The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways and Ayush recently visited the site of India’s inaugural International Multi-Modal Logistics Park (MMLP) in Jogighopa, Assam, to assess how things are coming along.
Multi Modal Logistics Park is likely to Boost Connectivity in the Northeast.
What is the Scope of this Project?
The park is being developed as part of the ambitious Bharatmala Pariyojana initiative by the Government. This project is being carried out by the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL). It will have connections to road, rail, air, and waterways. Spanning 317 acres along the Brahmaputra, this park is set to unlock significant potential for the region, benefiting not just India but also neighboring countries like Bhutan and Bangladesh.
What is MMLP?
A Multi-Modal Logistics Park (MMLP) acts as a transportation hub that brings together different transport modes in one spot, streamlining the movement of goods. Typically, these logistics parks are found near major transport hubs such as ports, airports, and highways. They’re designed to accommodate a significant amount of goods, featuring facilities for warehousing, distribution, and extra services like packaging and labeling.
Benefits:
- Improved Supply Chain Efficiency:
- By bringing together multiple modes of transportation, MMLPs can reduce the time moving goods between different locations. This helps to streamline the supply chain and improve overall efficiency.
- Reduced Logistics Costs:
- MMLPs can reduce logistics costs by providing shared facilities and infrastructure, such as warehousing and transportation, which can be used by multiple companies. This helps to lower operational costs and improve profitability.
- Enhanced Safety and Security:
- MMLPs often have advanced security systems and protocols in place to ensure the safety of goods and people. This helps to prevent theft, damage, and other security issues that can impact the supply chain.
- Environmental Benefits:
- By reducing the number of trips required to transport goods, MMLPs can help to reduce carbon emissions and other environmental impacts associated with transportation.
- Status of MMLP in India:
- The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) authorized the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) to develop 35 MMLP under the Bharatmala Pariyojana.
- Bangalore, Chennai, Guwahati, and Nagpur MMLPs under implementation.
- The MMLPs are to be developed under Public Private Partnership (PPP) on Design, Build, Finance, Operate and Transfer (DBFOT) mode.
- The National Highways and Logistics Management (NHLML), a special purpose vehicle (SPV) fully owned by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), plans to construct the majority of the proposed MMLPs in PPP mode.
- The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) authorized the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) to develop 35 MMLP under the Bharatmala Pariyojana.