Comprehensive Logistics Action Plan (CLAP)

(i) Integrated Digital Logistics Systems

To link various data sources and provide cross-sector use cases for logistics stakeholders, create a system of unified logistics interface.

(ii) Standardisation of physical assets & benchmarking service quality standards

By standardising physical assets and comparing service quality standards in logistics, one may increase interoperability, reduce handling hazards, optimise processes, and make conducting business easier.

(iii) Logistics Human Resources Development and Capacity Building

Create a comprehensive human resource strategy for logistics, and under its guiding principles, direct line ministries to create action plans to solve issues with internal capacity building and skill development in the corresponding sector.

(iv) State Engagement

Support the creation of state- and city-level logistics strategies. Establish institutional frameworks for state- and city-level action and measure and rank state actions.

(v) EXIM (Export-Import) Logistics

To boost trade competitiveness and further India's inclusion into regional and global value chains, it is necessary to close infrastructure and procedural gaps in its EXIM connection and to build an effective, dependable logistics network.

(vi) Service Improvement framework

Enhancing the regulatory interface to encourage standardisation, formalisation, and interoperability; eradicating fragmentation in documentation, formats, workflows, and liability frameworks; and closing gaps in the regulatory architecture

(vii) Sectoral Plan for Efficient Logistics

Sectoral Plans for Efficient Logistics (SPEL) with the underlying principles of interoperability, robustness, sustainability, and innovation will be prepared for each sector in accordance with PM GatiShakti. SPEL would specifically address logistics issues relating to infrastructure, processes, digital advancements, policies, and regulatory reforms, as well as capacity building for better workforce, and prioritise cross-sectoral cooperation to complement and not duplicate efforts and focus on modal mix optimization.

(viii) Facilitation of Development of Logistics Parks

In the supply chain, logistics parks serve as hubs for intermediary activities (storage, handling, value addition, inter-modal transfers, etc.) that are connected by a transportation network. Examples include Multi Modal Logistics Parks, Air Freight Stations, Inland Container Depots, Container Freight Stations, Cargo Terminals, etc. To aid in the development of logistics parks, the following initiatives are planned: • A draught set of recommendations to help the nation's logistics parks develop, with a focus on promoting private investment. • To improve visibility, logistics efficiency, optimal utilisation, and connectivity, network logistics parks by mapping them on the PM GatiShakti NMP.

Warehousing Standards

An essential component of the nation's entire logistics industry is warehousing and related assets. "Standardization" is turning into a necessity in the value chains of warehousing in order to boost productivity, save costs, guarantee global compatibility, and maintain competitiveness. Even though there are numerous general infrastructure design and operational standards published in India, facility operators, owners, developers, and regulatory bodies face a challenge in spreading knowledge about applicable warehousing-specific standards. Thus, it was deemed necessary to compile current standards and international best practises into an electronic guide for simple access by the industry. Existing standards in the nation were compiled by a group of specialists from the business sector and the Logistics Division of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry of India.

(i)Standards for Warehousing

The physical structure of the warehouses is mostly governed by the established warehouse standards at this time. Additionally, best practises are provided for the following aspects of warehousing to guarantee a decrease in warehousing expenses as well as enhanced efficiency and effectiveness: criteria for the design and construction of warehouse buildings, as well as for their flooring and roofing. Fire safety requirements, security standards, standards for occupational health and safety, standards for sustainability, and standards for lighting all fall under maintenance standards. Standards for Warehouse Management Systems, including Industry 4.0, digital management systems, labour management systems, and regulatory compliance, apply to warehouse machinery.

(ii)Standards for Palletisation

Palletization is crucial for improving efficiency throughout the whole logistics cycle, not only in warehouses. If pallet sizes are standardised, palletizers, racking, material handling equipment, trucks, and warehouse layouts can also be standardised. Space will be more efficiently used as a result, and automation will be made easier. This will also enhance overall productivity and job efficiency, as well as reduce losses and pallet waste. The best practises for standardised pallet dimensions/sizes for unitized loads for several industry segments, such as chemicals/petrochemicals, food & drinks, retailing, pharma, textiles, electronics, automotive, etc., are listed in addition to the existing standards.

(iii)Standards for Racking

A good warehouse should offer effective and secure storage for a range of goods. A warehouse facility that uses its space for storage as efficiently as possible generates larger profit margins for the owner. There are no established Indian Standards for racking at the moment. To achieve effective storage inside warehouse facilities, racking standards must be applied. The current racking best practises include considerations for racking size, load factors, and material strength parameters.

(iv)Standards for Material Handling Equipment

For convenience of operation, warehouses use a variety of material handling tools. Forklift trucks, cranes, conveyors, and other dock leveling equipment are the most often employed pieces of equipment.

(v)Standards for Transportation

The dimensions of containers and other storage and transit equipment used at various warehousing and transportation facilities are generally governed by the specifications for road transportation. To completely synchronise with worldwide norms and prepare trucks for palletized freight, significant changes in truck body requirements will be needed. To make it easier to operate mechanised material handling equipment, trucks' flooring should adhere to regulations and the truck body width must match pallet dimensions. In order to protect the environment, it's critical to employ electric vehicles, plan the best route for vehicles, and maintain service vehicles effectively. The following topics are covered by best practises: dimensions, truck design, and network optimization.

(vi)Product Specific Standards

A variety of goods, both agricultural and non-agricultural, are kept in warehouses. These products must be kept in warehouses that can preserve their quality. WDRA, BIS, and other product-specific agencies set the standards for agricultural goods and commodities. Standards for non-agricultural goods are established by a number of nodal regulatory organisations, including the BIS and international organisations.