Reaction on 2014 Union Budget from Mr. Mahendra Agarwal, Founder & CEO, Gati Ltd.

Mr. Mahendra Agarwal“The Finance Minister has set the tone for an aggressive and sustained growth path by announcing a progressive Union Budget. Being the lifeline of the economy, logistic companies expected a set of reforms and thrust across related sectors of the economy and the Finance Minister didn’t disappoint.

“The proposed investment of Rs 5,000 crore in warehousing, a clear focus on implementing GST by the end of this fiscal will provide the much needed impetus to the logistic industry. The proposed investment of Rs 37,800 crore into NHAI and State roads and a specific focus on development of select expressways in parallel to the development of industrial corridors will improve overall infrastructure, connectivity and lend efficiencies to supply chain. A commitment of Rs 500 crore for Ultra Mega Solar Power Projects and development of Green Energy Corridor Project will encourage further investments in the renewable energy sector.

“Setting aside a corpus of Rs 10,000 crore of private capital to aid startup companies, promises the creation of employment opportunities that in-turn will act as a catalyst for the growth of the overall economy and improve per capita income. Allowing manufacturing units to sell their products online is a positive move for the e-Commerce businesses, that can now reap the benefits that lie beyond a B2B and marketplace model.”