In a recent report released by the Commerce and Industry Ministry, Delhi has emerged as a prominent achiever among Union Territories in the Logistics Efficiency and Ease Across Different States (LEADS) Index 2023. This index, a crucial indicator of logistical efficiency for fostering exports and economic growth, showcases Delhi among the top-performing states and Union Territories.
The LEADS 2023 report reveals that a total of 13 states and Union Territories have earned the coveted “achievers” status in the logistics index chart. Besides Delhi, notable achievers include Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Chandigarh, Assam, Haryana, Punjab, Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh.
However, the landscape has witnessed changes, with Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand slipping into the “aspirers” and “fast movers” categories, respectively. Sikkim and Tripura have commendably climbed from “fast movers” in 2022 to join the prestigious “achievers” category this year.
Beyond Delhi, the report encompasses various states in distinct categories. Kerala, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Andaman and Nicobar, Lakshadweep, and Puducherry are labeled as “fast movers.” Meanwhile, “aspirers” include Goa, Odisha, West Bengal, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Daman and Diu, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, presenting the fifth LEADS report, emphasized its role in instigating healthy competition among states and Union Territories to enhance logistics performance. The LEADS index evaluates states based on Logistics Infrastructure, Logistics Services, and Operating and Regulatory Environment.
Goyal underscored the significance of the logistics sector, predicting its pivotal role in propelling the country’s economy to USD 35 trillion by 2047. He highlighted ongoing efforts to reduce logistics costs, including substantial investments in infrastructure development. Goyal encouraged the industry to focus on skilled manpower, embrace new technologies like AI and blockchain, and adopt measures to reduce carbon footprint for sustained growth in the logistics sector.
LEADS, conceived in 2018, differs from the World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index (LPI) by incorporating both perception and objectivity in its evaluation. The report, based on a comprehensive pan-India survey conducted between May and July 2023, offers region-specific insights for informed decision-making and overall growth. Over 7,300 responses across 36 states/UTs and 750 stakeholder consultations contributed to this robust assessment.
(With PTI inputs)
