Enhancing Competitiveness of Mining and Metals: Focus Area – Efficient Logistics

India's metals and mining sector is expected to experience significant growth, driven by rising demand for coal, iron ore, steel, cement and critical minerals. As freight volumes increase, logistics efficiency will become an increasingly important enabler of cost competitiveness and resilient supply chains. Continued improvements in multimodal connectivity, rail evacuation infrastructure, first- and last-mile connectivity, rail modal share, inland waterways, rail capacity, fleet utilisation and digital integration can further enhance logistics performance across the mining and metals value chain.

Prioritising the use of high-strength, durable materials in the construction and modernisation of railway wagons, ports, bridges, warehouses and material handling infrastructure is essential, as their adoption will improve structural reliability, extend asset life, reduce maintenance and life cycle costs, enhance corrosion resistance, improve operational efficiency and support the development of resilient, sustainable and future-ready logistics networks.

Realising these opportunities will require a phased roadmap combining immediate operational improvements, medium-term regulatory and infrastructure interventions and long-term investments in integrated multimodal logistics systems. The recommendations presented below are aligned with the key opportunities identified across the mining and metals logistics ecosystem.