Leadership Emphasises Digital Foundations
Addressing the Foundation Day event, NLDSL Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of NICDC, Shri Rajat Kumar Saini, said the organisation would continue to focus on building robust digital foundations for the logistics sector.
He stated that NLDSL’s future efforts would prioritise enhancing infrastructure, improving connectivity and strengthening supply-chain efficiency, in line with the broader national development agenda.
Driving Digital Public Infrastructure for Logistics
Over the last ten years, NLDSL has been engaged in the development and operation of digital public infrastructure platforms designed to facilitate seamless data exchange across logistics stakeholders. These platforms aim to improve transparency, reduce inefficiencies and enable real-time visibility across complex supply chains.
The initiatives align closely with NICDC’s mandate of supporting industrial and economic infrastructure development, particularly as India’s logistics sector scales to meet growing domestic and international demand.
Logistics Data Bank: Transforming Container Tracking
One of NLDSL’s flagship platforms, the Logistics Data Bank (LDB), functions as a single-window container logistics visualisation system. It enables tracking of containers through unique container numbers, providing end-to-end visibility across ports and terminals.
The platform currently covers 100 per cent of India’s EXIM container volume and is operational at all container-handling port terminals nationwide. Since its inception in 2016, LDB has tracked more than 91 million EXIM containers, significantly improving predictability and planning for trade stakeholders.
ULIP Strengthens Inter-System Data Exchange
Another key platform, the Unified Logistics Interface Platform (ULIP), has been developed under the National Logistics Policy to enable secure, standardised API-based data exchange. ULIP connects government systems with industry participants to ensure seamless information flow.
As of now, ULIP has integrated 44 systems across 11 ministries, offers access to 136 APIs covering over 2,000 data fields, and has recorded more than 225 crore API transactions, reflecting its growing adoption across the logistics ecosystem.
Supporting Government Logistics Solutions
Beyond LDB and ULIP, NLDSL has also developed and supported several digital solutions used by government agencies. These include Track Your Transport, Transport Management System and Koyla Shakti, India’s Smart Coal Analytics Dashboard.
These platforms help monitor, manage and optimise logistics operations across sectors, reinforcing the role of technology in improving governance and operational efficiency.
Institutional Background and Partnerships
NLDSL was established on December 30, 2015, with the objective of harnessing information and communication technology to improve efficiency in the logistics sector. The company functions under the guidance of the National Industrial Corridor Development and Implementation Trust, representing the Government of India’s institutional framework for logistics reforms.
It is a joint venture between the Government of India, represented by NICDIT, and Japanese IT major NEC Corporation, reflecting international collaboration in building India’s digital infrastructure.
Looking Ahead
As NLDSL enters its second decade, its focus remains on expanding digital platforms that support integrated, data-driven logistics operations. With increasing emphasis on multimodal transport and industrial corridors, the organisation’s role is expected to grow further.
The decade-long journey of NLDSL underscores the importance of digital systems in strengthening India’s logistics competitiveness and supporting sustainable economic growth.
