The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Strengthening India's Cold Chain Logistics and Economic Growth

The core of India's economic growth is its logistics industry, which makes a substantial contribution to GDP expansion. The cold chain logistics sector, which serves the food, pharmaceutical, and agricultural sectors of this ecosystem, is essential to maintaining food security and product quality. However, performance and competitiveness are hampered by enduring issues such as high energy prices, ineffective refrigeration systems, and temperature variations. In order to foster overall economic growth, this article addresses how artificial intelligence (AI) can enhance operational sustainability and efficiency in India's cold chain logistics. This study analyzes the revolutionary effects of AI-driven predictive maintenance, smart route planning, and IoT-based real-time monitoring using a mixed-method research approach based on secondary data, industry analysis, and conceptual modeling. According to the results, AI can improve supply chain efficiency by 15%, eradicate loss of merchandise by 30%, and cut energy consumption by 20–25%.In alignment with India's National Logistics Policy and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the study presents an AI-Enabled Cold Chain Optimization Framework. India can create a robust, affordable, and internationally competitive cold chain logistics network that fortifies its economic base by combining AI with digital infrastructure and laws and regulations.