1 Multimodal Transport System In India Sustainability Model March 2020 www.grusandgrade.com Ravi Soni | Sunil Patil
1
Multimodal
Transport
System In India Sustainability Model
March 2020
www.grusandgrade.com
Ravi Soni | Sunil Patil
2
Disclaimer
This document does not claim that every theory and
model to be original. The key interpretations, logical
designs, critical approach and interpretations based
on derivatives, findings expressed herein are those
of the student(s) and do not necessarily reflect the
views of any individual, organization or institution.
The purpose of this note is purely academic and for
creating interest in the academic/intellectual
community for further research and innovation in the
area of Logistics & Distribution Management for
sustainable development of the sector.
Rights and Permission
The authors/ researchers of this project report hold
the copyright for the entire scope of work. Copying
and/or transmitting portions may be violation of the
copyright laws.
Acknowledgements
This report has been prepared by
group of Students from IIM Indore to
identify the core concepts and
develop models for sustainable
agricultural development programs,
policies and methodologies.
We thank Prof. Krishnan Natarajan
for his guidance, support and
encouragement for building up the
concepts and the contents of this
research paper.
We also thank the entire team of
librarians in IIM Indore for providing
us the research documents and
helping us zeroing the search process
for timely completion of the report.
3
Table of Contents Abbreviations .......................................................................................................................................... 5
Multimodal Transport System (MTS) | An Overview ............................................................................. 7
Global Perspective : European Case Analysis ........................................................................................ 8
Transport System in India | Critical Evaluation .................................................................................... 10
Road Transport ................................................................................................................................. 12
Railways ............................................................................................................................................ 14
Waterways : Shipping ....................................................................................................................... 16
Airways .............................................................................................................................................. 18
Economic Growth of India |Multimodal Transport .......................................................................... 19
Transport Infrastructure Growth In India : An Economic Perspective .............................................. 20
Multimodal Transport in India : A basic perspective ........................................................................ 21
Multimode Transport System & Sustainable Growth Study : System Approach.................................. 23
Energy Consumption : Mathematical Decomposition ...................................................................... 24
Multimodal Transport in India : A Low Carbon Model for the policy Makers ................................. 27
Technological Innovations as enablers : Multimodal Transport Revolution ........................................ 29
MTS | Pricing Strategy .......................................................................................................................... 32
Multimodal Transport System : Legal Framework ................................................................................ 36
Challenges and Constraints ................................................................................................................... 38
Key Recommendation .......................................................................................................................... 40
Bibliography .......................................................................................................................................... 41
4
5
Abbreviations
AI : Artificial Intelligence
DFC : Dedicate Freight Corridor
EG is Economic Growth
GCF : Gross Domestic Capital Formation
GLTIH : Growth Led Transport Infrastructure Hypothesis
KDS : Kolkata Dock System
IEA : International Energy Agency
LPN : Logistic Performance Index
MTS : Multimodal Transport System
MTO : Multimodal Transport Operator
NPP : National Perspective Plan
OECD : Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development
RFID : Radio Frequency Identification
PACS : Port Control System : Multimodal Transport System
TILGH : Transport Infrastructure Led Growth Hypothesis
TINF : Total Transport Infrastructure
MTS : Multimodal Transport System
MTS : Multimodal Transport System
MTS : Multimodal Transport System
MTS : Multimodal Transport System
MTS : Multimodal Transport System
UNIDROIT : International Institute for the Unification of Private Law
3 PL : Third Party Logistics Provider
UNCTAD : United Nation Conference on Trade and Development
VECM : Vector Error Correction Model
6
Abbreviations
7
Multimodal Transport System (MTS) | An
Overview
A Multimodal Transport System uses a combination of more
than one mode of transport and integrates the scope and
viability of simultaneous use of various inter-linked network of
distribution and logistics channels. Thus, use of at least two or
more modes of transportation which enhances the overall
efficiency of distribution channel can be briefly termed as
Multimodal Transport System
An efficient and sustainable model which uses various channels
of transportation for efficient allocation and use of resources.
This helps not only to reduce the lead time for delivery of goods
and services but also encompasses financial and cost efficiency,
on time delivery, warehouse and storage efficiency, information
and communication flow as well as environmental protection
(by reduced use of energy and fuel). The model also helps to
contains risk of damages, wastage and pilferages.
A simple elucidation of use of multimodal transport system can
be explained in the following diagram:
What is Multimodal Transport System
An integrated transport, logistics
& distribution strategy that
involves more than one or
different modes of
transportation briefly describes
Multimodal Transport System.
