CII's Logistics Colloquium 2024 Kicks Off in Bhubaneswar

The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) hosted the Logistics Colloquium 2024 on Friday in Bhubaneswar. The two-day conference, titled "Transforming Logistics in Eastern India: Bridging Gaps and Building Futures," brought together important stakeholders, industry executives, and government officials to explore logistics' critical role in the region's economic development and prosperity.

The colloquium facilitated in-depth discussions on logistics infrastructure in Eastern India. Esteemed dignitaries reviewed the existing status of logistics, highlighting underlying opportunities and difficulties that must be addressed to fully realize the region's potential.

In order to satisfy the region's rising demand, speakers underlined the importance of updating and developing transportation networks, warehouse facilities, and supply chain processes. They emphasized how crucial it is for the public, business, and other sectors to work together to close gaps in the logistics ecosystem.PPPs, or public-private partnerships, have been found to be essential for stimulating innovation and investment in the industry.

The World Bank advisor ‘Sachin Bhanushali’, a former CEO and director of Gateway Rail Freight Limited, highlighted the need for more regulation that is in line with Western norms as well as the numerous issues with the current road transport system. In order to dramatically raise average transit speeds, he promoted multi-modal logistics, which makes use of first- and last-mile warehouses in addition to the road and rail networks. Additionally, Bhanushali pointed out that enhancing transit times and reliability might significantly lower logistical expenses.

The importance of national waterways as an environmentally friendly form of transportation was emphasized by Vijay Kumar, Chairman of the Inland Waterways Authority of India. In addition to outlining future plans to connect different sections of the country through inland waterways, he emphasized ongoing conversations with significant PSUs and enterprises to utilize waterways for the transportation of their products.

The president of Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited, Subrat Tripathy, said, "The three main pillars of logistics are productivity, efficiency, and cost. The container industry is undergoing significant changes at a number of ports, including Paradeep Port. We'll stay ahead with better government assistance and incentives." Additionally, he stated that India's coastal trade has grown to $324 billion and that there is a great deal of potential to improve coastal trade and connections in the Eastern region with trading partners in Southeast Asia, given the Government of India's focus on Purvodaya.

According to ‘Ravi Prakash Chaturvedi’, Area Head of Container Corporation of India Limited (CONCOR), India's logistics index has improved significantly over the past ten years. He credited a number of government programs, including the Eastern and Western Dedicated Freight Corridors, the National Logistics Policy, the Bharatmala Pariyojana, and the Sagarmala projects, for this advancement. In order to further strengthen the country's logistics capabilities, Chaturvedi further emphasized CONCOR's position as a crucial multimodal logistics supplier.

The Chairman of the CII Odisha State Council and the Chairman of SNM Group, Dr. Pradipta Mohanty, stressed the importance of effective logistics in cutting costs and increasing the accessibility of goods and services both locally and internationally. He extended an invitation to the Odisha industry to take part in the next CII EXIM Conference, which is set for August 20, 2024, in Kolkata.

In addition to highlighting the significance of talent development in the logistics and supply chain industries, Ashish Gupta, Chairman of the CII ER Logistics Subcommittee and CEO & Whole Time Director of ESL Steel Limited (Vedanta Group), noted that it also presents a substantial challenge. He promoted the establishment of facilities in schools and colleges for the improvement of logistical skills.Eastern India is the engine of the nation, according to Debashis Dutta, Vice Chairman, CII West Bengal State Council, Director, BGS Group, who also emphasized that the logistics sector is essential to all contemporary businesses. He demanded that everyone work together to secure the Eastern region's ascendancy.

Devendra Thakar, CEO of Dhamra Port and co-chairman of the CII ER Logistics Subcommittee, gave closing remarks to the event, emphasizing the necessity for cooperation in order to revolutionize the logistics industry in Eastern India.