By allowing for an efficient and affordable movement of people and goods across the country it has a multiplier effect on the economy. India’s transport and logistics sector continues to play a key role to play in this regard. Its robustness was tested amidst unprecedented events when it facilitated essential and emergency passenger transport and supply of essential goods in the country.
It remains critical to continue with the required interventions on improved infrastructure, processes and facilitating policy measures. Investments in infrastructure facilities in surface transport domain, such as roads and road transport, ports and maritime, inland waterways, railways, and logistics stand as a significant consideration. An improved freight transport through enhanced logistics efficiency and cost, evolved passenger mobility options, a zero-tolerance approach towards lack of safety measures, increased digitisation and technology adoption and sustainability need to be critical focus areas.
In the current scenario, while the fundamental requirements remain the same, reprioritisation of planned initiatives to ease the enhanced pressure on public sector spending is a major ask. Additional elements of social distancing and health protection particularly from a passenger transport perspective and long-term resilience enhancement plans need to be watched carefully.
