Economic Times CV and Logistics Conclave
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New Delhi: In a discussion centred on “Enhancing Safety and Efficiency Through Sustainable Transportation Management,” industry leaders converged to address the challenges and promising innovations within the realm of commercial transportation at The Economic Times CV and Logistics Conclave held on March 15, 2024 at Hilton Mumbai International Airport.
From the imperative shift towards sustainability to the critical role of technology in bolstering safety measures, the discourse navigated through insights and pragmatic solutions. Here’s a narrative, encapsulating the compelling perspectives shared by key stakeholders in this transformative journey.
Amidst the intersection of innovation and necessity, leaders from the commercial transportation sector convened to deliberate on the transformation of transportation practices. Bal Malkit Singh, CMD of Bal Roadline, emphasized the pivotal role of transportation as the backbone of the economy, stating, “Transportation and transporters play a key role in the entire supply chain management.”
Addressing the urgency of road safety challenges, Kaushik Narayan, CEO of Leaptrucks, shed light on India’s alarming road fatalities statistics. Narayan emphasized, “India accounts for just 1% of the total number of vehicles running in the world, yet we contribute to 6% of the total number of accidents and a staggering 12% of the total fatalities.” He further delineated the necessary approaches to mitigate risks, emphasizing rule enforcement and fostering a safety-oriented culture.
Manoj Kothari, Vice President of Global Demand & Supply Organization at Zydus Wellness, provided insights into the landscape of supply chain dynamics. Kothari stressed the importance of product safety and availability, saying, “Supply chain management revolves around availability. As a consumer product or FMCG company, my products must be readily available on the shelf. That’s the mandate.” He highlighted the delicate balance between meeting consumer demands for timely deliveries and the challenges encountered, emphasizing the need for constant monitoring and optimization across the supply chain.The discourse also grappled with the challenge of driver shortages plaguing the industry. Singh lamented the lack of incentives and respect afforded to truck drivers, exacerbating the recruitment crisis. He pointed out, “Some years ago, it was 5%-6%, then it rose to 8%-10%, then 15%, and now it stands at an average of 22%. The Union Transport minister has also addressed this issue in various public forums.” Moreover, inefficiencies, including bureaucratic hurdles and corruption, compound the challenges faced by transporters.
Despite the trials and tribulations, hope emerges through technological interventions and collective efforts. From advanced tracking systems to supply chain optimization, the industry is poised to leverage technological innovation for safety and sustainability. However, the journey ahead demands action, with the stakeholders urged to bridge the gap between aspirations and implementation, catalyzing a shift towards safer and more sustainable transportation practices.
