BS EDIT: Integrated Transport: Key to India’s Economic Growth

By Business StandardPublished On Apr 15, 2025

Fragmented planning hampers growth

India's transport infrastructure is siloed. A new interministerial approach aims to unite rail, road, aviation, and shipping

Global lessons in transport planning

Countries like the US and Japan benefit from integrated transport systems. India is moving in the same direction

Roads dominate freight transport

70% of freight is road-based, while rail and waterways lag. The new framework focuses on improving multimodal transport

Reducing logistics costs

Logistics costs in India are high. The integrated transport plan aims to reduce these and attract private investment

Success with Dedicated Freight Corridors

The Eastern and Western DFCs have improved freight speed. Coordinated planning will further enhance efficiency

Connecting hubs and hinterlands

Integrated planning will improve connectivity, as seen with Kandla port and the Varanasi freight village