KOLKATA:   "There is a need to reduce logistics costs in India, which are higher than that of China, the United states and European countries",  said Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Saturday.

Making waterways a popular form of transportation for people and products is the objective as this will help reduce the country's annual cost of importing gasoline and diesel, which is over 16 lakh crore, Gadkari said.

"Waterways are our top priority, followed by railroads, roads, and finally aircraft. Lowering logistics costs will aid in creating jobs for the nation "He made this statement during a session held here on Friday night by Young Indians and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India.

He noted that the logistics cost as a proportion of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in India is 16 percent , which is very high, and that it is 10 percent in China and close to 8 percent in the United States and Europe.

The Minister of Road Transport and Highways, said the Prime Minister Gati Shakti programme will help in coordination among several departments, and a common right of way will be developed. He said  that "there is a need to connect rail and road transport with the waterways."

Gadkari went on to say, increasing the use of sustainable fuels like biodiesel and bio-CNG will help reduce the need to import gasoline and diesel.

In order to produce affordable fuels like ethanol and bio-ethanol,  Gadkari also emphasised the need for more sugarcane and bamboo to be grown. He added that this will reduce pollution. He said, the government wants a corruption-free system, which helps in fast-track decision-making.

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