2 more joint logistics hubs for forces soon

In an effort to rationalise manpower and resources, the armed forces have gone in for joint logistical nodes or hubs in some parts of the country. Two such centres will come up shortly in Mumbai and Guwahati wherein the Navy and the Army will be lead agencies.

Explaining the concept of these centres, officials said here on Friday till now the three Services used to procure their own rations, critical spares and ammunition for basic weapons like rifles used by the Navy, IAF and Army thereby multiplying chains of supply or logistics besides increasing manpower.

The need for enhancing inter-operability and synergy amongst the three Services was a long standing issue and the first decision in principle to have a joint logistical node was taken in 2008. Thereafter, a study by the Services was conducted and report submitted in 2011. It proposed setting up 12 such stations like in Jodhpur, Ambala, Chennai and Port Blair amongst others.

The first station was opened early last year in Port Blair which houses the lone Tri-Service Command after the Chiefs of Staff Committee gave the go ahead in 2016. The successful venture there prompted the Defence Ministry to open two centres in Mumbai and Guwahati.

Since the Navy’s procurement procedures are matured, it will procure all the items needed for the Army and IAF in Mumbai, they said. It will free up the manpower now engaged in the Army supply depots leading to rationalisation and better deployment of the soldiers, they said.

Given the vast infrastructure of the Army in the North-East, it will be the premier agency for all procurements of general nature and the IAF will source them through the Army, they said. The remaining stations will become functional in a phased manner in the next two to three years.