Adarsh Hegde, Joint MD, Allcargo Logistics reflects on budget

“Budget 2018-19 has an overall balanced view with focus on the masses. After last year’s GST rollout, we expected this budget to focus more on direct taxes. There weren’t too many announcements for the logistics sector, but the emphasis on infrastructure expenditure is a welcome move. Development of 35,000 km of road network under phase 1 of the Bharatmala project is a key corollary to addressing vital connectivity issues. The concerns of logistics have also been looked into with the setting up of a National Logistics Information Portal. A much-needed single window clearance digital platform for stake-holders across the supply chain spectrum will enable them to consolidate their market competencies. Significant focus on healthcare, education, rural upliftment and digital India is laudable. Marginal slippage in fiscal deficit is a slight worry but overall it is a people friendly budget. However, we will have to deep dive for better understanding.”