Analyzing India’s public distribution network: a triple-bottom-line approach

Purpose This study integrates economic, environmental, and social dimensions into the distribution network for India’s Public Distribution System (PDS). It aims to identify multi-modal strategies that balance cost efficiency, lower emissions, and community well-being. Design/methodology/approach A model is proposed to allocate grains from base to field silos via road, rail, and inland waterways considering Triple Bottom Line (TBL). The costs, emissions, and social factors (e.g. employment) were quantified and combined to generate a composite score, enabling rigorous trade-off evaluation. Findings Results from a representative case study show that integrating rail and waterways reduces total costs and emissions while boosting employment and community welfare. Intermodal configurations improve the PDS’s sustainability, demonstrating the feasibility of aligning economic objectives with environmental and social outcomes. Research limitations/implications Future work could incorporate stochastic demand or disruptions, and extend beyond a single commodity or region, enhancing the model’s robustness and generalizability. Practical implications Insights guide planners in selecting routes, modes, and facility investments aligned with cost reduction, emissions control, and social uplift. Social implications The approach promotes inclusive development by increasing employment opportunities and ensuring a more equitable distribution of benefits in vulnerable communities. Originality/value This research extends conventional cost-centric frameworks by incorporating TBL metrics in a large-scale, government-run distribution setting. It provides a practical blueprint, informing infrastructural investments and policy interventions for holistic, enduring improvements in food security and resource utilization.