Centre Launches AI-Based Smart Warehousing System

The Government of India launched an AI-powered smart warehousing system on 18 June 2026 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. Union Food Minister Pralhad Joshi inaugurated the initiative in the presence of Nimuben Jayantibhai Bambhaniya, Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution.

Smart Warehousing in Foodgrain Storage

Smart warehousing is a digital storage management model that uses connected devices, automation and analytics for monitoring warehouse operations. In India, the system is linked with foodgrain storage under the Public Distribution System, which handles subsidised foodgrains through the national food security network.

Technologies Used in the System

The system integrates Artificial Intelligence, the Internet of Things, automated surveillance, FASTag-based gate automation, ANPR-based gate automation, geo-tagged smart locks, AI-enabled bag counting, face recognition for quality inspections, and IoT sensors. The sensors monitor environmental conditions such as carbon dioxide and phosphine levels inside warehouses.

Coverage and Institutional Rollout

The initial rollout covers 215 or 216 warehouses managed by the Central Warehousing Corporation. The Food Corporation of India plans to introduce similar smart systems in about 150 of its warehouses by October 2026. The project includes an end-to-end digital dashboard for real-time monitoring of warehouse operations.

Important Facts for Exams

• The Central Warehousing Corporation is a public sector warehousing organisation under the Government of India.
• The Food Corporation of India was established in 1965 under the Food Corporations Act, 1964.
• FASTag uses RFID technology for electronic toll and gate processing in India.
• ANPR stands for Automatic Number Plate Recognition and is used for vehicle identification.

Operational Features

The system is designed for real-time visibility of warehouse operations and digital tracking of stored foodgrains. It also supports compliance monitoring, manpower productivity tracking, early hazard detection and reduced vehicle turnaround time.