New Delhi, 13 May (H.S.):

The Delhi government is finalising a Logistics and Warehousing Policy aimed at making the capital’s goods‑movement and supply chains faster, more efficient and lower in cost, while simplifying trade and strengthening urban logistics infrastructure. The policy’s principal objectives are to reduce congestion and pollution from freight traffic and to position Delhi as a modern, efficient and environmentally friendly logistics hub.

Under the policy, AI‑based planning, real‑time tracking and a digital freight management system will be implemented to enable precise route optimisation, scheduling and load planning, thereby cutting costs and saving time. The government said Urban Consolidation and Logistics Distribution Centres (UCLDCs) will be developed in peripheral locations outside the city, where bulk consignments will be aggregated and dispatched into the urban area as required; market‑level warehouses and micro‑fulfilment centres will also be established to speed and streamline last‑mile delivery.

The plan includes modernisation of Inland Container Depots (ICDs) and development of logistics corridors, truck terminals and parking hubs, together with cold‑storage facilities near wholesale markets to strengthen storage and transport systems and ease inner‑city traffic pressure. Emphasis is being placed on environmental protection: electric vehicles will be promoted for last‑mile delivery, solar‑powered warehousing and energy‑efficient building designs will be encouraged, and the final‑mile supply chain will be made climate‑friendly.

An Integrated Logistics Interface Platform (ULIP) will provide real‑time monitoring and improved management of freight movements, increasing transparency and operational efficiency through advanced technologies. The policy is expected to benefit sectors such as e‑commerce, textiles, construction materials, fruits and vegetables, and electronics by improving storage and distribution, boosting productivity and enhancing competitiveness; third‑party logistics (3PL) providers are also likely to gain significantly. The government noted that roughly 61 per cent of current warehousing demand is driven by e‑commerce, and the policy aims to attract substantial investment into modern fulfilment infrastructure.

Large‑scale employment opportunities are anticipated in warehousing, transport, logistics parks and cold‑chain segments, with ancillary job growth in packaging, IT‑enabled services and related fields. The government will run skill‑development programmes, offering incentives of up to Rs 5,000 per trainee to build a trained workforce.

To catalyse investment, capital subsidies of up to 50 per cent (capped at Rs 50 crore per project) will be available for logistics infrastructure, along with interest subsidies and relief on electricity charges to lower operating costs. Public‑private partnership (PPP) models will be promoted to leverage private capital and expertise. A strengthened single‑window clearance mechanism will streamline approvals, 24×7 operations for warehousing and logistics activities will be permitted, and licensing procedures simplified.

As part of the Master Plan Delhi 2041, wholesale markets will be gradually relocated to peripheral areas and land for logistics hubs will be identified and allocated on a fast‑track basis. The government said these measures will comprehensively reform Delhi’s logistics ecosystem—strengthening supply chains, accelerating industrial activity, creating jobs and attracting investment—thereby bringing the city’s logistics performance in line with national benchmarks and improving its standing on logistics performance indices.

The policy is expected to enhance ease of doing business through improved infrastructure, transparent processes and digital integration, making Delhi a more attractive destination for investors and establishing it as a modern, efficient and environmentally sustainable logistics hub.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar