SMILE Programme supports the implementation of the National Logistics Policy and PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan
New Delhi, NFAPost: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) funded Strengthening Multimodal and Integrated Logistics Ecosystem (SMILE) Programme has the objectives of improving India’s logistics infrastructure, reducing logistics costs, and increasing efficiency.
In a written reply in the Rajya Sabha Minister of State for Commerce & Industry Jitin Prasada said SMILE Programme supports the implementation of the National Logistics Policy and PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan by strengthening multimodal logistics, standardising warehousing, and promoting digitalization in trade logistics.
“The SMILE programme aims to establish and operationalise a comprehensive policy framework to enhance logistics efficiency through strengthening the institutional bases for multimodal logistics infrastructure development at the National, State, and City levels,” said Minister of State for Commerce & Industry Jitin Prasada.
He also said the SMILE programme standardise warehousing and other logistics assets to strengthen supply chains and incentivize greater private sector investment.
“It also improves efficiencies in external trade logistics and adopts smart systems for efficient and low-emission logistics. These would improve resilience of supply chains, especially for India’s manufacturing sector,” said Minister of State for Commerce & Industry Jitin Prasada.
The SMILE Programme is designed to study and identify policy, infrastructure, and digital interventions in various processes which are helpful in improving India’s competitiveness in Logistics Performance Index and resultantly increased job opportunities.
The logistics infrastructure programme includes dedicated measures for gender inclusion. The programme also aims to develop a mechanism for gender audit of land ports as part of the “gender inclusion in trade” mandate of the National Trade Facilitation Action Plan (2020-23), and assess operational integrated check posts in the country and ensure they satisfy minimum requirements of gender responsiveness.
The SMILE Programme aligns with the Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) initiative by strengthening domestic manufacturing, improving logistics efficiency, and enabling better integration into global trade network. This would enhance the competitiveness of Indian industries, reduce dependencies on inefficient logistics, and support the vision of making India a global manufacturing and supply chain hub. By fostering private investment and digital transformation, the program contributes to long-term economic resilience and growth.
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