“ Movement of goods in
one and the same
loading unit* or road
vehicle, which uses
successively two or more
modes of transport
without handling the
goods themselves in
changing modes” [UN
CEC ]
*Loading Units : Containers, Swap
Bodies, Cranable Semi-Trailers
Key Features
Customer Order
Warehouse
Load to truck
Lead to Rail
Wagon & unload
to railroad car
Use rail service Lead to Cargo Plane
Reload
truck
8
Global Perspective : European Case
Analysis
As per the research
report of Norbert
Wagner published in
Scientific Journal of
Logistics, the
Multimodal transport
system uses makes
optimal use of all
channels of
transportation can
ideally contribute to
increase in level of
efficiency and
attractiveness of the overall transport system. This will
ease the burden of all logistical solutions from road
infrastructure and build in additional capacity in water, rail
and air network.
Intermodal Markets can be classified into two broad
categories :
1. Seaborne trade : Pre-On Carriage From-To Seaport
Hinterland
2. Continental intermodal : Unaccompanied craneable
semi-trailers
and swap
bodies
Seaborne Container Transport : Economies of Scale and
Multimodality
Sovereign data across various countries in Europe indicate
that the container traffic has reached a relatively maturity
stage. Still there are scope for organic growth and with the
innovation in technology and integration of multimodal
network, the scalability has been studied in the present
report on the basis of the following recommendations :
Few Facts
➢ Freight transport (by volume in
ton-km) will grow up to 150-230
% by 2050.
➢ EU policy Aim : By 2030 shift 30%
by 2030 and 50% by 20250 of
road freight to other modes such
as Waterways or Railways
➢ At present the share of road
transport in land freight
transport in EU is approximately
70%
Source : Scientific Journal of Logistics
Innovation is the key
The model innovations required
development of multimodal transport
in Europe include :
A. Multimodal transport in ocean
carriers in maritime hinterland
transportation
B. Innovation in technology related
to handling of non-craneable
logistics
C. Development of dedicated
freight corridors for long distance
intermodal transport within the
TEN-T network and Europe Asia
corridor
Intermodal Transport in Europe
MULTIMODAL TRANSPORT IS A ‘LEGAL
TERM’ AND IS USED FOR ‘DOOR TO
DOOR MOVEMENT OF GOODS UNDER
THE RESPONSIBILITY OF A SINGLE
TRANSPORT OPERATOR KNOWN AS
MUTIMODAL TRANSPORT OPERATIOR
(MTO) ON ONE TRANSPORT
DOCUMENT.
[UNCTAD, 2014]
“Containerization is a sea battle,
fought and won ashore”
9
Hinterland hubs & dry ports
Establish hinterland terminals and hubs which act as centres
for sorting, consolidation and distribution of containers and
railcars.
Hinterland distribution centres
The share of ports in logistics and distribution channel is very
high. This burden can be shifted to hinterlands, thus reducing
the burden on ports, decongesting the roads and making
inventory flow smooth.
Make sea carrier a realty in multimodal transport network
Integrate the land leg and provide a full packaged service.
o Integration of vessels owning ocean carriers and sell
container over capacity
o Multivariant 3 PL ( Third Party Logistic Provider)
o Reduce imbalance in container flow and logistics
o Invest into hinterland system development which is pre-
condition for developing a robust multimodal transport
system.
Technological innovations and interventions
Semi-Trailers dominate with more than 66% of transport
volume, but less than 2% of these are equipped with vertical
handlers and robotic cranes.
There is a vast scope for development of material handling
and automated crane in Semi-Trailer segment. Though many
technological thought process has done research in the
segment, but none has gone beyond pilot test stage.
Provision for multimodal
transport document came
into force in 1992
[UNCATD 1992]. These
documents are the FIATA
Bill of Lading or the
MULTIDOC 95.
This document serve as a
document of title and are
bankable in documentary
credit as per UCPDC 600.
Plaza Logestica
Zaragoza
The logistical park in the
outskirts of Zaragoza,
Spain with a total surface
area of 12,826,898 sq m
and an initial investment
of over € 170 million,
PLAZA is the largest
logistical park in Europe.
It acts as a hub for
multimodal transport
network in Europe.
MULTIMODAL TRANSPORT DOC.
On account of increase in transportation and logistics cost
supplemented by a pressure to reduce greenhouse gases
(fuel efficacy increase) technological innovation in rail
transport becomes imperative.
An innovation in IOT, ICT, AI, Digitalization, Blockchain,
Augmented Realty is thus the need of hour for developing
a sustainable multimodal transport network.
10
Transport System in India |
Critical Evaluation
11
12
Road Transport
India has one of the largest road network
of more than 5.8 million KM. This network
is responsible for 64.5% of transport of
goods and more than 90% of the passenger
traffic. With the improvement in
connectivity in rural area and development
of improved infrastructure in roads, the
volume per Sq. km of roads has increased
rapidly.
Investment in Road Transport Infrastructure
Total investment in the sector increased from USD 7.43 billion in year 2014-15 to USD 22.73 billion in
year 2018-19. As per the data released by
Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion,
construction development projects resulted in
inflow of USD 25.12 billion through FDI route. In
March 2019, NHAI projects worth USD 15.99 billion
were inaugurated.
