At a recent panel discussion on the future of logistics in India's manufacturing ecosystem, the spotlight was firmly on the need for logistics to evolve in step with industrial growth. The panellists including, Aditya Shah, Executive Director & CEO, V-Trans and V-Express, Jitendra Srivastava, CEO, Triton Logistics & Maritime Pvt Ltd and Chaitaly Mehta, Director, EKF Global Logistics explored how logistics, once seen as a backend operation, is now emerging as a decisive contributor to customer satisfaction, national infrastructure, and climate responsibility. With India's logistics sector poised to nearly double in value over the next five years, the conversation was less about incremental upgrades and more about reimagining the ecosystem from the ground up.
Moderated by Kiran Kambhampati, Associate Principal Consultant at BMGI, the session opened with a powerful message: "Make in India cannot happen in isolation," said Kambhampati. "It's difficult to make in India if we don't move in India." With that, he introduced the idea of "Move in India" as a necessary complement to the national manufacturing mission, underscoring that India's logistics sector, poised to nearly double in size over the next five years, could play a decisive role in the country's GDP trajectory.
Aditya Shah, Executive Director & CEO of V-Trans and V-Express, reflected on the sector's transformation, noting that a decade ago, logistics wasn't even discussed in boardrooms. Now, it plays a central strategic role, especially in delivering to customers quickly and efficiently.
He attributed this shift to changing consumer expectations shaped by instant delivery models like Swiggy and Instamart. "Customers now want not just just-in-time, but before-time deliveries," he said, adding that AI and machine learning were no longer buzzwords but tools actively used on the ground.
Shah also highlighted the government's infrastructure push— better roads, logistics parks, and multimodal systems—as a major enabler. While challenges such as disruption forecasting and workforce skilling persist, he believes public private collaboration is driving steady progress towards global standards.
Jitendra Srivastava, CEO of Triton Logistics & Maritime, highlighted infrastructure as key to efficient logistics. "It's no longer just about movement — it's about agility and meeting customer needs," he said, welcoming the government's push for multimodal corridors and connectivity. "Every country moves at its own pace, but our intent is right."
He stressed that benefits extend beyond cost savings, focusing on reduced transit times and better demand forecasting, all contributing to customer satisfaction. Citing Nagpur's rise as a logistics hub, he noted how digitisation, port linkages, and logistics parks are building India's resilience.
Public-private partnerships, Srivastava added, are vital. "With government support and private investment, we can create future-ready supply chains."
As the conversation turned towards technology and human experience, Chaitaly Mehta, Director at EKF Global Logistics, brought warmth and humour into the room. "Technology has dramatically transformed logistics — and the most glaring evidence of that was during COVID. We had to hit reset, and suddenly, digital tools weren't optional — they were survival," she said.
Mehta recalled how the pandemic nudged many — sometimes reluctantly — into tech adoption. "Looking back, it was necessary," she said with a smile. She credited the government's efforts in digitising customs procedures. "We're essentially paperless now. From Chennai to Chandigarh, you can file documents with a few clicks. Geography is no longer a barrier."
Trade associations, she noted, have been pivotal in bridging the gap between logistics businesses and systems like DG Systems and CBIC. "They are like our spokespersons," Mehta said. With a chuckle, she added, "And now the tech being developed — a lot of it is coming from Gen Zs or whatever we're calling the generation above them! The noisiest ones — they're running the show."
Mehta also spoke in detail about predictive analytics being used to detect operational issues before they occur. "Bots are analysing client communication patterns, flagging repetitive errors — it's like a digital sixth sense."
She said clients, especially larger enterprises, now expect ERP-level integration from their logistics partners. "It's all about real-time visibility. Everything must be connected and smart." Yet, she stressed that despite tech's ubiquity, "The soul of the industry is people. Tech helps — but we run on people."
On infrastructure, Mehta praised Maharashtra's state logistics policy. "It's not just a document — it's a working blueprint. The Mumbai - Nagpur corridor is a classic example — cargo from the interiors is now moving efficiently to multimodal parks and then to ports."
She also drew attention to Vadhavan — the proposed mega port set to rival JNPT. "It's more than infrastructure; it's about employment. Just two days ago, our association BCPA introduced logistics to over a thousand students — in one day. These are your future warehouse managers and port operators," Mehta added.
Turning back to Shah, Kambhampati asked about his organisation's sustainability strategy — particularly as one of India's legacy logistics groups. Shah didn't mince words. "Let's be honest — whether it's manufacturing or logistics, we're not clean industries. We pollute. So we must take responsibility."
He detailed how V-Trans is experimenting with electric vehicles — starting with two-wheelers and gradually piloting heavier variants. "We're still in trial mode, but committed to this path." Meanwhile, 250 CNG trucks have been deployed, and plans for wider EV adoption are underway.
"But sustainability isn't just about the fuel," Shah said firmly. "We have millions of square feet in warehousing — and we're putting that to use." He revealed that around 1,000 kV of their warehouse space is now solar-powered, with plans to triple that capacity within five years. "We also plant 10,000 fruit-bearing trees annually. It's a small but significant offset,' he added.
He spoke about eliminating singleuse plastics across branches, starting with their LEED-certified corporate office. "Even small things like bottled water add up. And we track everything — because what isn't measured can't be improved."
Yet, Shah acknowledged the limitations. "EV trucks right now cap at 2.5 tonnes. Our fleet runs heavier — around 7 to 10 tonnes. Until that evolves, we'll focus on solar, offsetting emissions, and plastic reduction."
Multimodal logistics, he felt, was the big opportunity waiting to mature. "Running long-distance freight entirely on trucks isn't ideal. But multimodal models still require regulatory clarity and private access. We're watching the space closely," added Shah.
Adding to Shah's point of view, Mehta got candid about her own sustainability guilt. "So much paper, so many flights. I always pay for carbon credits when I fly — it hurts the wallet, but it's worth it."
She described how her company uses recycled paper, even converting shredded documents into notepads. "This year, every client gift was made of recycled material. It's a start. The future isn't just smart — it's sustainable."
As the session neared its end, the panellists offered parting thoughts. Aditya Shah was energised: "Logistics is an exciting business. It takes perseverance, but the next 10 years will be golden."
Jitendra Srivastava concluded with a succinct yet compelling call to action: the need to "embrace digital transformation." It was a message both clear and resonant, encapsulating the essence of the conversation and pointing towards the evolving future of Indian logistics.
Mehta stressed her firm belief that logistics is the backbone of all operations. Comparing it to a wheel's cogs or the human spine, she noted its importance is often overlooked—until something goes wrong.
She described logistics as ever-present and essential, quietly supporting every sector. In her view, logistics professionals are first responders, crucial to the functioning of society. Like a spider's web—delicate yet vital—she affirmed that logistics is both indispensable and enduring.