Title: Analysis of maiden modal shift in coal transportation supply chain using SAP-LAP technique

Authors: Pradeep Kumar; Abid Haleem; Furqan Qamar; Urfi Khan

Addresses: Internal Finance and Budgetary Control, Ministry of Power, Delhi, India ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, Jamia Millia Islamia, Delhi, India ' Association of Indian Universities (AIU), AIU House, Kotla Marg, New Delhi 110002, India ' Department of Mechanical and Automation Engineering, Indira Gandhi Delhi Technical University for Women, Delhi, India

Abstract: This paper presents a case study in a SAP-LAP format in respect of a maiden modal shift logistic project in India. The purpose of this paper is to show how a modal shift from railways to inland water transportation led to improvement in supply chain qualitatively and quantitatively (cost wise). SAP-LAP framework has been applied and major actors instrumental in the modal shift are briefly taken up. It is a real-life project initiated and piloted by the Government of India through Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI). This paper helps to understand the project for implementing IWT by modelling its enablers using interpretive structural modelling (ISM) technique and analysing various issues using SAP-LAP framework in order to improve the economics of supply chain. Structured modelling has helped in understanding the critical enablers. Based upon the inputs from experts, major actors suggested a different set of incentives. A concessional user charge for the use of fairway and cargo assurances as opposed to cash subsidy approach was the game changer. It provides a good model for the improvement of economics of supply chain.

Keywords: case study; Inland Waterways Authority of India; IWAI; inland water transport; IWT; SAP-LAP; modal shift logistic project of India; multimodal transport; interpretive structural modelling; ISM.

DOI: 10.1504/IJLSM.2018.093585

International Journal of Logistics Systems and Management, 2018 Vol.30 No.4, pp.458 - 476

Received: 05 Oct 2016
Accepted: 10 Feb 2017
Published online: 30 Jul 2018 *

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