'Pehle hum Kabootar chhodte the, aaj Cheetah chhod rahe hai', says PM at logistics policy launch

New Delhi, Sep 17: Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the National Logistics Policy (NLP), which along with Gatishakti the government said will reduce the cost of logistics and boost exports.

"There is a connection with the launch of National Logistics Policy and the release of cheetahs on the same day. We want our logistics to move at the same speed of the Cheetah," said PM Modi at the launch of the National Logistics Policy, in Delhi.''

While speaking at the launch event at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi, PM Modi said,''Today we are the world's 5th biggest economy. The country is transforming. 'Pehle hum Kabootar chhodte the, aaj Cheetah chhod rahe hai' (there was a time when people used to release pigeons and now the country released cheetahs into the wild).''

Talking of the drones policy, he said drones will improve the logistics sector. He further said that the government recently liberalised the drone policy which will enable many possibilities in logistics. Citing a use case, Modi said in near future drones can be used to deliver fresh fish in landlocked areas.

"If this idea works for someone, I don't need royalty for it," Modi joked.

The Prime Minister said India is now the world's fifth largest economy and is emerging as a manufacturing hub. The world has accepted the production linked incentive (PLI) scheme announced by the government for boosting domestic manufacturing, he said.

The government, he said, is using technology to strengthen logistics sector. Faceless assessment has started in customs and e-way bills and FASTag are bringing efficiency in the logistics sector.

For Indian products to capture world markets, the country has to strengthen its support system. ''National Logistics Policy helps in making the support system modern,'' the prime minister said.

Modi said global experts are saying India is emerging as a democratic superpower and they are impressed by the extraordinary talent ecosystem of the country. ''Experts are appreciating India's determination and progress.'' The government, he said, is using technology to strengthen the logistics sector. Faceless assessment has started in customs and e-way bills and FASTag are bringing efficiency in the logistics sector.

Union trade minister Piyush Goyal said NLP along with Gatishakti will be "serve as double engine for economic growth".