The approval aims to address challenges arising from fragmented planning and implementation across multiple transport ministries and agencies. By improving coordination and promoting multimodal integration, ITLA is expected to support more efficient, sustainable and coordinated development of transport infrastructure in India.
ITLA will function as the national apex institution for integrated transport and logistics planning, research, project appraisal, monitoring, policy support and data analytics. It will prepare a comprehensive National Transport Master Plan with a planning horizon of 10 years or more, covering roads, railways, ports and shipping, civil aviation, inland waterways, coastal shipping, urban mobility and logistics.
The authority will also evaluate short-term sectoral plans of around five years and annual plans prepared by transport ministries to ensure their alignment with the National Transport Master Plan and promote multimodal infrastructure development.
ITLA will undertake technical appraisal of Government of India infrastructure projects costing Rs 500 crore or more. Financial appraisal will continue to be undertaken through the existing financial appraisal mechanisms.
The authority will monitor the implementation of transport and infrastructure projects valued at more than Rs 500 crore and provide a coordinated mechanism for resolving issues. It will also undertake post-implementation impact assessments of these projects to evaluate their outcomes.
A key responsibility of ITLA will be the development of a National Transport Data Repository (NTDR). The repository will integrate relevant transport and logistics datasets from multiple sources, including GSTN e-way bills, FASTag, Vahan, GPS-based systems and urban traffic management systems. The authority will use data analytics, including freight flow and origin-destination analysis, for planning, monitoring and impact assessment.
ITLA will also advise and assist in reviewing and updating the National Logistics Policy 2022. Its responsibilities will include capacity building, training and skilling in the logistics sector, along with promoting research and innovation in transport and logistics.
The establishment of ITLA is aimed at supporting India’s Vision 2047 by strengthening multimodal connectivity, improving infrastructure efficiency, reducing logistics costs and enhancing the country’s global logistics competitiveness. The authority will also build institutional capacity in research, planning, data integration, project monitoring and evaluation while supporting the adoption of international best practices.
