Centre Unveils Major Digital Upgrades to Modernise Food Storage, Logistics and Public Distribution

Ziraat Times News Network

New Delhi — The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution on Tuesday announced a major digital overhaul of India’s food storage, logistics and public distribution systems, aiming to boost efficiency, transparency and service delivery. Union Minister Pralhad Joshi launched a series of technology-enabled platforms designed to modernise warehousing, streamline supply chains and strengthen the Public Distribution System (PDS).

Addressing the launch event, Joshi said the reforms align with the government’s PM Gati Shakti initiative, which integrates various modes of transportation to reduce logistics costs and improve turnaround time nationwide. He emphasised that technology must enhance transparency and speed while ensuring that “the human touch” in service delivery to the poorest households is preserved.

At the centre of the modernisation effort is the Central Warehousing Corporation’s new enterprise resource planning system, Bhandaran 360, built on SAP S/4HANA. Implemented ahead of schedule, the platform integrates 41 modules covering HR, finance, warehouse management, marketing, contract monitoring and other core functions. It is also linked with 35 external systems including ICEGATE, port platforms, FCI, NAFED, NCCF and the WDRA, enabling seamless digital connectivity across the food storage and movement chain.

Key features include:

• Single Sign-On and role-based access

• End-to-end data encryption and audit trails

• Real-time dashboards from warehouse to corporate level

• Automated workflows supported by chatbots and RPA

• Predictive analytics for faster decision-making

The platform standardizes operations across CWC’s warehouses, supports faster expansion, and improves the ease of doing business for farmers, cooperatives, FPOs, MSMEs, traders and e-commerce companies.

Smart EXIM Warehouse System Introduced

As part of its Digital Transformation 2.0, CWC also rolled out a Smart EXIM Warehouse System for container freight stations and general warehouses. Using technologies such as AI, IoT, FASTag, OCR/ANPR and GNSS, the system automates container and cargo handling.

Major elements include:

• Gate automation linked with rail and port systems

• Digital Twin-enabled yard management for real-time movement tracking

• Smart inventory management with automated ERP updates

Officials said the system will reduce manual intervention, speed up cargo handling and improve employee productivity.

FCI Unveils ‘ANNA DARPAN’ Unified Platform

The Food Corporation of India launched ANNA DARPAN, a microservices-based platform that replaces the existing Depot Online System. The new platform integrates procurement, storage, movement, quality checks, labour management and contract monitoring under one digital ecosystem.

Its mobile-first design allows real-time monitoring across mandis, depots, railheads and offices. FCI said the platform would create a unified flow of information for faster decisions and significantly higher supply chain efficiency.

ASHA Platform to Strengthen Citizen Feedback

The Department also introduced ASHA — Anna Sahayata Holistic AI Solution, a multilingual AI-based system that enables PDS beneficiaries to provide feedback through automated voice calls. The platform uses sentiment analysis, grievance categorization and real-time dashboards to help administrators identify irregularities and strengthen accountability in ration distribution.

Developed with the Wadhwani Foundation and IndiaAI’s Bhashini infrastructure, ASHA currently reaches 20 lakh beneficiaries a month across 20 states and will cover all 36 states and UTs by March 2026.

The minister also virtually inaugurated a 1.5 lakh MT Hub Silo Complex in Malout, Punjab, designed to improve grain preservation and reduce post-harvest losses. The steel silo system, officials said, ensures better quality foodgrains for ration-card holders while improving loading efficiency and lowering long-term storage costs.

The event was attended by Food and Public Distribution Secretary Sanjeev Chopra, senior ministry officials, and heads of key agencies including CWC Managing Director Santosh Sinha and FCI Managing Director Ashutosh Agnihotri.