By Our Correspondent
BHUBANESWAR: The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)organized the Logistics Colloquium 2024 on Friday at Bhubaneswar. The two-day conference, themed “Transforming Logistics in Eastern India: Bridging Gaps and Building Futures,” brought together key stakeholders, industry leaders, and government officials to discuss the critical role of logistics in the development and economic prosperity of the region.
The colloquium provided a platform for in-depth discussions on the logistics infrastructure in Eastern India. Esteemed dignitaries examined the current state of logistics, identifying underlying opportunities and challenges that need to be addressed to unlock the region’s full potential.
Speakers emphasized the need for modernizing and expanding transport networks, warehousing facilities, and supply chain mechanisms to meet the growing demands of the region. They highlighted the importance of collaboration between the government, private sector, and other stakeholders to bridge gaps in the logistics ecosystem. Public-private partnerships (PPPs) were identified as crucial for driving investments and innovation in the sector.
Mr Sachin Bhanushali, Advisor, The World Bank and Former CEO & Director, Gateway Rail Freight Limited pointed out various challenges in the current road transport system, emphasizing the need for better regulation akin to Western standards. He advocated for multi-modal logistics, leveraging both road and rail networks, as well as first-mile and last-mile warehousing, to significantly increase average transport speeds. Bhanushali also noted that improving reliability and transit times could substantially reduce logistics costs.
Mr Shri Vijay Kumar, IAS, Chairman, Inland Waterways Authority of India, highlighted the role of national waterways as a sustainable mode of transportation. He mentioned ongoing discussions with large PSUs and firms to utilize waterways for transporting their products and outlined future plans to connect various parts of the country through inland waterways.
Mr Subrat Tripathy, President, Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited, stated, “Logistics is all about cost, efficiency, and productivity. Significant developments are happening in the container segment at various ports, including Paradeep Port. Better incentives and support from the government will keep us ahead.” He also mentioned that India’s coastal trade has increased to $324 billion, and with the Government of India’s focus on Purvodaya, there is significant potential for enhancing coastal trade and connectivity in the Eastern region with trading partners in Southeast Asia.
Mr Ravi Prakash Chaturvedi, IRTS, Area Head, Container Corporation of India Limited (CONCOR), stated that India’s logistics index has significantly improved over the last decade, in the country. He attributed this progress to various government initiatives such as the Sagarmala projects, BharatmalaPariyojana, National Logistics Policy, and the completion of the Eastern and Western Dedicated Freight Corridors. Chaturvedi also highlighted CONCOR’s role as a key multimodal logistics provider in further enhancing the nation’s logistics capabilities.
Dr Pradipta Mohanty, Chairman, CII Odisha State Council and Chairman, SNM Group, emphasized that efficient logistics are crucial for reducing costs and making products and services more accessible both domestically and globally. He invited industries in Odisha to participate in the upcoming CII EXIM Conference, scheduled on 20 August 2024, in Kolkata.
Mr Ashish Gupta, Chairman, CII ER Logistics Subcommittee and CEO & Whole Time Director ESL Steel Limited (Vedanta Group), highlighted the importance of skill development in the logistics and supply chain sector, noting it as a significant challenge. He advocated for the introduction of logistics skill enhancement facilities in schools and colleges.
Mr Debashis Dutta, Vice Chairman, CII West Bengal State Council and Director, BGS Group, described Eastern India as the driving force of the country, emphasizing that the logistics industry is fundamental to all modern industries. He called for collective support to ensure the rise of the Eastern region.
The event concluded with closing remarks by Mr Devendra Thakar, CoChairman, CII ER Logistics Subcommittee and CEO Dhamra Port, reinforcing the collaborative spirit needed to transform the logistics sector in Eastern India.
