The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) hosted the 11th edition of the SIAM Automotive Logistics Conclave in New Delhi today. The event focused on the theme, “Optimizing Efficiencies in Automotive Logistics,” and brought together key stakeholders from the government, automotive industry, logistics, and supply chain sectors to discuss ways to enhance agility, sustainability, and resilience within India’s automotive logistics landscape.
Hitendra Malhotra, Member (Operations & Business Development) of the Railway Board, Ministry of Railways, Government of India, shared, “We are introducing specialized wagons with higher car-carrying capacity per rake, including double-deckers for SUVs, to accommodate the growing logistics demands of the automobile sector.”
Tapan Ghosh, Chairman of the SIAM Logistics Group and Vice President of Sales at Hyundai Motor India Ltd, highlighted, “In FY 2024–25, the automotive sector has experienced a growth of 7.3%. Logistics has become an essential driver of this progress. A more efficient, eco-friendly, and responsible automotive logistics sector is crucial.”
SD Chhabra, Co-Chairman of the SIAM Logistics Group and Executive Officer of Parts, Accessories & Logistics at Maruti Suzuki India Ltd, stated, “There is a strong push towards expanding railway dispatches while integrating sustainable practices. We are incorporating more advanced technologies into the logistics network to ensure that our partners can seamlessly track consignments.”
During the discussions, experts explored how digital advancements, multimodal transport, policy alignment, and proactive planning could reshape logistics operations. A major theme was the importance of resilience in adapting to disruptions and challenges in the logistics ecosystem.
Notable figures from the automotive logistics sector, including BN Puri, Director of the Asian Institute of Transport Development (AITD); Jagmeet Singh, Chief Strategy Officer of Axestrack Software Solutions; Sagar R Kadu, Director of Logistics at DPIIT; Dr Mukesh Haritash, Managing Director of Chetak Logistics Ltd; Clint Carmichael, COO of Gujarat Pipavav Port Ltd; P Rajagopi, Operating Officer of Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt Ltd; Anuj Mangla, Director of Transglobal Carriers Pvt Ltd; and Yash Pal Sachar, Vice President of Corporate Affairs at Ashok Leyland Ltd, shared their insights.
The conclave also placed a strong emphasis on sustainable practices in logistics. Industry leaders like Ajay Chaudhary, Chief Strategy Officer at Think Gas; Anup Sureshkumar, Logistics & SaaS Business at Mappls MapmyIndia IoT Group; Nidhish Kuchhal, General Manager at Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd.; Anil Syal, President of Safexpress Pvt Ltd; and Ashish Bhatt, Managing Director of APLL VASCOR Automotive Pvt Ltd, discussed the importance of adopting green logistics solutions and aligning with the nation’s green mobility initiatives. To wrap up the event, several logistics service providers were recognized for their exceptional contributions to operational efficiency and innovation.
To wrap up the event, several logistics service providers were recognized for their exceptional contributions to operational efficiency and innovation. The 11th SIAM Automotive Logistics Conclave highlighted the sector’s readiness to embrace technology, infrastructure improvements, and policy-driven innovation, positioning logistics as a pivotal factor in the future of India’s mobility ecosystem.
