SMILE Program

SMILE Program: Asian Development Bank (ADB) funded Strengthening Multimodal and Integrated Logistics Ecosystem (SMILE) Program aims to enhance India's logistics infrastructure, reduce costs, and increase efficiency.

• Supports the implementation of National Logistics Policy and PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan by strengthening multimodal logistics, standardizing warehousing, and promoting digitalization in trade logistics.
• About SMILE Program: Establishes a comprehensive policy framework to improve logistics efficiency through:

o Strengthening institutional bases for multimodal logistics at National, State, and City levels.

o Standardizing warehousing and logistics assets to enhance supply chains and attract private sector investment.

o Improving efficiency in external trade logistics.

o Adopting smart systems for efficient and low-emission logistics to enhance supply chain resilience, especially for India's manufacturing sector.

• Aims: To study and identify policy, infrastructure, and digital interventions to enhance India’s competitiveness in Logistics Performance Index (LPI) and create job opportunities.
• Focus on gender inclusion: Includes measures for gender responsiveness in trade.

o Develops a gender audit mechanism for land ports under the National Trade Facilitation Action Plan (2020-23).

o Assesses operational Integrated Check Posts (ICPs) to ensure compliance with minimum gender-responsiveness requirements.

• Aligns with Atmanirbhar Bharat: Strengthens domestic manufacturing, improves logistics efficiency, and enhances global trade integration.

o Enhances competitiveness of Indian industries by reducing inefficiencies in logistics.

o Supports private investment and digital transformation for long-term economic resilience and growth.