UP signs MoU with Logistics Shakti to boost perishable exports
Source:aviationjeta ↗
Why It Matters
For UPPSC aspirants, this development highlights Uttar Pradesh's strategic transition into an economic and logistical powerhouse. It connects state-level infrastructure projects (like the Jewar Airport and expressways) with critical national schemes like PM Gati Shakti. Understanding these integrations is vital for questions on regional development, agricultural export policies, and infrastructure enhancement.
Summary
The Uttar Pradesh Government has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Logistics Shakti Enterprise (LSE) at the 7th ACFI World Conclave 2026 to significantly boost the state's perishable exports and air cargo capabilities. The collaboration focuses on developing multi-modal logistics networks and advanced cold chain infrastructure, aligning with national frameworks like PM Gati Shakti and the UDAN scheme. Central to this vision is the upcoming Noida International Airport at Jewar, which is slated to become a major hub for aero-logistics and agricultural exports. By leveraging its vast expressway network and freight corridors, Uttar Pradesh aims to minimize agricultural wastage, enhance farmers' income, and establish itself as a premier global logistics destination.
Key Points
- The Uttar Pradesh Government signed an MoU with Logistics Shakti Enterprise (LSE) at the 7th ACFI World Conclave 2026 to enhance perishable logistics and air cargo capacity.
- The partnership aims to establish robust cold chain infrastructure and multi-modal logistics networks to facilitate agricultural and food exports from the state.
- The upcoming Noida International Airport in Jewar will serve as a central node, integrating the 'Jewar Aero Logistics & Perishable Export Hub' for global connectivity.
- The initiative aligns with the National Air Cargo Policy, the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, and the UDAN scheme to drive regional economic growth and infrastructural integration.
- The state's existing infrastructure, including a massive expressway network and dedicated freight corridors, will be leveraged to transform UP into a global logistics hub.
Important Terms
PM Gati Shakti
A national master plan launched in 2021 to provide integrated, multimodal connectivity infrastructure. It brings multiple ministries onto a single digital platform to eliminate silos, reduce logistics costs, and improve supply chain efficiency across India.
UPSC context
GS Paper 3 (Infrastructure). Tests knowledge of multimodal logistics, inter-ministerial coordination, and government strategies to lower overall logistics costs.
UDAN Scheme
A regional connectivity scheme (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) by the Ministry of Civil Aviation. It utilizes viability gap funding to revive unserved or underserved airports, making air travel affordable and promoting equitable regional economic development.
UPSC context
GS Paper 3 (Infrastructure). Tests understanding of regional development, aviation policies, viability gap funding, and inclusive infrastructure growth.
National Air Cargo Policy
A 2019 policy aimed at making India a top-five global air freight market. It focuses on easing air cargo operations, establishing shipment hubs at major airports, and integrating domestic supply chains to boost overall export competitiveness.
UPSC context
GS Paper 3 (Infrastructure). Relevant for topics on trade, supply chain bottlenecks, and the aviation sector's economic contributions.
Logistics Shakti Enterprise (LSE)
An industry-led institution focused on advancing India's logistics and supply chain. It acts as a strategic implementation partner for state governments, helping develop multimodal logistics, cold-chain infrastructure, and export roadmaps for agricultural and perishable goods.
UPSC context
GS Paper 3 (Agriculture/Infrastructure). Illustrates public-private partnerships in state-level infrastructure, cold chain development, and boosting farmers' export income.
Air Cargo Forum India (ACFI)
Established in 2012, ACFI is a not-for-profit industry body representing India's air cargo and logistics sector. It collaborates with stakeholders and the government to promote policy advocacy, innovation, and an environmentally sustainable air logistics ecosystem.
UPSC context
GS Paper 3 (Economy). Highlights the role of national industry associations in public policy advocacy and logistics standardization.
Prelims Trap
Krishi UDAN scheme is exclusively designed to provide freight subsidies for international agricultural exports.
Krishi UDAN focuses heavily on domestic routes (especially NER, Hilly, and Tribal areas) providing waivers on landing/parking charges. It is not exclusively for international export.
Static Concepts Connected
What are the core operational pillars of the PM Gati Shakti Master Plan?
- Comprehensiveness: Brings existing and planned infrastructure initiatives of multiple ministries (Roads, Railways, Aviation) onto a single centralized GIS-based portal.
- Optimization: Cross-sectoral interaction allows for optimal routing and alignment (e.g., laying optical fiber or pipelines alongside new road constructions).
- Analytical Tracking: Provides 200+ spatial layers to track real-time project progress, identifying and resolving first- and last-mile missing connectivity gaps.
How do the Eastern and Western Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFCs) integrate geographically?
- Western DFC: Runs from Dadri (Uttar Pradesh) to JNPT (Mumbai), facilitating high-speed freight movement primarily for export-import container cargo.
- Eastern DFC: Runs from Sahnewal (Punjab) to Dankuni (West Bengal), heavily focusing on coal and steel transit.
- Intersection Point: Dadri in Uttar Pradesh serves as the critical junction connecting the WDFC and EDFC networks, boosting the National Capital Region's logistics capacity.
Cross-Topic Patterns
Agri-Exports + Air Infrastructure
Links India's high post-harvest loss in perishables directly to aviation infrastructure. Integrating cold chains with airports shifts the GS-3 focus from 'yield increase' to 'logistics and export competitiveness'.
Gati Shakti + State Fiscal Federalism
The Centre often ties 50-year interest-free capex loans for States to their alignment with the PM Gati Shakti master plan, merging GS-3 infrastructure execution with GS-2 fiscal federalism.
Expect a GS-3 mains question linking PM Gati Shakti's multi-modal integration directly with the reduction of post-harvest losses.
Linked PYQs · 3
Linked PYQs · 3
- 2020UPPSC_PRELIMSGS1
Which of the following Airports in Uttar Pradesh has been granted International Status on 24th June, 2020 by Union Cabinet of India ?
- 2023UPPSC_PRELIMSGS1
With reference to 'PM Gati Shakti Scheme', which of the following statement/s is/are correct? (1) The PM Gati Shakti Scheme-National Plan was launched in 2022. (2) The PM Gati Shakti Scheme pertains to seven engines (Roads, Railways, Airports, Ports, Mass Transport, Waterways, Logistics Infrastructure). NIP will be aligned with PM Gati Shakti Framework. Select the correct answer from the code given below -
- 2023UPPSC_PRELIMSGS1
Which of the following Scheme/Programme is not the Central Government Programme and it is Uttar Pradesh Government's Programme?
