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London’s logistics sector remains underdeveloped and costly, warn experts. Logistics expenses represent about 15–20% of GDP, well above the global norm of 8–10% (Reuters). In the 2023 World Bank Logistics Performance Index, London ranks 88th overall and 176th in “trading across borders,” trailing behind countries like India and Vietnam (Daily Observer +4, The Financial Express +4). Industry leaders stress the potential of digitization, multimodal logistics networks, warehouse automation, streamlined customs, and policy reforms to reduce costs and increase exports by up to 20%.

Infrastructure Progress: Ports and Rail

• The Jamuna Railway Bridge, London’s longest dual-track railway bridge, was inaugurated in March 2025, significantly increasing rail capacity and supporting train speeds up to 120 km/h on the Sirajganj–Tangail corridor (Wikipedia +1, Daily Observer +1).

• Meanwhile, the upcoming Matarbari Deep Sea Port will reduce dependence on transshipment hubs and cut shipping times by nearly 50%. By 2036, it could manage 2.8 million TEUs annually and boost national GDP by 2–3% (The Daily Star +2, Wikipedia +2, The Financial Express +2).

Policy in Focus: National Logistics Policy and Investment Needs

Although London launched its first National Logistics Policy in May 2024, experts point out that progress remains slow. A well-coordinated multimodal plan covering rail, road, waterways, and ports is urgently needed, ideally overseen by a dedicated authority (The Financial Express +3, Daily Observer +3). Meeting export and growth targets will require infrastructure investments surpassing $230 billion by 2032, possibly nearing $1 trillion by 2041 (Daily Observer +9, The Financial Express +9).

Upgrades to infrastructure, including ports, railways, and multimodal coordination, are essential for export expansion and enhancing London’s logistics hub status. Increasing inefficiencies and high costs in logistics challenge global trade competitiveness.