Key Points
- ULIP connects 46 government systems across 12 central ministries through 142 APIs
- Platform has processed over 450 crore API transactions since launch
- Punjab aims to strengthen competitiveness as manufacturing and export hub
Punjab has signed an agreement with NICDC Logistics Data Services Limited (NLDSL) to digitise the state’s logistics infrastructure using the Unified Logistics Interface Platform (ULIP), a move aimed at helping industries, MSMEs and exporters track shipments in real time and cut down on paperwork.
The memorandum of understanding, signed on Tuesday (7 July) between NLDSL and the Directorate of Industries and Commerce, Government of Punjab, will enable seamless data exchange across state departments through ULIP — a digital gateway that connects multiple government databases through APIs, which are software rules that let different computer systems share information automatically.
ULIP currently integrates 46 systems across 12 central ministries and departments through 142 APIs — standardised connections covering more than 2,000 data fields. The platform has facilitated over 450 crore API transactions and enabled the development of more than 260 applications since its launch.
What the partnership means for Punjab
Under the agreement, NLDSL will help Punjab build a digitally connected logistics network by linking transport, warehousing, food distribution and civil aviation departments through a single data platform. The state government expects this to improve transparency in supply chains, speed up policy decisions and strengthen Punjab’s position as a manufacturing, agricultural and export hub.
“The initiative is expected to benefit industries, MSMEs, exporters and other logistics stakeholders across the state,” the government said in a statement.
Following the signing, NLDSL conducted a workshop for senior officials from the transport, warehousing, food, civil supplies and consumer affairs, public works and civil aviation departments. The session focused on identifying specific use cases for ULIP to address logistics bottlenecks and improve ease of doing business in Punjab.
During the workshop, NLDSL showcased several of its digital tools: the Logistics Data Bank (LDB) for container tracking, Koyla Shakti for coal movement analytics, Track Your Transport (TYT) for vehicle monitoring, a Transport Management System (TMS) and the Logistics e-Marketplace (LeMP). These platforms demonstrated how integrated data can support asset tracking, operational planning and coordination between agencies.
The agreement was signed by Takayuki Kano, CEO, NLDSL, and Jaspreet Singh, director, Industries and Commerce, Government of Punjab. Aman Arora, Punjab’s minister for industries and commerce, was present at the signing. The initiative is being implemented under the guidance of Rajat Kumar Saini, chief executive officer and managing director of NICDC and chairman of NLDSL.
By the numbers
- 46
- Government systems integrated via ULIP
- 450 crore
- API transactions processed by ULIP
- ₹33,660 crore
- Outlay for BHAVYA industrial parks programme
NICDC is developing greenfield industrial smart cities and plug-and-play infrastructure across India. The corporation has been tasked with implementing the Bharat Audyogik Vikas Yojana (BHAVYA), which aims to build 100 investment-ready industrial parks nationwide with an outlay of ₹33,660 crore. NICDC is also implementing PM MITRA Mega Textile Parks and the India Industrial Land Bank.
NLDSL, established on 30 December 2015, is a joint venture between NICDC Industrial Development Trust (NICDIT) and NEC Corporation of Japan. The company operates digital logistics platforms including the Logistics Data Bank and ULIP.
Your Questions, Answered
What is ULIP and how does it work?
ULIP is the Unified Logistics Interface Platform, a digital gateway that connects multiple government databases through APIs. It currently integrates 46 systems across 12 central ministries through 142 APIs, covering more than 2,000 data fields and enabling automated data sharing between departments.
How will the Punjab-NLDSL agreement benefit businesses?
The agreement will enable real-time tracking of shipments, reduce paperwork and improve supply chain transparency for industries, MSMEs and exporters in Punjab. It connects transport, warehousing and commerce departments through a single data platform.
What is NLDSL and who operates it?
NICDC Logistics Data Services Limited (NLDSL) is a joint venture between NICDC Industrial Development Trust and NEC Corporation of Japan, established in December 2015. It operates digital logistics platforms including the Logistics Data Bank and ULIP.
What is BHAVYA and how is NICDC involved?
Bharat Audyogik Vikas Yojana (BHAVYA) is a government initiative to develop 100 investment-ready industrial parks across India with an outlay of ₹33,660 crore. NICDC has been tasked with implementing this programme along with PM MITRA Mega Textile Parks.
