A freight-flow model developed by a group of South African logisticians is delivering tangible results in India which is using the model to guide policy and infrastructure discussions at various ministries. It’s the brainchild of Professor Jan Havenga from the logistics department at the University of Stellenbosch, and his research collaborator from the Industrial Engineering department at the university, Zane Simpson.
“The World Bank is investing heavily in India in transport and logistics in India and they enlisted our help to ensure that the substantial investments in rail were well directed and had the necessary effect,” said Havenga. “In the process we’ve developed a freight-flow model of all commodities between all 800 districts of India on all modes. The World Bank and the Government of India quickly realised our model had wide application and we’ve been heavily involved in the country ever since.” He said it had taken about five months to develop the model.
There is no doubt the two South Africans’ freight model is bearing fruit. With the Indian government seeing results it has more recently led to the approval of a R6-billion freight village project in Varanasi. “It has been a highly rewarding experience, even though the challenges are immense,” said Havenga. “India has 24 times more people than South Africa on a land mass that is only 2.7 times bigger than us. They are the fastest-growing major economy in the world with a GDP seven times bigger than South Africa. In terms of logistics systems and infrastructure we’re far ahead, but the speed at which they’re catching up is breathtaking. And their willingness to work with evidence and improve things is refreshing.”
What assists the process further is the access of the logistics team in India to directors general of various departments and a host of competent officials. According to Havenga this goes a long way to increasing the speed of project delivery. Perhaps the South African government would do well to take a leaf out of India’s book.
Quote: The World Bank is investing heavily in transport and logistics in India. – Jan Havenga