The Government through a series of initiatives, is
working on policies to attract significant investor
interest. It is estimated that by 2022 a total of
22,000 km of national highway will be completed.
Few interesting facts
➢ A total of 65,000 km of roads and highways are to be constructed under Bharatmala
Pariyojana.
➢ As of November 2019, there were 9,242 PPP projects in India, of which 2,864 were related to
roads and bridges.
➢ The construction of national highway per day increased to 26.9 kms per day in FY18 from
11.6 kms per day in FY14.
13
14
Railways
Indian Railways is among the world’s
largest rail network with a total route
length of 1,23,236 km transports 3 million
tons (MT) of freight daily and
approximately 3 million passenger travel
daily on it.
Main benefits of transportation through
railways include :
a. Cost efficiency
b. Less fuel/energy consumption
c. Mass transportation and time reduction due to dedicated network.
IR’s revenue increased at a CAGR of 6.2% during FY 2018-19 to USD 27.13 billion in FY 2019. Fregith
revenue grew at CAGR of 4030% during the same period. IR is among the top 20 exporters, and its
exports has grown at a CAGR of 31.51% during last ten years. The estimated exports during the year
2019 was USD 635 million.
The total FDI inflow during last ten years ( 2010-
18) has been USD 997.24 million.
Over a period of next five years, IR market will be
world’s third largest and will account for more
than 10% of the global market.
As per the projection’s the freight traffic via the
Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFCs) will increase
at a CAGR of 5.4% to 182 MT in FY 2021-22.
Dedicated Freight Corridor Corp. of India Ltd (DFCCIL), is already building the first two freight
corridors—Eastern Freight Corridor from Ludhiana to Dankuni (1,856km) and Western Freight
Corridor from Dadri to Jawaharlal Nehru Port (1,504km)—at a total cost of Rs 81,000 crore (US$ 11.59
billion).
https://www.bing.com/images/search?q=download+picture+of+indian+rail&id=4C930B6C408D81D4B19BECE6DDD539C684B7B632&FORM=IQFRBA
15
16
Waterways : Shipping
As per Ministry of Shipping, GOI
approximately 95% of the country’s
trading by volume and 70% by value is
done through maritime transport.
India has 12 major ports and 205 minor
and intermediate ports. Under National
Perspective Plan (NPP) for Sagarmala,
six more ports will be developed. While
we have a cost line of 7517 km, the full
potential of this wide cost line is yet to be explored fully. The GOI has allowed 100% FDI under
automatic route for port and harbour construction and maintenance projects. There is also a provision
of 10 year tax holiday to the enterprise who develop ports, inland waterways and ports.
The cargo traffic at major ports in the country during FY 2019 was 669.05 MT and in the current year
till Nov 2019 it was 463.07 MT. The major ports had a capacity of 1514.09 MT per annum. As per the
GOI’s Maritime Agenda 2010-20, the total
capacity build up of 3130 MT has been
targeted for FY 2020.
The sector witnessed three major M&A deals
in 2017 for USD 29 million. GOI plans to
develop ten costal economic regions as part
of revival strategy of Sagarmala Project.
During the year 2019, National Waterway-2
(cargo on Brahmaputra in NE India) was
initiated. Technological upgradation such as implantation of RFID based Port Control System (PACS) at
Kolkata Dock System has been initiated.
In March 2018, a revised Model Concession Agreement (MCA) was approved to make port projects
more investor-friendly and make investment climate in the sector more attractive.
17
18
Airways
Though the civil aviation industry in India
has been identified as one of the fastest
growing industries of the world, the
sector has its own challenges. The capital
intensive industry operates on razor thin
operating margin. Any inefficient
management or service quality leads to
downfall of the industry, leading to
resource constraints. The sector has seen
two major bankruptcies (Jet &
Kingfisher), while the state run Air India is
also witnessing its gradual demise.
Despite these challenges and setback, the Indian Aviation market is growing steeply and is expected
to overtake UK to become worlds third largest air passenger market by 2024.
The sector has rich potential for investment and as per DIIP, FDI inflow in the country’s air sector
reached USD 1904.07 million between April
2010 and June 2019. The Govt has 100 percent
FDI under automatic route in scheduled air
transport service. FDI over 49% require
Government approval.
The GOI is planning to invest USD 1.83 billion
for development of airport infrastructure
along with navigation services by 2026.
• As per the Union Budget 2019-20, government will promote aircraft financing and leasing
activities to make India's aviation market self-reliant.
• In February 2019, the Government of India sanctioned the development of a new greenfield
airport in Hirasar, Gujarat, with an estimated investment of Rs 1,405 crore (US$ 194.73
million).
https://www.bing.com/images/search?q=picture+of+airway+cargo&id=D9D9BE110DE4D2761CB11747BE366CE8B9C4BB6E&FORM=IQFRBA
19
Economic Growth of India |Multimodal Transport
The sustainability of growth and development of Indian economy can be facilitated by development
of integrated and robust transportation network. A multimodal solution for developing an integrated
and sustainable infrastructure network is not only the sufficient but also a necessary condition for a
progressive India.
