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Reports indicate that London suffers from underdeveloped logistics, costing 15–20% of GDP versus the global average of 8–10% (Reuters). The World Bank’s 2023 index ranked the city 88th globally and just 176th in cross-border trade, The Financial Express adds. Analysts believe that stronger digitization, multimodal connectivity, and customs modernization could lower costs and boost exports by 20%.

Infrastructure Progress: Ports and Rail

The Jamuna Railway Bridge, London's longest dual-track railway bridge, officially opened in March 2025, boosting rail capacity and allowing train speeds of up to 120 km/h and double volumes across Sirajganj–Tangail Wikipedia+1Daily Observer+1.
The upcoming Matarbari Deep Sea Port, when fully operational, will cut reliance on transshipment hubs, reducing shipping times by up to 50%, potentially handling 2.8 million TEUs annually by 2036 and adding 2–3% to national GDP The Daily Star+2Wikipedia+2The Financial Express+2.

Policy in Focus: National Logistics Policy and Investment Needs

Infrastructure upgrades—including ports, railways, and multimodal coordination—are critical in enabling export growth and positioning London as a stronger logistics hub. Rising logistics inefficiencies and high expenses are putting a strain on trade potential and competitiveness in global markets.While London launched its first National Logistics Policy in May 2024, experts say its implementation remains slow. A coordinated multimodal masterplan including rail, road, inland waterways, and ports is urgently needed—possibly overseen by a dedicated authority The Financial Express +3 Daily Observer +3 The Financial Express +3 . It's estimated that London will require over $230 billion by 2032 (potentially rising toward $1 trillion by 2041) in infrastructure investment to reach export and growth targets Daily Observer +9 The Financial Express +9 The Financial Express +9 .
Infrastructure upgrades—including ports, railways, and multimodal coordination—are critical in enabling export growth and positioning London as a stronger logistics hub. Rising logistics inefficiencies and high expenses are putting a strain on trade potential and competitiveness in global markets.