Multimodal logistics park
Also called: MMLP · Topic: Infrastructure: Transport, Communications and Energy · NCERT: Beyond NCERT
Meaning
A multimodal logistics park (MMLP) is a large freight hub where rail, road and other transport links meet. It also offers warehousing, customs clearance and value-added services such as sorting and packing. Cargo from many sources is collected and consolidated there, then sent on by the cheapest suitable mode. This cuts logistics costs. MMLPs are part of the Bharatmala Pariyojana (2017).
Example
A cement maker can truck small loads to an MMLP. There they are combined into full trainloads for the long haul by rail, and trucks deliver them again at the other end. Mappedu near Chennai was one of the first MMLPs taken up.
Don't confuse with
- Dry port: A dry port mainly offers customs clearance and container handling for cargo going to or from seaports. An MMLP is a broader hub that also combines several transport modes, warehousing and other services.
Related concepts
- Multimodal logistics
- Logistics cost
- Logistics Performance Index
- Dry port
- Free trade and warehousing zone
- Industrial corridor
- Plug-and-play infrastructure
- Cold storage