In a significant step towards boosting logistics in the North-Eastern region (NER), the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW) and the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Shillong signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today. This collaboration establishes India’s first “Gati Shakti Research Chair,” dedicated to multimodal logistics research with a specific focus on the NER.
The Chair will drive high-quality academic research on multimodal logistics, building knowledge and expertise for the region. It will foster collaboration with global experts, strengthen links with stakeholders, and support research activities and capacity building. This aligns with the PM Gati Shakti Masterplan and aims to power the NER’s logistical capacity.
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, present at the ceremony, highlighted the importance of this initiative for the young generation and the development of the NER. He emphasized the region’s potential to become a vital logistics hub connecting South Asia with Southeast and East Asia.
A Strategic Round Table was also held, focusing on developing a collective NER logistics policy and implementing multimodal logistics policies in the region. This aligns with the National Logistic Mission and demonstrates the government’s commitment to the NER’s growth.
Minister Sonowal highlighted various government initiatives like Arth Ganga, Mahabahu Brahmaputra, and increased infrastructure investment in the NER, contributing to India’s rise in the World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index.
The MoPSW sees the Gati Shakti Chair as a catalyst for realizing the NER’s potential as a logistics hub. The Ministry will actively guide the research agenda, provide industry insights, and connect researchers with policymakers and industry stakeholders.
Minister Sonowal emphasized the government’s commitment to transforming the logistics sector since 2014, with initiatives like the PM Gati Shakti National Masterplan and the National Logistics Policy. He expressed the ambitious goal of ranking among the top 25 in the Logistics Performance Index within the next five years.
The Gati Shakti Chair initiative signifies a strong collaboration between the government and academia. This platform is expected to enhance research capabilities, enrich the intellectual environment, and ultimately benefit students, MSMEs, and the overall development of the NER.