Reciprocal tariff policy opens new horizons for India's global trade strategy: Nitin Gadkari

IANS April 11, 2025 321 views

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari is championing a transformative approach to India's global trade strategy through innovative logistics infrastructure. The Pithampur Multimodal Logistics Park represents a significant milestone in reducing transportation costs and enhancing export capabilities. By leveraging railway connectivity and strategic location, the project aims to connect agricultural regions with major maritime ports. This initiative promises to reshape India's economic landscape by making trade more efficient and competitive.

"The world is abuzz with conversations these days. Thanks to the tariffs imposed by the US, new doors of opportunity have opened for us" - Nitin Gadkari
Reciprocal tariff policy opens new horizons for India's global trade strategy: Nitin Gadkari
Bhopal, April 10: While inspecting the ambitious Multimodal Logistics Park - a project valued at an astounding 1,200 crore rupees and situated in the Pithampur industrial area, roughly 30 kilometers from Indore - the Union Minister for Roads and Highways Nitin Gadkari recognised remarkable potential for growth and development.

Key Points

1

Logistics parks will reduce India's high transportation costs

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Pithampur project spans 255 acres with railway connectivity

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Madhya Pradesh leads in organic farming exports

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Infrastructure development to enhance global trade competitiveness

The Minister of Roads and Highways said: "The world is abuzz with conversations these days. Thanks to the tariffs imposed by the US, new doors of opportunity have opened for us, enabling India to expand its trade and extend its exports across the globe."

He further highlighted a pressing challenge - the high logistics costs in India, ranging between 14 to 16 per cent, as compared to 8 per cent in China and 12 per cent in Western countries.

Acknowledging the disadvantage this posed to India's competitiveness in global markets, the Union Minister expressed confidence that the development of logistics parks, multimodal facilities, and similar infrastructure projects throughout the nation would significantly reduce these costs and strengthen India's position in trade.

Expanding on this vision, he announced that the first phase of the logistics park in Pithampur, spanning an impressive 255 acres, is set to be completed within 18 to 24 months.

This facility, he proclaimed, will not only boost trade and exports in the Malwa-Nimar region of Madhya Pradesh but will also lower logistics expenses and contribute to the region's economic prosperity.

The minister also praised Madhya Pradesh's prominence in organic farming, noting that the state produces nearly 40 per cent of the country's organic output, with the Malwa-Nimar region alone contributing 75 per cent of the state's total production.

The minister laid the foundation for a 'railway siding' at the Pithampur logistics park.

This railway link, he explained, will allow the agricultural produce of the Malwa-Nimar region to reach major ports like Jawaharlal Nehru in Mumbai, as well as Kandla and Mundra in Gujarat, both more affordably and more quickly.

Additionally, he shared plans to obtain government approvals for inspecting containers at the Pithampur site itself. This would allow goods to be directly transported to ports via railway and swiftly loaded onto ships for international trade.

With a touch of eloquence, the minister likened this development to "bringing Mumbai's sea to Pithampur."

Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Finally some concrete steps to improve our logistics infrastructure! The railway siding idea is brilliant - will save so much time and money for farmers. Hope they stick to the 24-month timeline 🤞
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Priya M.
Love the focus on organic farming! MP is really leading the way. But I wonder if they've considered the environmental impact of such large logistics parks? Development is good but sustainability matters too 🌱
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Amit S.
"Bringing Mumbai's sea to Pithampur" - what a visionary statement! This is exactly the kind of thinking we need to compete globally. Our logistics costs have been a major handicap for too long.
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Sunita R.
While I appreciate the enthusiasm, I hope they've done proper feasibility studies. Big projects like this often face delays and cost overruns. The concept is solid but execution will be key.
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Vikram D.
As someone from Indore, this is exciting news! Pithampur is already an industrial hub, and this logistics park will take it to the next level. Maybe we'll finally get better roads in the area too? 😅
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Neha P.
The focus on reducing logistics costs from 14% to competitive levels could be game-changing for Indian exports. But will local small businesses benefit or just the big players? Hope there's inclusive growth planned.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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Tags:
Nitin Gadkari Multimodal Logistics Park India Trade Strategy Pithampur Madhya Pradesh Exports Infrastructure Development
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