Indian Railways to develop multimodal logistics parks

31 January 2009

Indian Railways has planned mega multimodal logistics parks (MMPLs) or hubs providing state-of-the-art integrated logistic facilities with mechanised handling and intelligent inventory management at selected locations along the dedicated freight corridors to reduce the overall logistics cost in the supply chain for the customers to meet time-sensitive freight transportation requirements.

A multi-modal logistics park (MLP) is defined as a rail-based inter-modal traffic-handling facility complex comprising container terminals, bulk / break-bulk cargo terminals, warehouses, banking and office space and facilities for mechanised handling, inter-modal transfers, sorting / grading, cold chain, aggregation / disaggregation, etc, to handle freight.

These would generally be developed by the project authorities in charge of SEZs / industrial townships or prospective developers for use of multiple users on the terms and conditions set out in thispPolicy. However, all MLPs need not have all the features.

According to a report by Cushman & Wakefield, Indian logistics industry is expected to grow annually at the rate of 15 to 20 per cent, reaching revenues of approximately $385 billion by 2015.

According to industry analysts, many logistics companies are in various stages of setting up warehouses, container freight stations, inland container depots, logistics parks, distribution centres and other facilities to tap the trade opportunities.

Some of these include DHL Logistics, Transport Corporation of India, Gati, Adani Logistics, Sical Logistics, World Windows Infrastructure and Logistics and Mahindra Logistics.