Infrastructure development, policy reforms and investments in technology are the three key factors to build an efficient inter-modal and a multi-modal transport system, a report released by Deloitte outlines.

Inter-modal transport refers to a system where goods are moved in the same loading unit (for example: containers), but through different modes of transport. A multi-modal transport links different modes of transport like air, land and sea into one single process.

The report states that inter-modal and multi-modal transport builds on the operational efficiencies of the transport system. Thus it is important to focus on building a robust infrastructure that can connect different modes of transport and helps in avoiding wastage. The report also suggests that increase in containerisation is basic to growth of intermodal transport.

Second, the report mentions that some changes may be required in the existing customs and export import procedures for the growth of international inter-modal transport. “For domestic transport, changes in cabotage laws, octroi levies, privatisation of railways may be the need of the hour,” it adds.

Finally, it mentions that appropriate information technology may be required to handle complex contracts between intermodal operator on one hand and with transporters, customs agents, ports, warehouse operators on the other hand.

The report was released at a conference — Intermodal India, 2012 — organised by UBM to get industry players to deliberate about using other modes than roads to transport goods.

In India, road has become the predominant mode of transportation of freight cargo. “Estimate of the modal movement of cargo highlights that in India nearly 61 per cent of the cargo is moved by road, 30 per cent by rail and rest by airway, pipelines and inland waterways. This is as compared to a 37 per cent share of road in the US and 22 per cent in China,” an UBM release said.

satyanarayan.iyer@thehindu.co.in

nivedita.ganguly@thehindu.co.in

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