A Flexible Policy Framework for Analysing Multimodal Freight Transportation System in India: SAP–LAP and Efficient IRP Method

Abstract

Freight logistics sustainability is a prime concern of supply chain actors and policymakers. Many of the countries promoted a multimodal freight transportation system for enhancing transport sustainability. The development and promotion of multimodal services in developing nations are lacking and face many sustainability challenges. These challenges are linked to the CO2 emission, traffic congestion, longer travel time, poor transport infrastructure, and transport mode inequality. To address these challenges, this paper is to analyse the multimodal freight transport practices in India and propose adequate policy measures to uplift the freight modal imbalance and transport sustainability. In this paper, situation–actor–process (SAP) and learning, action, performance (LAP) framework is used to analyse the research problem. Further, the interrelationship among the various elements of SAP–LAP is analysed thorough cross-interaction matrices and their dominance profile. The efficient interpretive ranking process is used for prioritization of the actors with respect to processes and actions with respect to performance. The research findings show that Government policymakers and Indian railways are the most influential actor for improving the share of multimodal services. Likewise, the operationalization of a dedicated freight corridor and the use of multimodal services for long hauling are top actions recommended for improving the sustainability performance of freight transportation. The dominance profile of actors and actions is presented. This paper also elucidates the managerial implications of the research.