The way ahead

The New Year brings with it new dreams and ambitions. The industry is looking forward to another promising year with a definite upbeat feeling in logistics and cargo. The year 2016 ended on a pleasant note and the government has given hope to the industry, by giving the desired attention to the ‘most-neglected sector’ of the country.

Mumbai International Airport has launched a first-of-its-kind Export Heavy and Bonded Cargo Terminal for bonded and heavy export cargo. This is another feather in the industry’s cap. Along with the government, the industry is also going all out to make logistics better in the country.

As the Union Budget month draws near, the sector has a number of demands from the government to make transportation smooth. The industry is desperately looking for the long-awaited GST roll-out which is one of the influential factors that can bring efficiency in logistics.

This is also a time to build a proper system and increase the use of Information Technology (IT) in managing businesses. Only an accurate and complete application of IT can transform the existing challenges of cargo industry to the advantages of Indian trade. Adoption of IT will aid the movement of cargo in the Indian supply chain. On the express side, courier companies are also coming up with smart applications through which one can track delivery updates.

explores the possibility of drones in the country’s logistics sector with the existing infrastructure.

There is also a demand for intellectual abilities in cargo and the logistics industry. And on these lines, there is a feeling of optimism to overcome the challenges and bring the industry on a par with international standards. Moreover, it is important to keep reinventing to add more value. Only tough decisions, both from government as well as the industry, can bring the winds of change in 2017.