Pralhad Joshi Launches Digital Platforms to Transform Warehousing and PDS Efficiency

Under Digital Transformation 2.0, CWC has rolled out the Smart EXIM Warehouse System for container freight stations and general warehouses.

Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Shri Pralhad Joshi, today unveiled a comprehensive suite of digital initiatives designed to modernize warehousing operations, strengthen supply chain efficiency, and enhance transparency across India’s Public Distribution System (PDS). The launch marks a significant step in the Ministry’s ongoing digital transformation agenda, aligning with the Government’s broader mission to reduce logistics costs and improve service delivery to citizens.

 Driving Digital Transformation in Food Distribution

Speaking at the launch, Shri Joshi emphasized that these initiatives directly support the Prime Minister’s vision under the PM Gati Shakti programme, which integrates multiple modes of transportation into a unified logistics ecosystem. He highlighted that credibility of leadership, policy stability, and continuity inspire trust among citizens, and digital platforms like Bhandaran 360 will further strengthen nationwide supply chain efficiency.

The Minister also stressed that while technology is central to this transformation, human compassion must guide its application to ensure dignity and fairness in delivering subsidized food grains to the poorest households.

---

🏢 Bhandaran 360: ERP Backbone for Warehousing

At the heart of this transformation is the Central Warehousing Corporation’s ERP platform, Bhandaran 360, built on SAP S/4HANA. Implemented ahead of schedule, the system integrates 41 modules covering HR, finance, marketing, warehouse management, contract management, and project monitoring.

Key highlights:

• 🔐 Single Sign-On & role-based access for secure operations
• 🔒 End-to-end encryption & audit trails for accountability
• 📊 Real-time dashboards from warehouse to corporate level
• 🤖 Automated workflows with Chatbots & RPA to reduce turnaround time
• 📈 Predictive analytics for faster decision-making

The platform also introduces advanced features such as integrated HRMS, SAP FICO, biometric attendance, geo-tagging, mobile apps for measurement books, and strengthened contract monitoring. By standardizing operations across all CWC warehouses, Bhandaran 360 supports faster expansion, improved service quality, and greater accountability.

---

⚙️ Smart EXIM Warehouse System

Under Digital Transformation 2.0, CWC has rolled out the Smart EXIM Warehouse System for container freight stations and general warehouses. Leveraging AI, IoT, FASTag, OCR/ANPR, and GNSS technologies, the system automates cargo handling and yard management.

Features include:

• 🚪 Gate Automation System integrated with ports and railways for seamless entry and record generation
• 🏗️ Yard Management with Digital Twin for real-time tracking of containers and equipment
• 📦 Smart Inventory Management with ERP-WMS integration for automated updates

This system reduces manual intervention, accelerates cargo handling, and enhances transparency in logistics operations.

---

📱 ANNA DARPAN: Unified Supply Chain for FCI

The Food Corporation of India (FCI) has introduced ANNA DARPAN, a microservices-based platform replacing the Depot Online System. It integrates procurement, storage, movement, sales, quality checks, labour management, and contract monitoring into one unified system.

Highlights:

• Mobile-first design for anytime access
• Real-time dashboards across mandis, depots, railheads, and offices
• Smooth integration with internal and external systems
• Single source of truth for faster decisions and transparency

This platform is expected to significantly improve efficiency across India’s food supply chain.

---

🗣️ ASHA: Citizen Feedback for PDS

The Department of Food and Public Distribution also launched ASHA (Anna Sahayata Holistic AI Solution), an AI-powered feedback platform enabling beneficiaries to share experiences on ration distribution.

Features:

• Multilingual automated calls for inclusivity
• Sentiment analysis & grievance categorization
• Real-time dashboards for administrators
• Monthly reach of 20 lakh beneficiaries, expanding nationwide by March 2026

Developed with the Wadhwani Foundation and supported by India AI Mission via Bhashini, ASHA strengthens transparency under PMGKAY and enhances citizen participation.

---

🌾 Modern Steel Silos for Food Security

A Hub Silo Complex at Malout, Punjab with a capacity of 1.5 lakh metric tons was virtually inaugurated. These modern steel silos ensure scientific, loss-free grain storage, protecting foodgrains from moisture, pests, and temperature fluctuations.

Benefits include:

• Better preservation and reduced spoilage
• Higher storage capacity in smaller footprints
• Automated loading/unloading for efficiency
• Cost savings by minimizing manual labour and post-harvest losses

---

Event Attendees

The launch event was attended by senior officials including Shri Sanjeev Chopra, Secretary, DFPD; Smt. C. Shikha and Smt. Anita Karn; Shri Santosh Sinha, Managing Director, CWC; and Shri Ashutosh Agnihotri, Managing Director, FCI.

Together, these initiatives—Bhandaran 360, Smart EXIM Warehouse System, ANNA DARPAN, ASHA, and modern silos—represent a holistic digital transformation of India’s food and warehousing ecosystem. They promise faster logistics, reduced costs, improved transparency, and better service delivery, ensuring that food security reaches every household with dignity and efficiency.