Indian Economy News

Cabinet Approves Setting Up of Integrated Transport and Logistics Authority

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi, approved the setting up of a Special Purpose Vehicle, namely the Integrated Transport and Logistics Authority (ITLA), to strengthen research, planning, appraisal, monitoring and impact assessment within the domains of transportation and logistics. The approval aims to address long-standing challenges from fragmented planning and implementation across multiple transport-related Ministries and agencies, with ITLA expected to foster greater coordination and multi-modal integration to enhance the efficiency, sustainability and effectiveness of transport infrastructure development in India. ITLA will function as the national apex institution for integrated transport and logistics planning, preparing a National Transport Master Plan with a ten-year or longer horizon, covering roads, railways, ports and shipping, civil aviation, inland waterways, coastal shipping, urban mobility and logistics.

ITLA will undertake technical appraisal and monitoring of infrastructure projects costing Rs. 500 crore (US$ 51.92 million) or more, while financial appraisal continues through existing mechanisms. It will also build a National Transport Data Repository by integrating datasets from sources including GSTN e-way bill, FASTag, Vahan and GPS-based systems for freight flow and planning analytics, alongside advising on the National Logistics Policy 2022, capacity building, training and promoting research and innovation in the sector. The establishment of ITLA is expected to play a pivotal role in realising India's Vision 2047 by strengthening multimodal connectivity, improving infrastructure efficiency, reducing logistics costs and enhancing India's global logistics competitiveness.

Disclaimer: This information has been collected through secondary research and IBEF is not responsible for any errors in the same.