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According to ADB documents, The Strengthening Multimodal and Integrated Logistics Ecosystem (SMILE) program is a programmatic policy-based loan (PBL) to support the government undertake wide-ranging reforms in the logistics sector in India. The program aims to strengthen the institutional and policy framework for inter-ministerial coordination and planning for incentivizing private sector participation in multimodal logistics projects, improve efficiencies in external trade logistics, and encourage the use of smart and automated systems for improved service delivery. The government has requested a regular loan of $500 million from ADB's ordinary capital resources to help finance the program. The proposed programmatic PBL modality with two subprograms of $250 million each, in FY2022 and FY2024, respectively, supported by the attached transaction TA, is appropriate because the (i) program will support crucial structural reforms to strengthen institutions, coordination, and processes; (ii) structural reforms need proper sequencing to ensure sustainability; and (iii) government has shown strong commitment to reforms.
This lending proposal was not included in ADB. 2020. Country Operations Business Plan: India, 2021 2023. Manila. The government requested ADB's financial assistance in a letter of 12 March 2021 as an addition to the plan. The South Asia Department confirmed that such financial assistance can be accommodated in the 2021 resource envelope.
PROJECT RATIONALE AND LINKAGE TO COUNTRY/REGIONAL STRATEGY
The proposed transaction TA is being processed at the request of the Government of India to meet key capacity building needs, strengthen sector institutions, and conduct studies to further deepen reforms and develop policy framework. The TA will support the implementing agencies in achieving the policy actions under subprogram 2 of the ensuing SMILE program. The TA will thus provide capacity building support to foster coordination among the different tiers of government and among the various institutions. The TA will also extend support to diagnose emerging challenges in the sector and identify policy initiatives. The TA activities will build on and/or carryforward activities commenced under earlier initiatives and replicate some successful interventions particularly in logistic planning and technology use for improving efficiency.
CONSULTING SERVICES
ADB will engage the consultants following the ADB Procurement Policy (2017, as amended from time to time) and its associated project administration instructions and/or staff instructions.
PROCUREMENT
Procurement, advance contracting, and retroactive financing are not expected.
| Responsible ADB Officer | Karan, Navendu |
| Responsible ADB Department | South Asia Department |
| Responsible ADB Division | Public Management, Financial Sector and Trade Division, SARD |
| Executing Agencies | Ministry of Commerce and Industry Udyog Bhawan, New Delhi 110011, India |
ACCESS TO INFORMATION
You can submit an information request for project information at: https://www.adb.org/forms/request-information-form
ADB has a two-stage appeals process for requesters who believe that ADB has denied their request for information in violation of its Access to Information Policy. You can learn more about filing an appeal at: https://www.adb.org/site/disclosure/appeals
ACCOUNTABILITY MECHANISM OF ADB
The Accountability Mechanism is an independent complaint mechanism and fact-finding body for people who believe they are likely to be, or have been, adversely affected by an Asian Development Bank-financed project. If you submit a complaint to the Accountability Mechanism, they may investigate to assess whether the Asian Development Bank is following its own policies and procedures for preventing harm to people or the environment. You can learn more about the Accountability Mechanism and how to file a complaint at: http://www.adb.org/site/accountability-mechanism/main.
