With the aim to reduce logistics costs, develop world-class infrastructure to make EXIM efficient, and benefit citizens by saving cost and time and fastening the pace of development in the country Hon’ble Prime Minister of India introduced the concept of ‘Gati Shakti- National Master Plan’ for multi-modal connectivity. It will play a major role in the integrated economic growth of the country. It is based on seven engines of growth - roads, railways, airports, ports, mass transport, waterways, and logistics. Gati Shakti will boost Indian infrastructure and multi-modal connectivity over the next years and reduce logistics costs for improved global competitiveness, thereby initiating a virtuous cycle of investments, large employment opportunities, aggregate demand, and, thus, economic growth. The commencement of the Gati Shakti Plan for Multi-modal Infrastructure Connectivity to Economic Zone has enabled efficient connectivity for the flow of products and people while facilitating operational efficiency through technology (OETT) and improving the ease of doing business (Eodb) in the country. Assuredly, the plan will boost Indian infrastructure and multi-modal connectivity over the next years and reduce logistics costs for improved global competitiveness, thereby initiating a virtuous cycle of investments, large employment opportunities, aggregate demand, and thus economic growth. Aligned with the PM Gati Shakti – National Master Plan, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) India’s Best Performing Port as per the latest Logistics Performance Index, has undertaken various projects like coastal berth, JNPA SEZ, centralized parking plaza, fourth container terminal, road widening, dry port at Wardha & Jalna, Berthing facility for ROPAX/RORO, rail connectivity from Jasai to JNPA, common railyard, additional liquid cargo jetty, etc. JNPA recently became the country’s first 100 per cent landlord port by signing a concession agreement with JM Baxi Ports and Logistics Ltd. - CMA Terminals. The new name of the JNCPT will be Nhava Sheva Freeport Terminal Private Limited. This development will empower the objectives of PM Gati Shakti-NMP. These projects will further boost the EXIM trade and bolster the nation’s economy. Multi-modal connectivity like these integrates the region’s supply chains, further enhancing trade connectivity and benefiting the business community and the people of the sub-region. It has positive impacts on employment domestic demand mobilisation and improvises the country’s macroeconomic situation. JNPA’s strategic model for conceptualising multi-modal maritime connectivity at the regional and global levels ensure manufacturing hubs get the easy and shortest route to take their goods for exports. With an extensive network of road, rail, inland shipping and container services, JNPA is well connected with the rest of the country. JNPA’s multi-modal connectivity contributes immensely along the lines of PM Gati Shakti as the port is an extended gateway globally and locally with seamless connectivity to the port by rail, road, air, etc. enhancing full and flexible access to the hinterland, creating flexibility and efficiencies among businesses, connecting the movement of people, goods and services. Gati Shakti will lend more power and speed to the National Infrastructure Pipeline by sharing resources and developing synergies towards building a more harmonised ecosystem. It will ensure last-mile connectivity to economic zones in a definite timeframe by ultimately improving India’s productive capacity and global competitiveness in manufacturing in India. By: Sanjay Sethi, Chairman, JNPA