In November 2025, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, from the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution (MoCAF&PD), introduced a suite of innovative digital platforms aimed at modernizing warehousing operations and enhancing transparency within the Public Distribution System (PDS). This initiative encompasses several key technologies, including Bhandara 360, Smart EXIM Warehouse, Anna Darpan, ASHA, and a cutting-edge SILO facility located in Malout, Punjab.
The primary goal of these platforms is to streamline logistics efficiency as part of the Government of India’s ongoing commitment to improving public services under the Prime Minister GatiShakti National Master Plan (PMGS-NMP).
Bhandara 360 is an advanced ERP platform built on the SAP S/4HANA framework. It integrates 41 operational modules that cover areas such as human resources, finance, warehouse management, and marketing, consolidating these operations into a single digital framework for CWC's national network.
This platform connects with 35 external systems, including ICEGATE (Indian Customs Electronic Gateway), port authorities, and various food and agricultural organizations, enhancing interoperability across the supply chain.
Key features of Bhandara 360 include Single Sign-On, encrypted workflows, audit trails, chatbots, and Robotic Process Automation (RPA), all designed to boost visibility and efficiency from warehouse operations to corporate management.
The Smart EXIM Warehouse System represents a significant leap in cargo handling technology. Developed under the Digital Transformation 2.0 initiative, this system utilizes AI and IoT to automate operations in Container Freight Stations (CFS) and general warehouses.
The integration of FASTag, Optical Character Recognition (OCR), and Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) enables seamless gate operations and yard management, enhancing real-time tracking and optimizing operational flows.
ANNA DARPAN is a microservices-based platform that replaces the previous Depot Online System, unifying various operations such as procurement, storage, and quality management. Its mobile-first design and real-time dashboards improve decision-making and operational transparency across the food supply chain.
Launched by the Department of Food and Public Distribution, ASHA (Anna Sahayata Holistic AI Solution) is an AI-driven feedback platform designed to enhance beneficiary engagement. This initiative, developed in collaboration with the Wadhwani Foundation, began with pilot projects in five states and aims to expand to 20 lakh citizens per month by March 2026.
ASHA facilitates reporting of entitlement and quality issues through automated calls in regional languages, employing multilingual translation and sentiment analysis to categorize grievances effectively.
The newly inaugurated SILO Complex in Malout, Punjab, with a capacity of 1.5 lakh MT, reflects the Government of India's commitment to establishing world-class storage solutions. This facility aims to enhance food security and improve the efficiency of the PDS.
Modern steel silos offer better protection for grains, ensuring higher quality food delivery with reduced wastage. The facility's design supports greater storage capacity in a compact space, facilitating faster automated operations and minimizing post-harvest losses.
The launch of these digital platforms signifies a transformative step in India's approach to public distribution and warehousing. By adopting advanced technologies, the government aims to foster transparency, efficiency, and better service delivery for all citizens.
Kutos : AI Assistant!
