Logistics & Transport
AboutIn modern economy, logistics is a key component. Logistics is regarded as overall organization, movement, storage and distribution of material/goods and also people. In today’s transforming economies, logistics is to provide a complete solution including transportation. Therefore, transportation is the essential segment in overall logistics solution. Transport and logistics costs most often pose a barrier at least as large, and frequently larger, than tariffs. In fact, trade is affected more by the cost of transport than by the tariffs. A 2008 WTO report, Trade in a Globalising World, explains that spending on shipping for world imports in 2004 was three times higher than spending on tariffs. The Institute has been playing vital role in imparting knowledge and practices through research and advocacy in this area |
Logistics One of the major weaknesses of transport infrastructure in our country has been the mismatch at the interfaces of the various modes. As a result, the system, despite upgradation in some segments, continues to operate at sub-optimal levels. For example, while size of the container ships has substantially increased, corresponding facilities for evacuation of the containers from the ports have not kept pace. It is, therefore, essential to plan in an integrated manner across the entire movement chain. Transport RailwaysRailways are a tool for development, equity and integration of all parts to the mainstream. Railways are considered critical not only from the standpoint of connecting remote regions and providing affordable transportation services (especially passenger services) but also from the perspective of defence movements, (which cannot be passed on to the private sector) and meeting the transportation requirement in emergencies. This is widely regarded as a socially and environmentally benign mode of transport.  Road TransportBenefits of road transport and road infrastructure is widely acknowledged. It provides door to door connectivity and plays critical role in facilitating movement of both passenger and cargo. Over the years, road transport became the dominant mode of transport in the world. However, road transport should not be looked at in isolation, but as part of an integrated multimodal system of transport. Road Transport is a critical infrastructure for economic development of a country. It influences the pace, structure and pattern of development.  Civil AviationAir transport is an important mode of transport enabling international and domestic mobility of both people and goods. This mode is regarded as an enabler to achieving higher economic growth. The sector however, has high externalities. Therefore, sustainable pricing is an important element of the sector.  Shipping and Inland NavigationSince ancient times, water transport has played a major role in transport of men and material. The sector is the most environment friendly modes of transport. Shipping includes international and coastal shipping. In view of cost effectiveness of the mode, it has been examined that inland navigation and coastal shipping needs revival for supplementing rail and road transport. In overall sustainable development of transport, water transport has critical role to play. Multimodal Transport Intermodal transport is the combination of at least two modes of transport in a single transport chain, ideally without a change of container for goods. With the multiplicity of modes, the cooperation and participation of several agents is required. Historically, the coastal regions have benefited the most from economic growth and prosperity. Urban Transport Most cities in Asian countries are experiencing multi-faceted problems as a result of rapid urbanization and rise in urban population. This also resulted in increase in demand for mobility. In addition, a noticeable and alarming feature, which ubiquitous throughout the urban centres in Asia, is increasing ownership of private vehicles. |