Industry Leaders, Policymakers, and Experts Converge to Drive Integrated Connectivity and Logistics Transformation
New Delhi, March 6, 2025: The Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) successfully concluded its high-profile conference, ‘Navigating the Future: Multi-Modal Ecosystem in India’. This event, part of ICC’s Centenary Celebrations, brought together top policymakers, industry leaders, and technology pioneers.
The conference witnessed participation from key dignitaries, including: Mr Rajesh Menon, Associate Director & Maritime Expert, DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, Mr Kanishka Sethia, Chairman, National Logistics & Supply Chain Committee, Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) CEO, Western Carriers (I) Ltd, Mr Arun Kumar Shrivastava, Member, Warehousing Development and Regulatory Authority of India and Former MD, Central Warehousing Corporation, Mr Mohammad Athar Saif, Co-Chair National Infrastructure & Construction Committee ICC & Partner and Leader at Capital Projects and Infrastructure Group, PwC, Mr Archit Agarwal, Chairman National Infrastructure & Construction Committee & Director G R Infraprojects Limited.
With the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan as a focal point, discussions centred on boosting infrastructure integration across rail, road, waterways, and airways, optimizing supply chains, and harnessing digital innovation to revolutionise India’s logistics sector. The event underscored the urgent need for a seamless, cost-efficient, and technology-driven multi-modal transport framework to enhance India’s global competitiveness.
Highlighting the transformative potential of a seamlessly connected transport ecosystem, ICC President and Managing Director of Jindal Stainless, Mr Abhyuday Jindal said, “A well-integrated multi-modal logistics framework is no longer an option but a necessity for India’s economic expansion. By bringing together government, industry, and academia, we are laying the foundation for an efficient, sustainable, and globally competitive transport infrastructure.”
ICC Director General, Dr Rajeev Singh echoed this sentiment, emphasising the urgency of accelerated infrastructure investments. “Today’s deliberations have reinforced that synchronised infrastructure development, combined with cutting-edge digital solutions, will define the future of logistics in India. The time to act is now,” he remarked.
Key Highlights from the Conference:
- Inaugural Session: Focused on the PM Gati Shakti initiative’s role in driving cross-sector infrastructure synergies.
- Panel Discussions: Optimising Multi-Modal Connectivity: Examined strategies for seamless integration of rail, road, ports, and aviation to streamline logistics.
- Building for the Future: Explored investments in Multi-Modal Logistics Parks, technology-driven efficiency, and last-mile connectivity enhancements.
- Strategic Dialogues & Industry Collaboration: Leaders from government bodies, logistics firms, and technology innovators exchanged insights on unlocking new opportunities in India’s supply chain sector.
Expert Opinions from the Conference
Mr Rajesh Menon, Associate Director & Maritime Expert, DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, emphasised, “India stands at a pivotal moment in its logistics and infrastructure transformation. With the National Master Plan now cascading into District Master Plans, we are eliminating bottlenecks by integrating land records and optimising multimodal connectivity. The challenge ahead is not just policy formulation but effective execution, where private sector participation will be instrumental. Maritime trade, requires significant investment—addressed through initiatives like the Maritime Development Fund. With robust policy frameworks, capital infusion, and fast-tracked project execution, India is poised to redefine its logistics landscape and achieve its economic ambitions.”
Mr Kanishka Sethia, Chairman, National Logistics & Supply Chain Committee, Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) CEO, Western Carriers (I) Ltd, remarked, “The PM Gati Shakti Yojana is a game-changer in India’s infrastructure and logistics landscape. By integrating multiple modes of transport and leveraging digital planning tools, we are breaking silos and driving efficiency like never before. This initiative is not just about connectivity; it’s about unlocking India’s economic potential and achieving a seamless supply chain ecosystem. As we move forward, the government and industry collaboration will be key to realising the vision of a $20 trillion economy by 2040.”
Mr Mohammad Athar, Co-Chair National Infrastructure & Construction Committee ICC & Partner and Leader at Capital Projects and Infrastructure Group, PwC, expressed, “India is on an accelerated growth trajectory, adding trillions to its GDP at an unprecedented pace. The expansion of our manufacturing sector, the evolution of our cargo profile, and the increasing integration with global trade underscore the critical need for robust logistics infrastructure. Multimodal logistics parks, backed by strong policy frameworks and private sector investments, will be instrumental in reducing logistics costs and enhancing India’s competitiveness. As we strive to be a $1 trillion export economy and beyond, coordinated efforts through initiatives like Gati Shakti and strategic public-private partnerships will be key to unlocking India’s full potential as a global manufacturing and trade powerhouse.”
Mr Arun Kumar Shrivastava, Member, Warehousing Development and Regulatory Authority of India and Former MD, Central Warehousing Corporation, added, “The future of India’s multimodal logistics ecosystem hinges on seamless digital integration, strategic infrastructure development, and collaborative efforts between stakeholders. With India’s urban population set to rise and logistics demands growing, we must invest in digital infrastructure, real-time tracking, and multimodal connectivity to enhance efficiency and reduce costs. Rail-side warehousing, commodity-specific MMLPs, and incentivized land allocation for private players can be game changers in optimizing freight movement. By leveraging technology and integrating with major transport networks, we can build a world-class logistics framework that strengthens India’s global competitiveness and economic resilience.”
Mr Archit Agarwal, Chairman National Infrastructure & Construction Committee & Director G R Infraprojects Limited opined, “The PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan is a testament to the government’s commitment to fostering a robust multimodal infrastructure. The private sector’s active participation in multimodal logistics will be the key to achieving our shared goal of reducing logistic costs and boosting India’s economy. As we chart the path forward, I firmly believe that public-private partnerships will play a pivotal role in making the PM Gati Shakti vision a reality.”
The conference concluded with a strong consensus on the need for policy coherence, private sector participation, and digitalisation to propel India’s logistics and transport sectors into a new era of efficiency. ICC remains committed to fostering collaboration among stakeholders to drive India’s multi-modal transportation agenda forward.
About Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC): Founded in 1925, the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) is a leading and proactive National Chamber of Commerce operating from Kolkata. The ICC has been instrumental in supporting Indian businesses since its inception and continues to play a vital role in the country’s economic development. The Indian Chamber of Commerce, led by Mr. Abhyuday Jindal, President of the Indian Chamber of Commerce, works closely with various ministries and state governments on policy and Industry issues. ICC also strongly focuses on economic research and policy issues—it regularly undertakes macro-economic surveys/studies, prepares state investment climate reports and sector reports, and provides necessary policy inputs and budget recommendations to governments at state and central levels.
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