The key benefits of developing a sustainable multimodal transport network in India are:
1. Increase in production, distribution and logistical capability. GDP & Employment growth.
2. Reduces time, improves allocation of resources and helps in increased ROI.
3. Changes aggregate demand (called the infrastructure effect)
4. Saves cost, improves fuel consumption, reduces energy consumption.
5. Helps in creating less carbon footprint, reduces green-house gas emission. A sustainable
model.
6. Targets universal education and healthcare
20
Transport Infrastructure Growth In India : An Economic Perspective
The above nexus indicates that the transport infrastructure and economic growth are deeply
interlinked.
Two different hypothesis thus exists for building
up relationship between economic growth and transportation infrastructure development :
Hypothesis 1 : TILGH
Transport Infrastructure Led Growth Hypothesis
Hypothesis 2 : GLTIH
Growth Led Transport Infrastructure Hypothesis
As per the Keynesian economic model, the state needs to pay the toll for infusing economic
development, thus make investment to create demand. India witnessed demand led development
model post liberalization (1991 onwards). In the present paper we have tried to capture the effect of
rail and road infrastructure development to understand the economic growth.
In order to analyse the interrelation
between Transport infrastructure and
economic growth, the following function
has been used :
EG = f ( TINF, GCF)
Where, EG is Economic Growth
TINF : Total Transport Infrastructure
GCF : Gross Domestic Capital Formation
(GDP has been used as a proxy for
economic growth for analysis)
A mathematical prognosis based on
Granger Casualty test (VECM approach) which has not been elaborated in the present work (beyond
the scope of present paper) indicates that there exists a bidirectional causality between road
infrastructure and economic growth and vice versa.
Demand Driven Growth
ECONOMIC EXPANSION IS THE REAL
REAON FOR GROWTH OF TRASPORT
INFRASTRUCTURE
DEMAND PULLS TRASNPORTAION
GROWTH
Supply Driven Growth
DUE TO INVESTMENT IN
INFRASTRUCTURE OF TRASNPORT
SYSTEM, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IS
GETTIGN AUGMENTED
INVESTMENT PUSHES ECONOMIC
GROWTH
21
Multimodal Transport in India : A basic perspective
End to End delivery of goods and services in a county like
India with huge geographic and demographic divide is a
humongous job.
Multimodal transport service in India can shape its own
perspective for different service providers of the county.
Majority of report and logistic firms in India are family
owned or small dis-integrated players.
This acts as a major challenge and dissuading factor for
creating a robust and efficient multimodal transport
network.
Development of an integrated multimodal infrastructure
requires huge capital investment as well as coherent and
transparent policy initiative.
In 1960’s Indian Railways played a crucial role in
promoting multimodal transport in India.
Standardized ISO containers began to be used 1970
onwards and in 1981 the first ISO container was moved.
In 1988 CONCOR was established as an offshoot of IR
Multimodal Transport Act was passed in 1993 by Indian
Parliament to establish a standardization in the sector.
Director General of Shipping was identified as the
competent authority.
This act paved way for Multimodal Transport Operators
(MTO)
IT has been the major enabler in this sector. Use of RIFD,
E-Way Bill, GPS Tracking, Robotics, Analytics and AI,
Blockchain, IoT, ICT and Augmented Glass has been the
new generation technological revolutions transforming
multimodal transport infrastructure.
Complete supply chain and documentation process has
been revolutionized due to integration of technology.
Completion of dedicated freight corridors (DFCs) will
enhance the share of rail freight in the country from the
current 30% to around 60-70%
Private players have been given licence to own their
freight trains. This will reduce monopoly of CONCOR
while improving the infrastructure due to private
investment.
NE India has taken a lead in development of MMT
Infrastructure in India.
In Varanasi, a freight
village is being developed
along the river to enhance
the potential of Eastern
DFC and to augment traffic
capacity along the National
Waterway 1. Inland
waterways cargo
movement has already
started from NW-1 by
PepsiCo, Dabur, Emami,
IFFCO from Kolkata to
Varanasi where a freight
village is being developed
to connect it to the
eastern DFC
TOP 15 Logistics Firms in
India
1. Indian Railways
2. House of Patels
3. VRL Group
4. TCI
5. CCIL
6. Gati Ltd.
7. Ghage Patil Transport
8. Logistics Post
9. Eastern Cargo Carriers
10. ABC India Ltd
11. Aegis Group
12. Allcargo Logistics
13. DTDC
14. Safeexpress
15. Global Vectra Helicorp
STORIES
22
23
Multimode Transport System & Sustainable Growth Study : System
Approach
In order to understand the major constraints and need for development of multimodal transport
network, we have tried to draw a system archetype diagram for a system’s approach view :
24
The system’s approach in the diagram above indicates that though there
are positive reinforcing loops created by robust
development of infrastructure thereby promising
the growth needed for growing needs and
demand of an ever increasing population, in
the hindsight it is constrained by a multiple of
factors such as policy delays, infrastructural
bottlenecks, disintegrated players, high
consumption of energy and fuel and carbon
emission. These have adverse effect on sustainability.
