through an integrated, efficient, sustainable, and cost-effective logistics network using advanced technology, processes, and skilled manpower. The city logistics plans are expected to be a comprehensive framework designed to optimise urban goods movement, reduce costs, and minimise environmental impact.
It will be a strategic plan designed to adequately address the urban freight and logistics needs of the city’s population and businesses to achieve economic growth with better quality of life and environment. The CLP helps identify the main needs, plan and evaluate the possible solutions for urban freight and logistics in and around the city. It is expected to foster collaboration among government bodies, transport providers, businesses, and citizens. The logistics plan will be prepared in a structure and format that can be easily integrated with the Comprehensive Mobility Plan (CMP) of the city.
One of the focus areas will be in reducing urban emissions by optimising vehicle movement within cities through strategic routing and consolidation of freight. The plan will also prioritise efficiency by optimising goods movement. This involves development of freight infrastructure and its integration into commercial streets, optimisation of freight routes, smart traffic management systems utilising real-time data, ensuring prompt deliveries and minimising operational costs.
Published – July 14, 2025 08:50 pm IST
