Cabinet green-lights creation of Integrated Transport and Logistics Authority

India's Cabinet has approved the establishment of an Integrated Transport and Logistics Authority (ITLA), marking a significant step toward coordinated infrastructure planning across multiple transport modes.

The ITLA will be tasked with preparing a unified long-term Transport Plan that encompasses roads, railways, ports, civil aviation and urban mobility systems. By bringing together disparate transport sectors under one strategic umbrella, the authority aims to eliminate silos and create a more cohesive national transport ecosystem.

In addition to strategic planning, the ITLA will serve as a critical evaluation body for government infrastructure projects. All projects with a capital outlay of ₹500 crore or more will require assessment by the new authority, ensuring that major investment decisions align with broader transport and logistics objectives.

The move reflects growing recognition among policymakers that India's transport infrastructure requires better coordination across modes. Fragmented planning and execution have historically led to inefficiencies in connectivity and resource allocation, particularly as the country's logistics sector expands to meet growing economic demands.

The establishment of the ITLA is expected to streamline project approvals, improve inter-modal connectivity and facilitate better utilization of India's transport networks in the years ahead.