In order to overcome the challenges, a system’s approach is needed. This implies that a concerted
effort of all the stakeholder’s such as Government, General Population, Investors, Industrialist,
NGOs, World Organizations etc need to act simultaneously to build a robust multi modal transport
system.
The development of a robust infrastructure can help India save more than 10% of its cost of logistics
and thus boost the exports by more than 5-6% annually due to cost differentiation from transport
system itself.
Energy Consumption : Mathematical Decomposition
We have tried to formulate a mathematical model keeping in view the following objectives:
➢ To determine cause for the change in
energy consumption in transport
sector in India.
➢ To understand pattern of energy
consumption and their causes for
change.
Changes in energy consumption (increase)
attributed to :
1. Growth in Transport Volume (increase
2. Structural change or modal
3. Energy Intensity (decline)
25
India is a low carbon county, but the growth engine are fast accelerating which means demand led
growth in transport infrastructure. While growth is not only a sufficient but also a necessary condition
for feeding the mouth of more than 1.2 billion population and give them a basic standard of living, the
huge dependence on limited resources are fuelling unsustainable growth model.
Thus, the need of the hour is to frame policies
to develop model that are environmentally
sustainable.
The major problem faced by India is high
volume of road transport vis-à-vis
benchmarked countries. The Indian policy
needs to focus on developing a robust and
integrated Multimodal Transport System.
In order to over inefficacy, consumer behaviour
needs to be changed. It thus implies in the pure
economic terms, the utility function of the consumers needs to be radically changed to develop a
sustainable consumer class.
We are the 3rd largest CO2 emitter after US and China and as per International Energy Agency (IEA) we
account for almost 5% of the global carbon emission. IEA states that China & India increased their
emission from road transport by a factor of four and three respectively since 2000.
Transport sector in India is responsible for 10% of total energy consumption. India has witnessed a
growth story of about 7% in last one decade. This has led to inequitable growth of wealth. This is
against the sustainable growth objectives of PPP ( People, Planet & Profit)
In order to understand the energy consumption by transportation sector we have analysed the
mathematical decomposition as accounted in the research paper of Piyush Tiwari & Manish Gulati
published in journal www.elsevier.com
Mathematical model that decomposes the
passenger and freight transport energy
consumption changes into three factors :
1. Change in transport volume
2. Change in transportation energy
intensity
3. Structural changes to examine the trend
and importance of each factor in
contributing the growth of energy
consumption by these transport segments.
Source : International Energy Agency
http://www.elsevier.com/
26
Mathematical calculation for changes in transportation energy consumption for passenger and
Fright transportation :
E = total energy use in passenger transport or Freight transport measured in PJ
P = total volume, measured in passenger-km or tonne-km as appropriate
I = vector of modal energy intensities with elements [Ei/Pi]
S = vector of structural (mix) coefficients, or mode shares, with elements [Pi/P]
Where,
𝐸 = ∑𝐸𝑖
𝐸𝑖 is the energy consumption by mode i of transport
The energy intensity of mode i ( i.e. the ratio of energy consumption to transport volume) is :
𝐼𝑖 =𝐸𝑖
𝑃𝑖
For passenger or freight transport, a change in
modal transport energy consumption between a
base period (t =0) and a later period (t = n) can be
algebraically stated as :
𝛿𝐸 = ∑𝐸𝑖𝑛 − ∑𝐸𝑖0 ………. Eq A
= ∑𝑃𝑖𝑛𝐼𝑖𝑛 − ∑𝑃𝑖0𝐼𝑖𝑜
= ∑𝐼𝑖𝑛𝑃𝑛�̂�𝑖𝑛 − ∑𝐼𝑖𝑂𝑃0�̂�𝑖0……………….Eq B
Where
Sit = Pit / Pt
Eq A above representing 𝛿𝐸 is a function of three variables i.e total transport volume (Pt), energy
intensity of individual mode of transport (Iit) and the structural parameter, or the share of individual
mode in total transport volume (Sit). Applying total differential formula, Eq B can be decomposed as
follows :
𝛿𝐸 = 𝑃𝑛∑𝐼𝑖𝑛�̂�𝑖𝑛 − 𝑃0∑𝐼𝑖𝑂�̂�𝑖0
= (Pn-P0) ∑𝐼𝑖𝑂�̂�𝑖0 ( transport volume effect) + P0 ∑(𝐼𝑖𝑛 − 𝐼𝑖0) 𝑆𝑖0 energy intensity effect + P0
∑(𝑆𝑖𝑛 − 𝑆𝑖0)𝐼𝑖0 Structural effect + interaction terms (R ) ……. Eq C
Thus any change in energy consumption is sum total of transport volume effect, energy intensity effect,
structural effect and relative interaction term.
