Reflecting that the state has miles to go in transforming its logistics sector, Goa continued to be in the ‘Aspirers’ category in the Logistics Ease across Different States (LEADS) Index 2023, released by the Union government on Saturday.
The ‘Aspirers’ category is the last category in the LEADS index and comes after Fast Movers and Achievers categories. The LEADS report has placed Goa in the coastal state group of Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal.
It reveals that Goa is below average in logistics infrastructure such as road, rail, terminal, first mile/last mile connectivity, warehouse and packaging.
Likewise the state is below average in logistics services such as, transport, terminal, pricing , timeliness, skilled manpower, track and trace, security and safety.
And lastly it is also below par in the logistics operating and regulatory environment which comprises government facilitation, warehousing approvals, ease of entry, and grievance redressal.
Andhra Pradesh is the top state in the logistics industry in India and is included in ‘Achiever’ category, while Goa’s neighbour Karnataka is also in the same category.
The report highlights Goa’s need for improving connectivity and terminal infrastructure. It recommends a data-driven logistics master plan for the state and suggests improvement in the infrastructure related to mobile connectivity.
This will improve track and trace ability and complement the improvement in safety and security as well.
It advises the state government to have regular dialogue with private stakeholders so as to effectively communicate and educate them about various initiatives undertaken.
The report mentions some proactive projects implemented in the state which have contributed towards enhancing logistics infrastructure. The positive measures include implementation of multiple road connectivity to industrial estates, ports, warehouses, and terminals.
The setting up of an air cargo complex at Manohar International Airport is a welcome step in improving the logistics ecosystem as also the establishment of a food testing laboratory in the Verna Industrial Estate, the creation of a logistics park in Dharbandora spanning an area of 130,300 sq m, the construction of cold storage facilities and development of truck terminals at various locations.
Other proactive measures include the GIDC proposing to allocate 20% of land in industrial estates for logistics-related projects and a low carbon action plan devised by the CCP for urban freight management within the capital city.
Goa’s logistics and warehousing policy was notified in June 2023, which confers ‘industry’ status to the logistics and warehousing sector.
However, the process of implementation of the policy has just begun.
