ITLA: The Union Cabinet chaired by PM Modi has approved the formation of Integrated Transport and Logistics Authority to promote better coordination and multi-modal connectivity in the transport and logistics sector. ITLA will be developed as a national apex body for planning, research, project appraisal, monitoring, policy support and data analytics related to transport and logistics.
Tezzbuzz Desk – The Union Cabinet chaired by PM Modi has passed an important proposal on Tuesday. The Cabinet has approved the formation of Integrated Transport and Logistics Authority (ITLA) to promote better coordination and multi-modal connectivity in the transport and logistics sector.
ITLA will work to integrate the fragmented planning and implementation arrangements among various ministries and agencies related to transport and logistics. It will be developed as a national apex body for integrated transport and logistics planning, research, project appraisal, monitoring, policy support and data analytics.
The Integrated Transport and Logistics Authority will prepare a National Transport Master Plan keeping in mind a period of at least 10 years. This will cover all major sectors like roads, railways, ports and shipping, civil aviation, inland waterways, coastal shipping, urban transport and logistics.
Apart from this, the 5-year regional plans and annual plans of the transport ministries will be reviewed so that they are in line with the National Transport Master Plan and better coordination is maintained between different transport modes.
ITLA will conduct technical review of transport and infrastructure projects of the Central Government costing Rs 500 crore or more. Financial appraisal of these projects will continue under the existing financial appraisal system. ITLA will also monitor the progress of such projects, coordinate to resolve problems and assess the impact of the project after its completion.
The Integrated Transport and Logistics Authority will create the National Transport Data Repository (NTDR). Under this, data related to transport and logistics will be collected from GSTN's e-way bill, FASTag, Vahan, GPS based system, urban traffic management system and other related sources.
Through this data, various types of data analytics will be done including freight flow, origin-destination patterns. This will help in transportation planning, monitoring of projects and assessment of their impact.
ITLA will also advise in the review and update of the National Logistics Policy-2022. Besides, capacity building, training and skilling and adoption of research and innovation in the logistics sector will be promoted. According to the government, ITLA will play an important role in achieving the goal of 'Vision 2047'.
This is expected to help strengthen multi-modal connectivity, increase efficiency of infrastructure, reduce logistics costs and enhance India's competitiveness in the global logistics sector.
During the cabinet briefing, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnav praised PM Modi. He said that PM Modi has created a history which is unique in any democratic country. He said that there are very few countries in the world where people have repeatedly supported one leader and this support has come because of his way of working, his policies and his intentions.
Ashwini Vaishnav further said that on October 7, PM Modi will complete 25 years as the head of the government. PM Modi is completing 25 years in office as the Chief Minister of Gujarat and now the Prime Minister of India. The Cabinet congratulated and honored him for his continuous service to the country and passed a resolution in his honour.