IMC proposes to study integrating logistics in Western India

Mumbai, Aug 26 (UNI) Indian Merchants' Chamber's Infrastructure Committee is commissioning a multi-dimensional study to come up with a conceptual plan for streamlining and integrating various modes of surface transportation and logistics systems for smooth and expeditious movement of goods and commodities between Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, Madhya Pradesh and Chattisgarh--the Western Region of India.

The Chamber will present the plan to the respective Chief Ministers of these States and also to the Union government for implementation.

Announcing the decision at a press conference on August 23, the committee chairman Suneet Maheshwari said IMC President M N Chaini is committed to taking up the task of streamlining the transportation and logistics systems between the Western Regional states as a medium term project, spanning three or four years, according to a release issued by IMC here yesterday.

He said the IMC decided on this following a full-day brainstorming session earlier during the day, involving scores of transportation industry experts, planners and policy-makers.

The experts unanimously recommended that the Indian Merchants Chamber's initiative on the integration of interstate logistics should begin in the Western Region, because it contributes almost 1/3 of India's Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

''The successful completion of this project in the next three or four years will serve as a model for emulation by other regions in the country. The streamlining and integration of the logistics systems will lead to reducing the delays in logistics and transportation bottlenecks and also the prices of goods and commodities, and make them more competitive in the global market,'' Mr Maheshwari said.

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