Srinagar, March 29: The Jammu and Kashmir administration is preparing a draft policy that intends to grant “industry status” to the logistics sector. The move aims to reduce high transport costs and minimize post-harvest losses for agricultural and horticultural produce. However, the policy’s draft does not specify locations for the establishment of dry ports.
The announcement was made in response to a question posed in the Assembly by Congress legislator Ghulam Ahmad Mir, who inquired about the impact of the absence of a structured dry port policy on the export competitiveness of products like apples, walnuts, and almonds.
In his reply, Industries and Commerce Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary stated that the draft policy proposes to grant “industry status” to the logistics sector. This would make logistics projects eligible for benefits available under the Industrial Policy once the framework is officially notified. According to details received by The Chenab Times, the policy is in its final stages of development after undergoing public consultations and is designed to address significant gaps within the current logistics ecosystem. The minister acknowledged that efficient logistics infrastructure is crucial for enhancing the export competitiveness of both industrial goods and the Union Territory’s horticultural and agricultural outputs.
Regarding infrastructure development, the government outlined a general framework rather than committing to specific dry port locations. The draft policy includes provisions for the establishment of Inland Container Depots (ICDs), Container Freight Stations (CFSs), lorry terminals, and Multi-Modal Logistics Parks (MMLPs), all intended to be equipped with customs clearance facilities.
The policy also defines specific infrastructure standards and detailed descriptions for various logistics facilities, including ICDs, CFSs, and Air Freight Stations, outlining the minimum operational requirements for each.
To mitigate post-harvest losses, the draft policy places emphasis on cold-chain integration. It defines cold chain infrastructure to encompass Controlled Atmosphere (CA) storage, blast freezing units, refrigerated transport, and modern warehousing facilities suitable for perishable goods. Customs-linked operations are to be conducted under regulatory oversight with provisions for bonded warehousing.
The government further indicated that the policy encourages private sector involvement in the development of logistics infrastructure. This includes promoting green logistics initiatives and improving connectivity through public-private partnership (PPP) models.
In response to a specific inquiry concerning South Kashmir, particularly the Dooru area in Anantnag district, the government clarified that no particular locations have been identified within the draft policy. The reply stated that the draft Logistic Policy does not directly name any specific area like Dooru or Anantnag. The development of infrastructure will be determined by factors such as feasibility studies, demand assessments, and commercial viability, leveraging a combination of public investment and private participation.
The policy, upon its formal notification, is anticipated to play a significant role in strengthening supply chains, reducing logistics expenditures, and improving the overall efficiency of trade and exports originating from Jammu and Kashmir.
The Chenab Times News Desk