National Highways Logistics Management Limited (NHLML) and Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) have signed an MoU to develop a Multi-Modal Logistics Park (MMLP) in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. The agreement was signed in the presence of Union Ministers Nitin Gadkari and Sarbananda Sonowal.
Spread over 150 acres, the MMLP will be strategically linked to NH7 via a 650-meter access road and is located just 1.5 km from the NH7-NH2 junction. It will also connect to the Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor through a 5.1 km railway line from Jeonathpur Station and National Waterway-1. The park lies 30 km from Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport.
The project is expected to attract significant investment, create employment opportunities, and boost India’s logistics and trade efficiency, reinforcing its economic growth ambitions.
On August 24, 2022, a significant tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the National Highways Logistics Management Limited (NHLML), the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), and Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) to facilitate the swift development of modern Multi-Modal Logistics Parks (MMLPs) under the Bharatmala Pariyojna initiative.
Strategic Significance of the Varanasi MMLP
The proposed MMLP in Varanasi is strategically positioned to serve as a pivotal cargo aggregation and trans-shipment hub. Spanning approximately 150 acres, the facility is designed to integrate seamlessly with multiple transportation modes:
- Rail Connectivity: A 5.1 km railway line will link the MMLP to the Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor via the Jeonathpur Station, facilitating efficient movement of goods across regions.
- Road Access: The park is connected to National Highway 7 (NH7) through a 650-meter access road and is situated just 1.5 km from the NH7-NH2 junction, ensuring smooth road transportation.
- Air Proximity: Located approximately 30 km from the Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, the MMLP offers potential for air freight services, enhancing its logistical versatility.
- Inland Waterways: Proximity to National Waterway-1 enables the utilization of inland water transport, promoting cost-effective and sustainable cargo movement.
Objectives and Expected Outcomes
The development of the Varanasi MMLP aims to centralize freight consolidation, thereby reducing logistics costs from the current 14% to less than 10% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), aligning with international standards.
By offering world-class facilities such as cargo terminals, material handling systems, warehousing, container terminals, and cold storage, the MMLP is poised to streamline supply chains and enhance the efficiency of freight movement. The integration of technology-driven freight management systems will further bolster operational effectiveness.
Moreover, the Varanasi MMLP is expected to stimulate economic growth in the region by creating employment opportunities and attracting investments, thereby contributing to the overall socio-economic development of Uttar Pradesh and its neighboring states.
Collaborative Effort for Infrastructure Advancement
This initiative exemplifies a collaborative approach to infrastructure development, leveraging the expertise of NHLML in highway logistics, IWAI’s proficiency in inland water transport, and RVNL’s experience in railway projects. Such synergy is anticipated to expedite the project’s completion and operationalization, setting a precedent for future multi-modal infrastructure projects across the country.
In summary, the establishment of the Multi-Modal Logistics Park in Varanasi represents a significant milestone in India’s endeavor to modernize its logistics infrastructure, enhance supply chain efficiency, and reduce transportation costs, thereby fostering economic growth and competitiveness on a global scale.
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