Thiruvananthapuram | Former Industries Minister P Rajeev on Friday said Kerala's improved performance in the Centre's LEADS 2025 ranking was a recognition of the previous LDF government's policy initiatives and long-term planning.
In a Facebook post, Rajeev said he was proud to share the development, noting that Kerala had moved from the 'Aspirer' category last year to the 'High Performers' category in Logistics Ease Across Different States (LEADS) ranking.
Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal released the LEADS ranking in New Delhi on May 13.
LEADS is the annual assessment of logistics performance across states and union territories and serves as a key benchmarking and reform tool for improving logistics efficiency across the country by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
"Despite the electoral verdict going against us, this is yet another major recognition of the hard work and long-term vision of our government," Rajeev said.
Rajeev was the Industries Minister in the outgoing LDF government, which lost power in the state Assembly election, winning 35 seats.
He termed the achievement a major recognition of the state's development momentum and said it reflected the efficiency of logistics services crucial for promoting exports and economic growth.
"The logistics policy and the changes made after the Invest Kerala summit played a key role in this achievement," he said.
Highlighting infrastructure development, he said projects such as the NH-66 expansion with 25 per cent state funding for land acquisition, the hill highway connecting 13 districts and the coastal highway had significantly improved cargo movement.
He also pointed to the use of digital technology, including track and trace systems for real-time monitoring of goods movement, as well as progress in promoting electric vehicles and expanding charging infrastructure.
"We have achieved above the national average in road, rail and air transport sectors as well as in warehousing systems," he said.
He also congratulated officials, industrialists and other stakeholders for their role in achieving the milestone.