Why in news?
On 13 October 2025 the Union Minister for Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, launched LEAPS 2025 in New Delhi. The Logistics Excellence, Advancement and Performance Shield is a new initiative of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) to benchmark logistics performance across sectors and recognise innovators and best‑in‑class operators. Registrations are open until mid‑November 2025.
Background
India’s logistics costs remain high relative to its competitors, affecting the competitiveness of exports. The National Logistics Policy 2022 and PM Gati Shakti initiative aim to integrate infrastructure, reduce costs and improve service quality. To stimulate competition and celebrate excellence within the sector, DPIIT designed LEAPS 2025 as an annual awards programme covering the entire supply‑chain ecosystem.
Key features
- Broad sectoral coverage: LEAPS 2025 invites entries from air cargo operators, road freight carriers, rail freight companies, maritime shipping lines, inland waterways, warehousing providers, container terminals and port operators. It also recognises micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), startups, academic institutions and technology firms working on logistics solutions.
- Thirteen award categories: Categories include Best Logistics State, Best City Logistics, Best Road Freight Carrier, Best Rail Freight Terminal, Best Warehousing Company, Best Maritime Operator, Green Logistics Champion, Innovation in Digital Supply Chains and awards for women‑led enterprises and academia.
- Focus on sustainability and innovation: Entrants must demonstrate initiatives to cut carbon emissions, adopt renewable energy, enhance efficiency through digitisation and comply with environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards. The programme encourages adoption of electric vehicles, automation, data analytics and smart warehousing.
- Transparent evaluation: An independent jury comprising experts from government, industry and academia will assess submissions based on measurable indicators such as transit time, cost efficiency, service reliability, digital adoption and environmental impact. Winners will be announced in early 2026.
- Significance: By spotlighting high performers and innovative practices, LEAPS 2025 aims to reduce logistics costs, boost India’s export competitiveness and support the Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat campaigns. It also encourages states and private operators to align with national infrastructure planning and adopt modern technologies.
Source: Press Information Bureau