The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) convened its 10th Automotive Logistics Conclave today, focusing on the theme 'Enhancing Efficiencies in Automotive Logistics.' The event brought together key government officials, leaders from vehicle manufacturing logistics, and industry experts to explore the latest advancements and strategies poised to shape the future of automotive logistics in India.
The opening session, titled 'Future of Automotive Logistics: Innovations Driving Logistics Efficiency,' set the tone for the day's discussions. Moderated by Rahul Mishra, Partner at Kearney, the session featured a distinguished panel including B N Puri, Director at the Asian Institute of Transport Development (AITD), and Saurabh Sood, President & Managing Director of GATX India Private Limited (GIPL), among others. The panellists delved into the innovative approaches that are driving efficiency in automotive logistics, highlighting the need for the sector to evolve alongside the automotive industry's transformation.
Tapan Ghosh, Chairman of the SIAM Logistics Group and Vice President of Sales at Hyundai Motor India, emphasised the growing significance of the automotive industry, which now contributes approximately 6.8% to India's GDP with a turnover exceeding INR 20 lakh crore. He stressed the importance of making automotive logistics not only efficient but also resilient and sustainable, especially as the industry shifts towards newer powertrains.
The first session, 'Smart Logistics Solutions,' moderated by Girish Mirchandani, Editor of Transtopics, explored the role of smart logistics in enhancing efficiency. Subhash Chandra Karol, Director at the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), highlighted the government's commitment to reducing logistics costs from 10% to 7-8% of manufacturing costs through initiatives like PM Gati Shakti and the National Logistics Policy. He underscored the importance of cross-ministerial collaboration and the use of GIS-based data to drive these efforts.
During the session, K C Sharma, Chief Engineer at the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, discussed ongoing projects aimed at improving accident response and logistics. He noted that the ministry is piloting a project in Chandigarh and Assam that links accident data with medical facilities, ensuring quick, cashless treatment for victims. Additionally, he mentioned advancements in GNSS-based tolling to facilitate seamless, pay-as-you-use travel, thereby reducing stoppages and improving movement across the country.
The session also featured insights from Anil Chhikara, Advisor Transport at Assam Transport Department, and Vipul Nanda, Chairman & Managing Director of Pallia Trans Logistics, among others.
The second session, focused on 'Reducing Carbon Footprints by Enhancing Logistics Efficiency,' highlighted the need for sustainable practices in automotive logistics. Alok Tripathi, Executive Director at the Railway Board, discussed the increasing role of railways in promoting sustainability within the sector. He noted that the Indian Railway system is adapting to the growing market for larger vehicles, with plans to expand the fleet of newly designed wagons. This shift is expected to significantly increase the rail coefficient in automotive logistics from 1.5% a decade ago to 22% by the end of this financial year.
The session also included contributions from industry leaders such as Ashish Bhatt, MD of APLL VASCOR Automotive Pvt Ltd, and Mukesh Haritash, Director of Chetak Group. The discussion underscored the importance of collaboration and innovation in reducing the environmental impact of logistics operations.
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