By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Jan 4: Meghalaya has been ranked as a ‘Fast Mover’ in the recently released Logistics Ease Across Different States (LEADS) 2024 report, placing it alongside Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, and Sikkim in the North-Eastern Region (NER). The report, unveiled by Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal in New Delhi on January 3, assesses the logistics ecosystem of Indian states and union territories.
The report also categorised Assam and Arunachal Pradesh as ‘Achievers,’ indicating superior logistics performance in the NER, while Manipur was classified as an ‘Aspirer.’
The LEADS report evaluates logistics performance across four key pillars: Logistics Infrastructure, Logistics Services, Operating and Regulatory Environment, and the newly added Sustainable Logistics. It highlights state-specific initiatives and provides a roadmap for improvement.
For Meghalaya, its designation as a ‘Fast Mover’ underscores progress in building a logistics framework. Despite these advancements, logistical bottlenecks — such as difficult terrain, limited infrastructure, and regulatory challenges — remain significant hurdles for the state’s trade and commerce.
The report identifies critical areas for development in Meghalaya, particularly investments in infrastructure, such as improving road connectivity and establishing multi-modal logistics hubs. These developments could further boost the state’s ranking in future assessments. Additionally, sustainable logistics — a new pillar introduced in this year’s report — presents an opportunity for Meghalaya to leverage its eco-tourism reputation and adopt green logistics practices.
With its economy largely dependent on industries like mining, tourism, and agriculture, streamlining logistics is essential for Meghalaya to integrate better with national and international markets. Initiatives like the Shillong-Dawki road project and the push for rail connectivity in the state will likely play a pivotal role in improving logistics performance.
The felicitation function, Logistics Excellence, Advancement, and Performance Shield (LEAPS) 2024, saw the Union government emphasizing the importance of regional collaboration in logistics development. Minister Piyush Goyal highlighted the significance of the LEADS report in helping states and union territories make informed decisions about their logistics ecosystem.