CARGOCONNECT-AUGUST 2025 - Flipbook - Page 53
When logistics operations are streamlined to save
time and reduce costs, Indian exports become more
competitive, more in demand, and better positioned
in global markets. This is why logistics is not just a
support function; it is a strategic enabler of national
growth. As India moves from a developing to a developed
economy by 2047, logistics will undoubtedly be a key
game changer in realising that vision.
Looking at the future demand and the drive that is
coming up into multiplying infrastructure, how do
you see industry players—logistics companies, freight
forwarders, and enterprises—aligning themselves
and complementing what the industry is trying to
build, what the country is aspiring to be?
Fifteen years ago, India was still in a transitional phase.
The liberalisation initiated in 1991 marked a pivotal
shift, but it took nearly a decade of groundwork and
familiarisation before the country began to see concrete
structural change. Post-2001, India started looking
more strategically at its logistics and maritime sectors,
which have since undergone transformative growth.
A standout example of this transformation has been
India’s success in developing its maritime infrastructure
through the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. This
has proven to be not only e昀昀ective but also replicable,
showcasing to the world how partnerships between
government and global private players can drive e昀케ciency
and pro昀椀tability. At one time, Indian ports had turnaround
times measured in days; today, those same ports operate
with turnaround times in mere hours.
This transformation, catalysed by the infusion of
global expertise, best practices, and capital, has enabled
Indian ports to benchmark themselves against the
highest international standards, an achievement that
would have otherwise taken several decades. India
may require more time at the initial stages, but once
aligned, the pace of development is often unmatched.
Our strength lies in our educated, English-speaking
youth and their extraordinary capabilities, which hold
the potential to propel India’s logistics and maritime
industries at supersonic speed.
Looking forward, key focus areas such as digitalisation, climate and energy transition, risk resilience, data
collaboration, and sustainability will further add value
to the sector. India has made strong commitments on
global platforms to ensure sustainable growth in logistics,
and it is actively walking the talk.
How do you view India’s progress in global logistics
benchmarks, and what role do ports and performance
indices like the LPI play in shaping its future
competitiveness?
The country’s improved standing in the Logistics
Performance Index (LPI) is a testament to this transformation. From being ranked in the 60s and 70s,
India now holds the 38th position, with ambitions to
break into the top 20 by 2030. This ranking re昀氀ects
improvements across infrastructure, digitisation, process
e昀케ciency, sustainability initiatives, skill development,
and customs modernisation.
In essence, turnaround time is now the new turnover.
The quicker you move, the more value you generate for both
industry and stakeholders. This is the new mantra for India’s
logistics ecosystem.
Ports are no longer domestic gateways; they are global trade
enablers. Indian ports today are already recognised on international
platforms, including IAPH, with which we’ve cultivated strong
synergies over the past few years. This collaboration, guided by
global leadership and vision, is timely and crucial.
I’ve recently completed my doctoral research (PhD) in Maritime
Management—the 昀椀rst-of-its-kind in India—where I benchmarked
Indian ports against global standards. I strongly believe that India’s
ports are well on their way to becoming global benchmarks in
e昀케ciency and innovation.
The Vadhavan Port and the
proposed Great Container
Terminal in Galathea Bay—how India has projected an
do you see these developments investment of approximately
complementing India’s existing US$0.9 trillion in the port
port infrastructure? What about
sector by 2047. With such
the role of major ports that are
also making signi昀椀cant strides? unprecedented infrastructure
The Vadhavan Port is a major development, India is not only
boon for India, particularly for the poised to become the world’s
western coastline, which is rich in third-largest economy but is
resources. Jawaharlal Nehru Port also on its way to becoming a
Authority (JNPA) has already reached maritime powerhouse.
a capacity of 10 million TEUs and can
handle vessels with capacities of up to
14,000–15,000 TEUs. However, beyond
that, its infrastructure is limited.
That’s where Vadhavan comes in—as a port of the millennium
and a potential game-changer for the country. It will be capable of
handling ultra-large container vessels of 25,000 TEUs and beyond.
Of course, Mundra Port is already an established and highly
capable facility. It serves the northern hinterland, including
the National Capital Region (NCR). Similarly, JNPA has its own
cargo catchment areas. Both ports, therefore, will act like two
strategic eyes on India’s west coast, serving complementary
regions and needs.
Over the past decade, we have witnessed tremendous reforms
across India’s major ports, making them more efficient and
investor-friendly. These reforms are setting the stage for the
next phase of growth.
India has projected an investment of approximately US$0.9
trillion in the port sector by 2047. With such unprecedented
infrastructure development, India is not only poised to become the
world’s third-largest economy but is also on its way to becoming
a maritime powerhouse.
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