27
The interaction term can be further broken into
four combinational product terms of three
variables. The same is has not been incorporated
in the present scope of research. However, these
are joint effect of transport volume and energy
intensity, joint effect of transport volume and
structure, joint effect of energy intensity and
structure and joint effect of all three variables.
Based on the above it can be inferred that
introduction of an efficient multimodal transport
system can reduce energy consumption substantially due to overall reduction in transport volume, energy
intensity, structural positivity and interaction between these variables.
Multimodal Transport in India : A Low Carbon Model for the policy Makers
Overdependence on Road Transport leads to increased consumption of fuel especially oil. The
increasing burden on fossil oil consumption is a concern because of three major factors :
a. Energy Security
b. Local Environment
c. Climate Change
Burgeoning cities, growth in urbanization and change in standard of living has contributed further to
environmental pollution and congestions. The increased use of fossil oil contributes substantially to
CO2 emission which is a against the Millennium Development Goal for Sustainability set by UN. The
Government’s thrust to achieve climate goals through sustainability approach can be fulfilled by
development of Multimodal
Transport System. A
mathematical decomposition
in previous section gives
quantitative proof of how a
multimodal transport system
can help reduce energy
consumption.
Media Reports
28
Technological Enablers in
Multimodal Transport System
29
Technological Innovations as enablers : Multimodal Transport
Revolution
Role of Information Communication
Technology in development of Multimodal
Transport System is omnipotent. However,
the uptake of ICT in development of
multimodal transport in Europe as well as
in India is slow.
ICT functions as a nervous
system in logistics and supply
chain management. Quick,
fast, efficient and reliable flow of
information on real time basis can be a
game changer in developing a modern
sustainable multimodal transport network system and infrastructure. Real time accessibility, quick and
efficient exchange of information and flexibility to react to dynamic flow of information in a responsive
and time bound manner is the key next generation logistical solutions.
In an Multimodal Transport System, the Multimodal Transport Operator is primarily responsible for
performance of entire haulage contract from shipment to destination. The destination can be within
the boundaries of same county or an international location which involves custom clearances. The
figure T-1 below illustrates international transportation process :
The communication between all the intermediaries has got to be fast, accurate, timely for efficient
movement of goods to destination. The role of ICT is thus non-trivial and indispensable for an
efficient network design.
Generation of e-Challans for faster movement of invoices, lorry receipts, shipment
documents, bill of lading etc. This improves efficient delivery of goods and service,
improves quality check as well as reduces hassles to all parties involved in the
transaction.
Figure T 1
30
Blockchain technological application in intermodal transport system can be the
next generation game changer. This will induce reliability, appropriateness and
trust ability of real time data transmission for super-fast information flow and
decision taking matrix generation.
Augmented Realty Glass is another technological revolution that will redefine the
way logistics are staked, loaded and transported. This will reduce warehouse
searching time and cost, damages and pilferage loss as well as timely delivery of
orders.
Artificial Intelligence through it’s predictive and prescriptive analogies can
determine demand and supply forecast, inventory movement vs container
availability, pre & post shipment transportation gap analysis etc. This technology can
be extensively used to create a harmonious inter-relationship between various
modes of transport. Space availability, dock availability.
Internet of Things (IoT) can be used to track inventory, suppliers and buyers stocks, in
transit inventory tracking mechanism, GAP analysis and foundation for logistical
connectivity on real time basis.
Cloud Technology will help in accessibility of data on multiple platform and vendors
through one source. This improve data transferability while maintaining security and
confidentiality.
Apart from these innovative new age technological interventions, a container door-to door transport
chain is conducted through the use of advanced technology, Supply Chain ERMs, CRMs and cloud
technology.
