Logistics Ease Across Different States (LEADS) 2024 Report

1. In January 2025, Ministry of Commerce and Industry released the Logistics Ease Across Different States (LEADS) 2024 Report (6^th edition) which aims to evaluate and improve the logistics performance of Indian states and UTs.
2. The report is coupled with the "Logistics Excellence, Advancement, and Performance Shield (LEAPS) 2024" awards.

1. It highlights the pivotal role of logistics in driving India’s economic growth and achieving its vision of becoming a $32 trillion economy by 2047.

What is LEADS?

1. The LEADS initiative, started in 2018 by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, provides actionable insights to improve logistics efficiency.
2. Inspired by the World Bank's Logistics Performance Index (LPI), LEADS integrates both perception-based surveys and objective indicators for a comprehensive evaluation.

3. Objectives:

1. Assess logistics infrastructure and services across states and UTs.
2. Promote competitive federalism to enhance logistics efficiency.
3. Provide actionable recommendations for reforms.

4. Evaluation Pillars:

1. Logistics Infrastructure
2. Logistics Services
3. Operating and Regulatory Environment
4. Sustainable Logistics (introduced in 2024)

What is LEADS 2024 Methodology?

1. The 6^th edition of LEADS incorporated enhanced objectivity through metrics like terminal accessibility and road corridor speeds.
2. The evaluation process included over 7,300 responses and consultations with 750+ stakeholders, providing a holistic perspective on logistics performance across regions.

Key highlights of LEADS 2024

States and UTs were categorized into 4 groups: Coastal, Landlocked, North-Eastern, and Union Territories. They were further ranked as Achievers, Fast Movers, or Aspirers based on performance.

Area	Achievers	Fast Movers	Aspirers
Coastal States	Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Odisha, Tamil Nadu	Andhra Pradesh, Goa	Kerala, West Bengal
Landlocked States	Haryana, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand	Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan	Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand
North-Eastern States	Assam, Arunachal Pradesh	Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, Tripura	Manipur
Union Territories	Chandigarh, Delhi	Dadra and Nagar Haveli & Daman and Diu, Jammu and Kashmir, Lakshadweep, Puducherry	Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Ladakh

What is LEAD Framework?

Ministry has urged logistics sector to adopt following LEAD framework to transform the logistics sector:

1. Longevity: Sustainable growth and operations.
2. Efficiency and Effectiveness: Cost-effective and impactful processes.
3. Accessibility and Accountability: Inclusive access and transparent practices.
4. Digitalisation: Leveraging AI, Machine Learning, and Data Analytics for process optimization.

Key Recommendations and Initiatives

1. Regional and City-Level Logistics Plans: Focus on last-mile connectivity.
2. Green Logistics: Promote sustainable transport practices.
3. Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): Enhance multi-modal logistics hubs and transparent land allocation.
4. Gender Inclusivity: Encourage women’s participation in logistics.
5. Skill Development: Launch of PM GatiShakti Course to enhance workforce capabilities.

Logistics Cost Framework

1. The National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER) introduced a new Logistics Cost Framework, integrating EXIM and domestic cargo data.
2. This initiative, guided by NITI Aayog and other stakeholders, aims to provide accurate cost estimates, aiding India’s economic aspirations.

Conclusion

The LEADS 2024 report and associated initiatives underscore the significance of a robust logistics ecosystem in realizing India’s economic potential. Through strategic reforms, technology integration, and a focus on sustainability and inclusivity, the logistics sector is poised to be a cornerstone of India’s journey toward becoming a global economic powerhouse.

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