India needs 22 lakh professional drivers to move goods. It is envisaged that the recent Vehicle Scrapping Policy is conducive to attract additional investments of around INR 10,000 crore and 35,000 job opportunities. The government and industry have also introduced initiatives focusing on enhancing drivers’ skills by establishing new driver training institutes, online services related to RTO, encouragement for new generation trucks are expected to improve the sector.
As part of its initiative to support the ecosystem Bridgestone India, along with the CII Institute of Logistics, has launched a Road Transport & Logistics Excellence initiative.
According to the tyremaker, the first programme as a part of this initiative aims to recognise and appreciate the key role of drivers. Subsequent programmes will focus on research areas to gain insights to address the image of professionals in the sector, road safety, fuel efficiency, tyre mileage, overall cost optimisation, etc.
A professional driver’s platform - “drivers guild” will be established connecting multiple locations to expand developmental initiatives in association with various regional stakeholders in the road transport sector, the company said.
The new generation trucks, technology solutions, well-developed road infrastructure and fast-developing amenities alongside highways provide great opportunities to professionalise driving. New generation drivers will be more tech-savvy, understand the customer orientation and exhibit professional behaviour that commands respect in the industry and society.
Bridgestone will recognise drivers and other transport industry partners for their achievements in fuel savings, road safety, tyre mileage, etc. and CII IL, a Centre of Excellence in Logistics and Supply chain, is joining hands as the Knowledge Partner in this initiative.
Parag Satpute, Managing Director, Bridgestone India, said, “Commercial vehicle drivers play a significant, yet unsung, role in keeping the economy going and are seldom recognised for their efforts. This platform will enhance the motivation of the driver community and, at the same time, build a safe and sustainable environment for the complete transport & logistics ecosystem. These drivers are an important stakeholder segment for us and the International Drivers day is apt to recognise their key role in driving the wheels of trade in our country.”
R Dinesh, Chairman, CII Institute of Logistics, said, “With an aim to acknowledge the men who spend a large part of their lives on the wheel, CII Institute of Logistics has partnered with Bridgestone to plan and implement series of initiatives of recognising and appreciating drivers and other transport industry partners. We would like to transform the image of the Logistics sector, starting with the recognition of unsung heroes of road transport – drivers. Series of programmes in the near future will focus on improving professionalism and quality of service in the Transport and Logistics sector.”