ICT Application Key Benefits Application Example
Freight Resource Management Systems and application
• Operational efficiency
• Reduced empty runs
• Improved utilization of resource
• Customer satisfaction
Intra-Company Resource Management System ( COREM)
Terminal & Port Information & Communication System and application
• Reduced loading, unloading time
• Interface between modes of transport
• Reduced operating cost
Automatic Equipment Identification for monitoring (INTERPORT)
Freight & Fleet tracking and management system and application
• Operators ability to monitor improves
• Positive utility of available infra resource
• Improves security and safety
Intermodal Fleet and Cargo-Monitoring System (MULTITRACK)
Integrated operational information exchange /platform/portal
• One shop marketplace
• Custom authority check integration
E-Commerce system : Booking, scheduling, brokerage, payment, invoice etc (DOLPHINS)
http://www.schabell.org/2017/12/blockchain-powers-travel-new-hybrid-cloud-heights.htmlhttps://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/https://nicholaswilkinsonblog.wordpress.com/page/2/https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/https://futurism.com/u-s-congress-discusses-ai-automation-robotics-and-basic-incomehttps://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Internet_of_things_signed_by_the_author.jpghttps://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Internet_of_things_signed_by_the_author.jpghttps://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/http://physics.stackexchange.com/questions/273718/what-is-weight-mass-of-cumulus-cloudhttps://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/
31
MTS
PRICING STRATEGIES
32
MTS | Pricing Strategy
The existing traffic systems in the
economics of transport service pose
severe theoretical and empirical
limitations in realistic applications. The
main reason for this is that the present
system link travel cost functions, which do
not accurately describe the intra-day
traffic dynamics and relate them to urban-
scale network characteristics in a way that
is computationally tractable and
consistent with the physical properties of
traffic. This failure constrains the ability of
economic models to support efficient
development of a network of multimodal
traffic management and weaken
congestion externalities
Most of studies on the congestion in the
traffic with regard to treatment of
congestion dynamics (utilized traffic
models), most of the aforementioned
studies assume a steady-state have shown
that the traffic condition or demand-type of
capacity-supply functions, models ignore
the fact that the level of congestion is not a
memory-less function of demand at a given
time, but dependent on the history of the
system, i.e. the same demand profile can
influence differently the system if this was
uncongested or congested at the current
state . Further with regard to the
33
application of the pricing schemes, pricing based on individual links is extremely difficult to implement
in practice, and it is computationally complex for large-scale networks.
So, while designing the pricing for
multimodal transport the balancing the gain
of all users have rarely been studied, with
respect to multimodal transport the other
alternative modes are not taken into
account in most approaches.
Integration of multimodality consideration
in pricing is challenging and reserves further
attention.
While the classical approaches focus on the
link- or corridor-level of application, existing
pricing schemes for macroscopic
(large-scale) level have similar ambiguity.
To develop efficient pricing schemes that allow higher user acceptance, we consider the following
objectives in our current work.
(i) Integrate the behavioural adaptation of the users during pricing
(ii) Promote a multimodal solution combined with pricing, to maximize the efficiency of
pricing
(iii) Recognize the heterogeneous effect of pricing on users, to design pricing strategies with
equity.
(iv) Use value-of-time based pricing rates or redistributing toll revenue to improve public
transport service, can significantly enlarge the efficiency of the pricing and the
sustainability of urban mobility. In particular, we reveal that considering the effect of
pricing on multimodal mobility improves remarkably the system performance, which has
not been studied thoroughly.
(v) Development of Transport pricing exchange, which will help in disseminating the
information about the transport and logistic pricing
(vi) Motivation for Public Private Partnership in the Multimodal Transport System
34
Further we need to also understand the following when deciding the Pricing for multimodal transport
• How pricing rates should be adjusted when
congestion conditions change due to user’s
behavioural changes?
• What are the impacts of different types of
incentive programs for using public
transport (PT) on the performance of
congestion pricing? The studies have
highlighted that in spite of the vast studies
in pricing, field assessments are quite
limited and this is one of important reasons
of user acceptability for multimodal
transport.
• The type of incentives to other modes of
transport (e.g. return a fraction of the tolls paid to users that switched to public transport
mode) can make such policies more attractive for real cases.
35
2020
36
Multimodal Transport System : Legal Framework
International Institute for the Unification of Private Law
(UNIDROIT) in 1930 first tried to formulate legal regime for
multimodal transport. These were mostly theoretical
concepts rather than practical models. The term Multimodal
was first officially introduced by UN’s Multimodal Transport
Convention in 1980.
A legal recognition to Multimodal Transport System was
however, given by UNCTAD / ICC in 1992 with introduction
of Multimodal Transport Rules. In India, initially there was
no uniform rule for this segment. The Multimodal Transport
Act, 1993 (the “Act”) enacted on 16th October 1992 provides
for registration of a person as multi-modal transport
operator.
After incorporation of the “Act”, Multi-Modal
transportation can only be carried out by a person
registered as Multimodal Transport Operator. This model
reduces the cost of an exporter and enhanced competitive
advantage.
The “Act” was amended in 2002 to simplify the procedures. Section 4 of the act states that “ any
person may apply for registration to the competent authority to carry on or commence the business of
multimodal transportation”.
The Director General of Shipping has been identified as the nodal officer and competent authority to
perform the functions of the Act.
This is a progressive act and has borrowed few ideas from Carriers Act and UN Convention on
Multimodal Transport of Goods held in Geneva in 1980.
