India Plans iLOG Platform To Revamp Logistics With Blockchain-Based Monitoring

The Indian government has recognised the need for stronger technology-led interventions for the increasingly critical logistics sector in the Economic Survey 2020-21. The survey proposes solutions for real-time monitoring of logistics infrastructure by integrating various existing solutions through blockchain. 

Backing up the announcements made at last year’s Union Budget such as the National Logistics Policy, the survey delved into various schemes and solutions planned by the government to create a more efficient logistics supply chain. 

Real Time Monitoring And iLOG Platform

The two key developments under works according to the survey include a logistics planning and performance monitoring tool (LPPT) for real-time monitoring of operational performance and logistics infrastructure utilisation, as well as the India Logistics (iLOG) platform to bridge the gaps between the various tech solutions used across the national logistics value chain. 

The LPPT will help monitor the asset utilisation of infrastructure such as ports, airports, various corridors comprising national and state highways, inland container depots and more. 

iLOG, is being developed for integrating all logistics-related digital portals that have been deployed by the government over the years for customs clearance, international trade facilitation, cargo handling at seaports, as well as information and registration systems for freight operations and vehicles. Since each of these systems has adopted a different approach, there are critical gaps that require manual or offline processing at various stages, which the iLOG would look to solve. 

The system is envisioned as an open API stack with secure logistics document exchange (Aadhaar and blockchain-based security protocols), truck visibility & positioning platform, electronic registry of warehousing, digital trucking, logistics account number (LAN), digital green corridor (for low emission transport), digital port decongestion and container tracking and management system.

Skilling For The Logistics Sector

Beyond the tech-centric plans, the survey estimates that the logistics sector employs 12 Mn workforce, involved mainly in land transportation, warehousing (storage and packaging), supply chain and courier and express services. In order to impart the right set of skills to this labour force, a curriculum on logistics and supply chain is being developed for classes 9 and 10 at the school level. Courses will be introduced in Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and polytechnics under central government and state skilling missions.

Especially, since the Covid-19 pandemic, the logistics sector has risen to prominence like never before as businesses across the board have adopted these solutions.