Driving Toward Sustainability: India’s Automotive Logistics Sector Embraces Green and Efficient Solutions!
By Ashutosh Arora
The 11th edition of the SIAM Automotive Logistics Conclave, hosted by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) in New Delhi, spotlighted the pressing need for sustainable, agile, and efficient logistics solutions in India’s rapidly evolving automotive industry. With the theme “Optimizing Efficiencies in Automotive Logistics,” the event brought together leading voices from the government, automobile OEMs, and logistics and supply chain sectors to discuss strategies that align operational growth with environmental responsibility.
Hitendra Malhotra, Member (Operations & Business Development) of the Railway Board, Ministry of Railways, emphasized infrastructure innovation, announcing the introduction of specialized high-capacity wagons, including double-deckers designed for SUVs. These initiatives aim to accommodate growing vehicle dispatch volumes while promoting rail transport as a more sustainable alternative.
Tapan Ghosh, Chairman of the SIAM Logistics Group and Vice President of Sales at Hyundai Motor India Ltd, underscored the sector’s impressive growth, citing a 7.3% rise in FY 2024–25. He stressed that logistics is not just a supporting function but a key driver of this expansion, urging the industry to evolve into a more eco-friendly and responsible supply chain ecosystem.
SD Chhabra, Co-Chairman of the SIAM Logistics Group and Executive Officer at Maruti Suzuki India Ltd, noted the increasing shift towards rail-based logistics and the integration of advanced digital technologies. He explained that real-time tracking and data-driven logistics operations are enhancing visibility and efficiency across the value chain.
The conclave also served as a forum for thought leaders and logistics experts to share practical insights. Discussions explored the potential of multimodal transport systems, policy alignment, and resilience strategies to mitigate disruptions in the supply chain. The ability to adapt quickly to change emerged as a key theme in building a future-ready logistics framework.
The event featured a stellar lineup of experts, including BN Puri (AITD), Jagmeet Singh (Axestrack), Sagar R Kadu (DPIIT), Dr. Mukesh Haritash (Chetak Logistics), Clint Carmichael (Gujarat Pipavav Port), P. Rajagopi (Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India), Anuj Mangla (Transglobal Carriers), and Yash Pal Sachar (Ashok Leyland), all of whom contributed diverse perspectives on strategic logistics planning and sustainability.
Notably, the conclave gave considerable attention to green logistics solutions. Speakers like Ajay Chaudhary (Think Gas), Anup Sureshkumar (Mappls MapmyIndia), Nidhish Kuchhal (Mahindra & Mahindra), Anil Syal (Safexpress), and Ashish Bhatt (APLL VASCOR) discussed innovations in energy-efficient transport, IoT-enabled route optimization, and the role of logistics in supporting India’s green mobility ambitions.
The event concluded with recognition for logistics service providers who demonstrated exceptional performance in operational efficiency, technology adoption, and sustainable practices. As India’s automotive sector continues to expand, the conclave reinforced the industry’s commitment to reimagining logistics—not just for better business outcomes, but for a cleaner, greener future.
