TheHimachal Pradeshgovernment has notified itsLogistic Policy2022 under Gati Shakti National Master Plan to create an efficient and sophisticated ecosystem to support the states industrial Growth. The policy aims to strengthen the logistics infrastructures of the state by promoting Investment from private sector to develop Inland Container Depots (ICDs), Common Facility Centres (CFCs), Integrated Cold Chain, Logistic Parks, Truck Terminals, Air Cargo facilities, Quality testing labs, Integrated Cold Chain etc.
According to the policy, it will be the states goal to build key logistics hubs that can handle freight from the states higher reaches, particularly agricultural and Horticulture products to support first mile connectivity. It says that Shoghi in Shimla district, Sauli Khad inMandidistrict, and Pandoga inUnadistrict are all potential locations for such logistical hubs and the state will provide incentives for setting up primary processing centres to facilitate the vast agro-Industry in the state.
The State Government has also constituted an Empowered Group of Secretaries under the chairmanship of the chief secretary for the overall development of logistics sector in the state and also to ensure the projects are in line with the vision of PM GatiShakti NMP.
The policy says that to support the existing industrial corridor, the state would provide the required Infrastructure assistance for the establishment of an Industrial Logistics and Warehousing Hub in the Baddi-Barotiwala-Nalagarh region.
Himachal Pradesh currently lacks a robust Network of customs Ports, with only one ICD facility located inBaddi. The state government will continue to look into the possibility of establishing new ICDs and CFCs as needed, as well as assist the development of logistic parks, warehousing zones, and other similar facilities wherever feasible. The state would support the establishment of transportation and warehousing zones at strategic locations.