New Delhi: The much-awaited Logistics Shakti Summit & Awards 2024 was held today at Hotel Hyatt Regency, New Delhi, convening industry leaders and experts who came up with new ideas to spur logistic sector growth and discuss its potential to achieve Viksit Bharat 2047 Mission. Organized by IHW Media and Million Minds Management Consultancy, the significant gathering brought together industry giants, policymakers, and key stakeholders to discuss and shape the future of logistics in India.
The Guests of Honour who attended the inaugural session included H.E. Mr. Moe Kyaw Aung, Ambassador, Embassy of the Union of Myanmar, New Delhi; Lt Gen Dharam Vir Kalra, PVSM, AVSM (Retired), Former Director General Ordnance Services, Indian Army; Prof. (Dr.) Manoj Choudhary, Vice Chancellor, Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya; Brig Atul Kumar, SM, Gati Shakti, Infrastructure, Logistics, Policy, Planning & Development, Indian Army; Mr. Roshan Lal Agarwal, Joint Managing Director, CJ Darcl Logistics.
The inaugural session centered on the current logistics landscape and Viksit Bharat, featuring keynote addresses that outlined the nation’s dynamic logistics ecosystem, market trends, and digital transformation goals. Dignitaries emphasized the importance of sustainability, collaboration, and policy initiatives in steering Bharat towards a $5 trillion economy by 2027-28 and achieving a digitally advanced, eco-friendly logistics infrastructure by 2047.
In his address, Lt. Gen. Dharam Vir Kalra, PVSM, AVSM (Retired), Former Director of General Ordnance Services, Indian Army said, “Efficient supply chains are vital to business success, and strong logistics is the key to their effectiveness. Strategic investment in infrastructure is crucial, as history shows that poor logistics can be a downfall. With emerging technologies like RFID, Blockchain, and Data Analytics, aligning business and supply chain strategies is more important than ever. It’s exciting to see the logistics sector gaining the recognition it deserves, and I’m proud to be part of this evolving industry.”
Expressing his views, Prof. (Dr.) Manoj Choudhary, Vice Chancellor, Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya said, “We are committed to achieving net zero by 2030, with significant progress in infrastructure development, supported by a ₹11 lakh crore budget allocation. Key initiatives like Vande Bharat, freight corridor expansion, and national highway development are driving economic growth. As 90% of our trade relies on maritime routes, we’re strengthening the logistics network and rapidly embracing digitalization. At Gati Shakti University, we’re preparing graduates to meet the evolving demands of this critical sector.”
Expressing his pleasure on being invited in the event, Myanmar Ambassador Moe Kyaw Aung, said, “It’s an honor to represent Myanmar at this event. Our deep historical ties with India highlight our commitment to development through efficient logistics. Myanmar’s strategic location and river network development position us as a key logistics hub. We are advancing this goal with initiatives like the Mizoram-Myanmar connectivity project, showcasing our shared commitment to regional growth and collaboration.”
Mr. Amit Shankhdhar, Founder Director, Million Minds, emphasized as how Logistics Shakti is about collaboration for achieving Viksit Bharat Mission. “This summit prompts us to reflect on the logistics sector’s role in achieving a developed India. It celebrates the collective efforts of all stakeholders, from truckers to policymakers, emphasizing that competition drives competence. As we embark on this transformative journey, we aim to accelerate growth and innovation in logistics. Logistics Shakti is just a beginning and an initiative of IHW Media and Million Minds, but this journey has no end.”
On the sidelines of the event, BonV Aero, a deep-tech company in the aerospace and aviation sector, entered a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Centre for Disaster Management Studies and Sustainability (CDDMASS).
Satyabrata Satpathy, CEO of BonV Aero, said, “Our aerial mobility platform, RM001, has proven its resilience and reliability in the most challenging terrains, including supporting the Indian Army in the Himalayas. With this new partnership, we are poised to extend our expertise into the commercial logistics sector, ensuring that our technology continues to drive impactful change and sustainable growth.”
The first half of the session also witnessed the Felicitation of the Logistic Shakti Advisory Board, Partners & Sponsors, apart from an enlightening first session on ‘India Piloting Zero Emission Freight Movement on Bharatmala Expressways’. The second session on ‘Drivers are the pilots of the logistics industry; investing in their well-being for sustainable and resilient growth’ put a spotlight on the vital role of drivers in the logistics industry, likening them to pilots. Apart from that, Shri N Sivasailam, Former Special Secretary (Logistics), Department of Commerce, Govt. of India, delivered a keynote address touching upon several nuances, challenges, and possible solutions for the logistics sector in India.
The second half saw further sessions on ‘Gig Workers in Logistics – Wellbeing, Challenges & Opportunities’, ‘Empowering Startups and Investment Opportunities’, ‘Smart Logistics & Connected Mobility: Unleashing the Power of Digital Technologies for Efficient and Sustainable Operations’, ‘Harnessing Franchise Shakti to Create Entrepreneurs And Employment Generators to Boost Progress Towards Viksit Bharat goal’ followed by a Focus Session on ‘Transforming Specialty Logistics for Diagnostics and Pharma Supply Chain: Protecting the Health of the Nation’, which was moderated by Mr. Kamal Narayan Omer, CEO, IHW Council. The event came to a close with an award ceremony in the evening and jury remarks on the overall outcome of the summit.