( Annexure 1 : Draft copy of Draft National Logistics Policy)
FDI Limits
Industry Type
Entry Route
% of FDI allowed
Logistic Services
Automatic 100
Courier Services
FIPB 100
Storage and Warehousing including warehousing of agricultural products with cold storage
Automatic 100
Transport and Transport support service
Automatic 100
Ports and Harbors
Automatic 100
Air transport services
Automatic 100
37
Challenges and constraints
38
Challenges and Constraints As per World Bank Logistics Performance Index Report, all is not well as India slipped in the league
from 35th position to 44th position in year 2018. Logistics is a $3.4 trillion industry globally and a robust
channel of transport supported by infrastructure, technology & innovation in multimodal transport
can substantially reduce cost and increase competitive advantage for exports.
The logistics performance index (LPI) is the weighted index of the country scores on the six key
dimensions :
1. Efficiency of the clearance process (i.e; speed, simplicity and predictability of formalities) by
border control agencies, including customs.
2. Quality of trade and transport related infrastructure (e.g., ports, railroads, roads, information
technology).
3. Ease of arranging competitively priced shipments
4. Competence and quality of logistics services (e.g., transport operators, customs brokers).
5. Ability to track and trace consignments.
6. Timeliness of shipments in reaching destination within the scheduled or expected delivery
time.
The county faces multi-variant challenges in all the six parameters discussed above. The bureaucratic
hurdles supplemented with non-congruous legal framework are major roadblocks that are a
hinderance to efficient model development .
Apart from these challenges, the policy implementation, corruption and multiple state laws apart from
central laws are key challenges.
The sector also lacks appropriate investments as thee mega projects are capital intensive with long
gestation period for being a profitable institution.
39
40
Key Recommendation
A. Investment Environment
• Design robust routes for demand-responsive transport system
• Initiate policy guidelines to allow hundred percent foreign direct investment through
automatic route
• Improve Ease of doing business for Multimodal transport operators
• Establish regulatory bodies in the segment to mitigate buyer supplier conflicts
B. Infrastructure Development
• Develop SEZs for MMT Hubs
• Robust Road, Rail & Port infrastructure for multi-factor transport network.
• Build up dry ports, inland ports, logistical hubs to decongest ports and supplement
movement of goods through various models of transportation.
c. Technological Development
• Technological interventions and innovation in the sector for efficiency
• Incentivise investment in technology, research & development activities
• Set up MML data and logistic centres
• Introduce industry 4.0 interventions
d. Environmental protection for sustainability
• Improve fuel economy through MMTS
• Reduce CO2 emission by reducing burden on roads and transport cargos through rail or
water.
e. Policy framework
• Make a coherent state and central law for all clearances. Custom checks, inter state
border checks ets needs to be made more transparent
• Simplification of laws and rules
• Decomposing bureaucratic hurdles
41
Bibliography
https://iea.blob.core.windows.net/assets/eb3b2e8d-28e0-47fd-a8ba-
160f7ed42bc3/CO2_Emissions_from_Fuel_Combustion_2019_Highlights.pdf
https://www.valueshipr.com/blog/top-9-reasons-for-increased-cost-inefficiencies-in-logistics-and-
transportation/
https://commerce.gov.in/writereaddata/UploadedFile/MOC_636850457336854610_Notification-
Draft-05022019.pdf
https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/index.php?page=view&type=20000&nr=834&menu=2993
https://www.investindia.gov.in/team-india-blogs/multimodal-transport-india-basic-perspective
https://www.ibef.org/
An analysis of trends in passenger and freight transport energy consumption in India Piyush
Tiwaria,*, Manisha Gulatib aUniversity of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia bWWF South
Africa, Sandton, South Africa
Assessment of interstate freight vehicle characteristics and impact of future emission and fuel
economy standards on their emissions in India Leeza Malik⁎, Geetam Tiwari
Transportation Research and Injury Prevention Programme, Indian Institute of Technology, Hauz
Khas, New Delhi, Delhi 110016, India
The design, management and operation of flexible transport systems : Steve Wright, C.David Encade,
Designing robust routes for demand responsive transport system : M.E.Bruni, G.Guerriero, P.Beraldi
Effect of Transportation infrastructure on Economic Growth in India : Rudra P.Pradhan,
Tapan.P.Bagachi
ICT in multimodal transport and technological trends: Unleashing potential for the future : Irina
Harris, Yingli Wang, Haiyang Wang
NTERMODAL TRANSPORT IN EUROPE - OPPORTUNITIES THROUGH INNOVATION Norbert Wagener
Wagener & Herbst Management Consultants GmbH, Potsdam, Germany
Transport infrastructure, economic development and urbanization in India (1990-2011) : Is there any
casual relationship ? Tuhin Subhra Maparu & Tarak Nath Mazumdar
https://iea.blob.core.windows.net/assets/eb3b2e8d-28e0-47fd-a8ba-160f7ed42bc3/CO2_Emissions_from_Fuel_Combustion_2019_Highlights.pdfhttps://iea.blob.core.windows.net/assets/eb3b2e8d-28e0-47fd-a8ba-160f7ed42bc3/CO2_Emissions_from_Fuel_Combustion_2019_Highlights.pdf
42