Why in the news?

  • The Union Ministry for Commerce and Industry launched LEAPS 2025 to benchmark logistics excellence in India.

LEAPS 2025

  • What is it?:
    • LEAPS stands for Logistics Excellence, Advancement, and Performance Shield.
    • It is a flagship initiative to Benchmark logistics excellence across India by encouraging innovation, leadership, and best practices in the logistics sector.
  • Objectives:
    • To recognize outstanding logistics players.
    • To drive efficiency, transparency and resilience in the logistics sector.
    • To stimulate public–private–academia collaboration.
    • To reinforce “Make in India”, Atmanirbhar Bharat, and the 2047 vision of Viksit Bharat.
  • Features:
    • It spans all segments of the logistics ecosystem: air, road, rail, sea, warehousing, multimodal transport, MSMEs, startups, academia, etc.
    • Aligned with the National Logistics Policy (NLP) 2022 and the PM GatiShakti vision.
    • Emphasizes sustainability, ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) and Green Logistics.
    • LEAPS 2025 will invite applications for awards in 13 categories, broadly grouped as-
      • Core Logistics: Air Freight, Road Freight, Maritime Freight, Rail Freight, Multimodal Transport, Warehousing (Industrial/Consumables & Agriculture).
      • MSME: Logistics Service Provider.
      • Start ups: Logistics Technology Service, Logistics Operations Service.
      • Institutions: Education institutes promoting logistics.
      • Special: E-commerce logistics delivery; Multimodal logistics services / 3PL / freight forwarding / custom broker/agent.
  • Strategic Relevance:
    • Policy & Vision Alignment:
      • Strengthens implementation of National Logistics Policy (2022).
      • Embeds logistics into PM GatiShakti’s multimodal, integrated infrastructure vision.
      • Helps boost competitiveness of Indian trade & supply chains.
    • Catalyst for Innovation, ESG & Sustainability:
      • Drives adoption of green logistics, low-carbon operations.
      • Encourages smart, tech-enabled logistics solutions.
    • Ecosystem-wide Recognition & Motivation:
      • Offers visibility & prestige to logistics players.
      • Promotes healthy competition and best-practice diffusion.
    • Support to National Goals:
      • Boosts Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat ambitions.
      • Contributes to broader economic development and global positioning.
  • Potential Challenges:
    • Ensuring fair evaluation across diverse logistics players.
    • Avoiding tokenism (i.e. labels without real operational change).
    • Monitoring real impact beyond awards (i.e. sustained improvements).
    • Reaching remote / under-resourced logistics operators.