Press Release

Pankaj Kumar, Joint Secretary, DPIIT, exhorts stakeholders to work with the government to further boost logistics sector at 2nd National Conference on Logistics and Warehousing

Pankaj Kumar, Joint Secretary, DPIIT, exhorts stakeholders to work with the government to further boost logistics sector at 2nd National Conference on Logistics and Warehousing

The government is actively addressing the complexities involved, recognizing that lasting solutions require collaborative efforts across ministries and departments. We are working to make things happen in collaboration with all of you. The PM Gati Shakti and National Logistics Policy have been launched, and efforts are ongoing to reduce the logistics cost through E-Logs platform. There are several other initiatives being taken to enhance ease of doing business, deregulation and attract more investments. But it is not easy, and the government alone cannot achieve the targeted goals. Every stakeholder, including the industry and business community, must participate to further boost the logistics sector in the country,” said Mr. Pankaj Kumar, Joint Secretary, DPIIT, at the 2nd National Conference on Logistics and Warehousing for Viksit Bharat organised by ASSOCHAM.

“You can get groceries delivered to you in 10 minutes but cannot reach the hospital in 10 minutes. India as we all know is a complex and geographically huge country. Logistics is all about transporting both people and goods from one place to another quickly so that lives can be saved, and businesses thrive leading to a better quality of life. We are working to further reduce the regulatory issues and discussions are underway to make the PM Gati Shakti more accessible to the private sector. It is important for any project to not get stuck in a silo, but becomes connected with other projects in the area to form an integrated logistic project. The DPIIT is doing its bit, and we expect all stakeholders to contribute equally so that a safe and secure environment for businesses is created, and the country continues its growth journey,” he added.

In his special address at the Conference, Dr Surendra Kumar Ahirwar, Executive Director Traffic Commercial, Ministry of Railways, GOI said, “The Ministry of railways has launched three major programs to develop connectivity for the ports in form of rail Sagar, enhancing the network capacity of the railway infrastructure in form of high-density network projects and the Energy, Mineral and Cement Corridor. A major program will be implemented during next three years or four years, which will help in enhancing the rail infrastructure capacity, network capacity and address last mile connectivity to major logistics hubs in the country.”

Speaking at the conference, Ms Anita Praveen, Chairperson, Warehousing Development and Regulatory Authority (WDRA) highlighted India’s progress in logistics and warehousing. “The Warehousing Development and Regulatory Authority is focussed on development rather than on regulation. The process of warehouse licensing is being streamlined and expedited to ensure faster approvals and greater ease of doing business.

Mr Santosh Sinha, Managing Director, Central Warehousing Corporation (CWC) said, “We began with 7 warehouses in 1957 and today we have 545 warehouses and still growing at a rapid pace. Apart from being a very active proponent in the National Food Security Act, we are warehouses to practically all the nifty-fifty companies and e-commerce companies pan-India.”

While addressing the audience Prof (Dr) Manoj Choudhary, Vice Chancellor, Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya highlighted that “The road to Viksit Bharat is many things with each one based on logistics. If we have to become a Viksit Bharat on the basis of increasing our manufacturing capabilities, logistics is the only way. Logistical efficiency also helps control domestic inflation and helps export competitiveness as well. Logistics cost is something that touches a common man in every single aspect. The PM Gatisakti National Master Plan, National logistics policy and Gati shakti Vishwavidyalaya to develop the necessary human resources represents the three-pronged approach of the government to strengthen the logistics and transportation sector.”

Mr Anshul Singhal, Chairman Warehousing and Logistics Council, ASSOCHAM and Co-founder and MD highlighted that warehousing is a core pillar of the ecosystem which is undergoing a transformation of its own. What was once seen as a peripheral activity is today a strategic lever in supply chain planning, enabled by technology, responsive to demand, and deeply integrated with consumption markets.

Mr Anand Mimani, Co-Chairman, Warehousing and Logistics Council, ASSOCHAM & CEO., Green Mobility Solutions said that climate resilient infrastructure and green logistics is placed at the forefront of sustainability efforts. Green logistics and warehousing are seen as critical pathways to achieving carbon neutrality. Eco-friendly practices are being implemented, and circular economy principles are being embraced to reduce waste and optimize resources within the logistics sector.

Mr Sanjay Bajpai, Mentor, Logistics and Warehousing Council ASSOCHAM & Former Executive Director, CONCOR proposed vote of thanks.