Budget 2021: Logistics industry welcomes focus on infrastructure 

February 6, 2021: Rampraveen Swaminathan, MD and CEO, Mahindra Logistics welcomed the budget presented by Nirmala Sitharaman on February 1 as it focuses on infrastructure development. 

“Investment in road development across four states; Assam, Kerala, West Bengal and Tamil Nadu will provide a much-needed boost for smoother and faster logistics transportation. This move will further ensure greater connectivity in tier -2 and tier-3 cities in all these states,” he said.  

“Target of completing 11,000 kms of national highway corridor under Bharatmala project by next year will have a positive impact on the nation’s supply chain. Additionally, the highest financial package for railways will add to the smooth connectivity between different points of the country and easy and faster freight movement,” he added. 

Jakob Friis Sorenson, MD, APM Terminals Pipavav, thinks that the government is showing the firm intent to build stronger India following pandemic due to the finance minister’s focus on infrastructure, healthcare and financial sector reforms.  
“The announcement of projects worth more than ₹2000 crore under PPP mode will surely attract private investment as the Government is clear on boosting the infrastructure in next few years to recover the lost GDP during the pandemic. Promoting flagging of merchant ships in India and focus on doubling the recycling capacity by 2024 is in the right direction for it will increase jobs and enhance Indian Port sector’s standing at the global level,” he said.