The PHD Chamber of Commerce (PHDCCI) organised the National Logistics Summit on 11th August at the PHD House in New Delhi. The event was themed ‘Navigating the Challenges & Opportunities of the Modern Logistics Landscape’, and was attended by stalwarts of the logistics industry, including Dr. Surendra Ahirwar (Joint Secretary, Logistics, DPIIT), Sumita Dawra, IAS (Special Secretary- Logistics, DPIIT), Dr. Sanjeev Ranjan (Chairman, National Shipping Board, MoPSW) and Mr. Anil Khandelwal, (Principal Executive Director, Gati Shakti Railway Board, Ministry of Railways).
Dawra, referring to the latest World Bank report, mentioned in her address to the audience that India has made impressive progress and moved up 6 places to secure the 38th rank out of 139 countries in the 7th edition of the Logistics Performance Index. She highlighted the Prime Minister’s threefold objectives within the National Logistics Policy, which include achieving international competitiveness by 2030, striving for a position within the top 25 on the Logistic Performance Index, and fostering data-driven decision-making for infrastructure and logistics development.
Speaking about the PM’s Gatishakti Masterplan, she described it as a technological miracle, emphasizing its utilization of over 450 data layers. She further explained how this initiative maximizes connectivity while minimizing ecological impact, effectively supporting sustainable growth. Dawra also underlined the rapid implementation of the Unified Logistics Interface Platform (ULIP) since the introduction of the National Logistics Policy.
Additionally, she elaborated on the Logistics Data Bank, revealing that it currently tracks around 60 million EXIM containers. This tracking mechanism facilitates valuable insights for speed analysis, benefitting various stakeholders across the logistics chain.
Speaking at the Summit, Dr. Ahirwar underscored that the National Logistics Policy stands as a comprehensive and strategic roadmap. This policy addresses the infrastructure deficit by harnessing digital connectivity, a pivotal focus reshaping the logistics landscape. Furthermore, he highlighted the profound impact of the PM Gatishakti Masterplan, describing how it empowers government bodies and administrations to craft infrastructure plans in alignment with national priorities, fostering a seamless and efficient logistics ecosystem.
He called the ULIP a vital component of the digital framework within the National Logistics Policy, highlighted its B2B and G2B nature and emphasized how ULIP seamlessly integrates diverse digital systems from government ministries.
With diverse systems seamlessly integrated into ULIP’s three-tier structure – data layering, administrative, and presentation – Dr. Ahirwar emphasized that the private sector’s engagement with the presentation layer offers a unique opportunity for industries to shape their supply chain and logistics operations strategically.
Dr. Ranjan, in his address, highlighted the government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for the logistics sector to flourish and contribute to India’s growth story. He also appreciated the Carbon Credit Scheme and the new ESG framework. According to him, there is a new paradigm shift where efficiency has become the focus and both of them, when put together, create opportunities. He also called containerization a new big thing while highlighting its significance with multimodality.
In his presidential address, Mr. Saket Dalmia, President of PHDCCI, expressed that the logistics industry has been significantly impacted by the rapid growth of e-commerce, which has led to increased demand for international goods and MSMEs selling internationally.
The implementation of green logistics technology, which includes climate measurement tools, real-time data-gathering tools, electric vehicles, green cold chain solutions, electric cargo delivery drones, and logistics resource management platforms, can have numerous benefits like reducing waste, simplifying processes, improving a company’s competitiveness, and being environmentally friendly, added Mr. Dalmia.
Mr. Khandelwal said that the Indian economy is experiencing rapid growth, and the demand for logistics is also on the rise. Therefore, accelerating infrastructure development and implementing plans to provide infrastructure ahead of demand is imperative.
The National Logistics Summit underscored the significance of collaboration, innovation, and strategic planning in navigating the evolving logistics landscape. The event provided a platform for industry leaders, policymakers, and experts to exchange insights and discuss the future of logistics in India.
