CargoConnect OCTOBER26_For DIGITAL EDITION - Flipbook - Page 42
F E
A T
U
R E
INTEROPERABILITY
THE NEXT BIG LEAP
IN LOGISTICS
There is a clear shift from fragmented logistics networks towards a connected,
intelligent and interoperable digital ecosystem. As technology ceases to be
the principal constraint, challenges around trust, governance, commercial
alignment, data ownership and common standards are coming to the fore.
Smiti Suri and Akanksha Singh explore how neutral platforms, open APIs,
intelligent data layers and collaborative frameworks can transcend privatesector silos, enabling stakeholders to move beyond connectivity towards truly
integrated, predictive and operationally resilient supply chain
O
ver the past decade, India’s
logistics ecosystem has undergone signi昀椀cant transformation
through integrated infrastructure planning, digitalisation
and regulatory reforms. The
PM GatiShakti National Master Plan, launched in October
2021, introduced a multimodal,
technology-driven approach to freight movement. Its
GIS-based platform integrated planning across 58
Ministries and Departments and incorporated more
than 3,202 data layers by June 2026.
The National Logistics Policy (NLP), launched in
September 2022, further strengthened the focus on
logistics e昀케ciency and supply-chain costs. India’s World
Bank Logistics Performance Index (LPI) ranking improved
from 54 in 2014 to 38 in 2023, with a target of entering
India’s logistics transformation
combines integrated infrastructure,
digital platforms and regulatory reform,
improving global performance while
targeting top-25 status by 2030.
42 | CARGOCONNECT OCTOBER 2026
the top 25 by 2030. Platforms including Uni昀椀ed Logistics
Interface Platform (ULIP), Logistics Data Bank (LDB)
and NETC FASTag have also expanded cargo visibility
and information sharing, with ULIP recording more
than 450 crore API transactions by July 2026.
Enabling Ground-Level CrossPlatform Connectivity
The next challenge is connecting the systems that
underpin freight movement. ULIP has created an
important digital foundation, but integrating government
and private-sector systems remains critical.
Mrinal Rai, Co-founder and CPO, Intugine
Technologies, describes ULIP as a landmark achievement but points to the fragmentation that remains
across private logistics networks. “The interoperability
breakthrough won’t come from mandates; it will come
from platforms that make data sharing commercially
attractive,” he stresses.
At Intugine, more than seven million trucks are
tracked by combining SIM-based signals, GPS pings,
FASTag transactions and Vahan records. Rai argues
that no single data source provides a complete picture,
but combining multiple sources can create a coherent
view of freight movement. The commercial incentive is therefore important: when data sharing helps
transporters reduce disputes and accelerate payments,
participation becomes more attractive.
Sandeep Chatterjee, Supply Chain Architect,
Trinamix, similarly observes that “ULIP has solved only
