India’s first Gati Shakti research chair at IIM Shillong aims to transform NE logistics landscape

In a move towards revolutionizing logistics and research endeavors in the Northeastern region, the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) in Shillong inaugurated the country’s inaugural Gati Shakti Research Chair. The ceremony, presided over by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, marked a milestone in bolstering academic research in multimodal logistics, particularly with a focus on the Northeast.

Union Minister Sonowal, in his address, underscored the critical significance of empowering the youth to drive comprehensive development across India. He particularly highlighted the Northeast’s potential to emerge as a leader in multimodal logistics research and development, providing ample opportunities for students to excel in this dynamic field.

The inauguration event also witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) between the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW) and IIM Shillong, signifying a commitment to collaboration in advancing research agendas aligned with national priorities.

Concurrently, a strategic roundtable meeting convened to deliberate on multimodal logistics development strategies aimed at linking the Northeastern Region (NER) with national and international markets. Discussions revolved around formulating a collective logistics policy in line with the National Logistic Mission, with the objective of optimizing regional logistical capabilities.

Highlighting the transformative impact of ambitious projects such as Arth Ganga and Mahabahu Brahmaputra in fostering socio-economic development along key river networks, Minister Sonowal emphasized India’s notable ascent in the World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index.

The Gati Shakti Chair initiative seeks to elevate the Northeast as a pivotal logistics hub, bridging South Asia with Southeast and East Asia. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways reaffirmed its commitment to realizing the Gati Shakti vision through the Research Chair, fostering collaboration among stakeholders and shaping research agendas aligned with national priorities.