With the Indian logistics sector having taken centre-stage of government reforms, moving towards an integrated ecosystem is pertinent for holistic growth of the sector, as recommended in a thought paper jointly produced by ASSOCHAM and Deloitte.

The paper, titled 'India-On the cusp of a logistics revolution', noted some of the continuing concerns impeding the growth of logistics sector including inadequate infrastructure, slow rate of digital adoption, lack of sufficiently skilled labour, poor quality and performance standards, and regulatory hurdles.

In light of these, a key recommendation of the paper is the need for achieving integrated end-to-end logistics for ensuring easier and "smoother interface among logistics stakeholders for seamless delivery."

It focuses on how integrated end-to-end logistics network with the required infrastructure facilities, and a digital and services platform can lead to improved efficiencies in the sector.

Commenting on India's potential to develop a globally competitive logistics sector, Peeyush Naidu, Partner, Deloitte India, said, "It has established a baseline of logistics performance across states and generated keen interest in logistics at state level. In focus now are integrated end-to-end logistics network, greater adoption of technology, and digitalization."

Sharing his views on the country's logistics sector, ASSOCHAM’s secretary general, D.S. Rawat said, "India's future logistics network is to be built optimally, to meet the growing demand through an integrated and coordinated approach in which development of each mode viz., railways, waterways and roads – is matched to the needs and existing assets are better utilised in order to recurring losses to the economy and improve capital efficiency."

"With the central government taking several initiatives in sectors such as roads, railways, airports, sea ports, coastal shipping and inland waterways to win back the confidence of domestic and overseas investors, the logistics sector can expect renewed momentum in coming years," added Rawat.