The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) hosted the 11th edition of its Automotive Logistics Conclave in New Delhi, centred on the theme “Enhancing Efficiencies in Automotive Logistics.” The event brought together key stakeholders — including policymakers, industry leaders, logistics providers, and supply chain experts — to chart out new pathways for creating a more agile, resilient, and sustainable logistics ecosystem for India’s automotive sector.
Speaking on this occasion, Mr. Hitendra Malhotra, Member (Operations & Business Development), Railway Board, Ministry of Railways, Government of India said,” We are now introducing more specialized wagons with higher car carrying capacities per rake, including double decks for SUVs to keep pace with the increased logistics requirements of the Automobile sector.”
Mr. Tapan Ghosh, Chairman, SIAM Logistics Group and Vice President – Sales, Hyundai Motor India Ltd. said, “In FY 2024–25, the automotive sector has seen an overall growth of 7.3%. Logistics has become a critical element in this journey. The need for a smarter, greener, and more responsible automotive logistics sector is evident.”
Mr. S D Chhabra, Co-Chairman, SIAM Logistics Group and Executive Officer (Parts, Accessories & Logistics), Maruti Suzuki India Ltd. said,” The push has been to move towards increased railway dispatches and integrating sustainability. We are integrating more technologies in the logistics ecosystem, ensuring that our dealers and partners are able to effectively track consignments.”
In a series of discussions, experts deliberated on how digital innovation, multimodal transport, policy alignment, and proactive planning can transform logistics performance and how building resilience is the key to future-proofing logistics against disruption and volatility.
Leading thought leaders across the automotive logistics industry, including Mr. B N Puri, Director, Asian Institute of Transport Development (AITD); Mr. Jagmeet Singh, Chief Strategy Officer, Axestrack Software Solutions Pvt. Ltd.; Mr. Sagar R. Kadu, Director – Logistics, DPIIT; Dr. Mukesh Haritash, Managing Director, Chetak Logistics Ltd.; Mr. Clint Carmichael, COO, Gujarat Pipavav Port Ltd.; Mr. P. Rajagopi, Operating Officer – Logistics Planning & Control, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd.; Mr. Anuj Mangla, Director, Transglobal Carriers Pvt. Ltd.; and Mr. Yash Pal Sachar, Vice President – Corporate Affairs, Ashok Leyland Ltd. shared their views on the occasion.
Furthering the focus on green practices and regulatory coherence, the conclave brought together sustainability leaders including Mr. Ajay Chaudhary, Chief Strategy Officer, Think Gas; Mr. Anup Sureshkumar, Logistics & SaaS Business, Mappls MapmyIndia IoT Group; Mr. Nidhish Kuchhal, General Manager, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd.; Mr. Anil Syal, President, Safexpress Pvt. Ltd.; and Mr. Ashish Bhatt, Managing Director, APLL VASCOR Automotive Pvt. Ltd. These discussions emphasised the need for industry-wide adoption of eco-friendly logistics and alignment with national green mobility goals.
As part of the programme, several logistics service providers were also felicitated for their contributions to operational excellence and innovation.
The 11th SIAM Automotive Logistics Conclave underscored the sector’s readiness to evolve through technology, infrastructure and policy-led innovation, positioning logistics as a key enabler in the future of Indian mobility.
