Gati Shakti will help in efficient planning and implementation, thereby ensuring that last-mile connectivity related issues are not there, and the government is actively thinking of promoting manufacturing of containers and shipbuilding, the minister said at the first-ever National Logistics Excellence Awards in New Delhi yesterday.

The National Logistics Excellence Awards aim to acknowledge the many logistics service providers in the country that have been able to display innovation, diversity and efficiency.

With 169 entries and 12 categories for awards in its first edition, the ministry of commerce and industry undertook a year-long process of identifying, categorising, and selecting qualified applications. An Expert Screening Committee of 18 diverse experts and a National Jury of 9 senior dignitaries was formed to make the final deliberations, the ministry of commerce and industry said in a statement.

Goyal appreciated the role played by the logistics sector during the COVID-19 pandemic. He said the resilient and efficient supply chains developed by the operators in the logistics sector helped India overcome the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and supported the growth in trade seen over the last 2 years.

He also asked the industry to involve start-ups to become more transparent and efficient. He said going forward, a separate category of awards should be created for MSMEs in the logistics sector given the role played by them.

The minister of state for commerce and industry, Som Parkash Sharma said that the availability of cost-effective logistics is critical for growth of the Industries and Indian Economy and that adoption of technologies and upgradation of skill levels of human resources engaged in the sector is a must.

In addition to the Logistics Ease Across Different States (LEADS) report that measures that appreciates the endeavours of the state governments, the Logistics Excellence Awards will continue to be an annual exercise recognising excellence in logistics with the private sector in India.

National Logistics Excellence Awards 2021 winners include FedEx Express Transportation and Supply Chain Services (India) Pvt. Ltd. (Best Cargo Airline & Terminal Operator); DHL Supply Chain India Pvt. Ltd. (Best Road Freight Service Provider); Adani Logistics Ltd. (Best Rail Freight Service Provider and Best Logistics Infrastructure and Service Provider); Maersk India Pvt. Ltd (Best Shipping & NVOCC service Provider) and DP World (Best Port Service Provider), amongst others.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KD)