19SEPTEMBER 2025 In India, we focus on automatic sorting and other robotic process automation (RPAs) to reduce manual and repetitive tasks so that our people can take on more strategic tasks. Tools like ESS (Electronic Shipping Solutions) support mandatory data elements for GST and E-waybill compliance and enhance customer experience. 'Clear-in-air' enables customs clearance of shipments during transit, reducing delivery time. DIET (DHL Import Easy Tool 2.0) allows businesses to download pre-alert and post-shipment documents, enhancing coordination with the clearance team for faster processing.Digitalization will remain key for driving our country's global trade ambitions and DHL will continue to lead the industry by investing in digital and automated solutions to increase the efficiency of our services and continue to remain a provider of choice for our customers. To what extent does infrastructure development, such as road, rail, and air connectivity, contribute to improving the performance of India's express logistics sector? How do recent government initiatives like the National Logistics Policy and the Gati Shakti program influence the express logistics sector in India?Express logistics is about transporting and delivering goods in a time-definite manner which can only happen if there is strong infrastructure development of road, rail, and air connectivity. This is where the importance of government policy comes into play.Launched in 2021 by the Government of India, the PM Gati Shakti masterplan provides crucial guidance for reducing logistics costs and transit times and increasing the logistics industry's overall efficiency. It does so by bringing together 16 Ministries, including railways and roadways, on a digital platform for integrated planning and coordinated implementation of infrastructure connectivity projects. Execution of this program will enable faster movement of goods and people, enhance access to markets, hubs, and opportunities, and reduce logistics costs. A great initiative under the PM Gati Shakti Masterplan is UDAN (UdeDeshKaAamNagrik). UDAN focuses on developing regional connectivity by connecting smaller airports, enhancing not only the movement of people across the country but also adding new routes for air cargo movement across the country. This significant push in policy plays an important role in bridging the gap for handling high and distributed volumes that will continue to come into play in the future.The National Logistics Policy (NLP) was created to complement the Gati Shakti master plan by driving the country's economic growth and business competitiveness. The NLP has introduced a framework that emphasizes technology adoption, digitalization of supply chain processes, development of logistics parks, and the promotion of sustainable practices, including a focus on green logistics. It has been a game changer for the industry, leading to better coordination between stakeholders, improving the ease of doing business, and attracting domestic and foreign investment. Its primary objective is to reduce logistics costs, make Indian goods more competitive, and promote economic growth. The NLP also aims to leverage emerging digital technologies to enhance logistics-related activities, including tracking, customs, and compliance. This integration of digital technologies helps streamline processes and improve overall efficiency in the sector.Furthermore, the NLP complements the proposed India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC) project, which was announced at the G20 leaders' summit in September 2023. The IMEEC project aims to enhance global supply chains connecting Europe and Southeast Asia, thereby boosting India's international trade. The NLP aligns with this project, allowing India to attract multinational corporations with manufacturing bases in China looking to diversify their supply chain components through the Plus One strategy.In fact, it is not only the Gati Shakti master plan and the NLP that are boosting the logistics industry forward but also the Amrit Kaal vision and the recently announced budget. The Amrit Kaal vision aims to set a roadmap for India's growth and development to mark 100 years as an independent nation by focusing on sustainability, efficiency, and innovation. An investment of INR80 lakh crore, for instance, has been earmarked for over 300 initiatives to transform the country's logistics, infrastructure, and shipping sectors by 2047. This maintains continuity of policy focus, such as express railway services and the National Industrial Corridor Development, and the recent increase in capital allocated to logistics infrastructure projects marks a sustained commitment.What strategies is the express logistics industry employing to tackle challenges like regulatory compliance, customs procedures, and cross-border logistics, thereby facilitating smoother international trade?Yes, while we are making large strides in terms of government policy, we also witness an intent to bridge some obvious gaps or hurdles created due to mandatory compliance requirements. Some of these requirements are mandated and continually updated by governments around the world. This creates an impression that the customs clearance process is often complex and time-consuming, leading to delays, increased costs for
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