Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi to have city logistics plans

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 a better quality of life and environment. The CLP helps identify the main need, 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.