India needs 216 multimodal logistics parks by 2047 to achieve its freight modal shift goals and better connect industrial centres with the rail network, according to a report.
Integrating dedicated freight corridors with multimodal logistics parks can reduce door-to-door logistics costs by up to 43% compared with road transport.
Despite nearly $360 billion of public investment in transport infrastructure over the past decade, India's freight movement remains heavily dependent on roads, which account for about 70% of cargo movement.
Union road transport and highways secretary VUmashankar called for closer coordination between ministries and transport modes in infrastructure planning.
The report recommended faster implementation of MMLPs through greater private sector participation, industrial clustering and freight aggregation to improve freight flows and utilisation.
