CJ Darcl crosses Rs 5,000 crore milestone: scaling with strategy, sustainability, and smart logistics

In FY2024–25, CJ Darcl crossed the Rs 5,000 crore turnover mark. What key strategies and operational shifts contributed most to this growth momentum? Additionally, which emerging markets, sectors, or customer segments are you now prioritizing to sustain this upward trajectory?

Crossing a turnover of Rs 5,100 crore in FY2024–25 is a significant milestone for us. This growth has been driven by several strategic initiatives. Our asset-right model has enabled seamless delivery networks across India. We have expanded our delivery locations, strengthened our position as a Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier (NVOCC), and embraced advanced technology across our operations. Additionally, our warehousing footprint has grown, and we have deepened our focus on sustainability — factors that are increasingly valued by our clients.

Our long-standing relationships with vendors and customers remain a cornerstone of our success. We serve a wide range of industries including automotive, construction, FMCG, apparel, and pharmaceuticals. As India accelerates its manufacturing ambitions through the Make in India initiative, we plan to leverage CJ Korea’s patented Technology, Engineering, Systems, and Solutions (TES) to bring automation and globally benchmarked practices to India. We are also exploring further investments in multimodal infrastructure, especially in rail terminals.

India’s logistics sector is projected to grow to $380 billion by 2025–26. What is CJ Darcl’s roadmap to remain a leading player in this rapidly evolving ecosystem? How are you balancing infrastructure investments, last-mile connectivity, and digital transformation to future-proof your operations?

Our roadmap is anchored on four key pillars. First, we are expanding our multimodal logistics infrastructure, including the development of advanced terminals to improve long-haul efficiency and reduce costs. Second, we are growing our network of high-throughput warehouses to enable faster and more efficient distribution.

Third, we are investing in cutting-edge digital technologies such as supply chain analytics, automation, and alternate fuel solutions to align with our green logistics goals. Lastly, to strengthen last-mile connectivity, we have increased our delivery locations to approximately 7,000 across India, supported by a market fleet of over 9.5 lakh vehicles. This comprehensive approach positions us well to meet the future needs of our clients.

CJ Darcl has consistently underscored the importance of technology in tackling supply chain complexity. Could you share specific examples of AI-driven or automation-based innovations that have led to tangible improvements in operational efficiency, fulfilment rates, or customer experience? Any data or metrics to quantify the gains would be valuable.

Technology is central to how we operate. We have implemented AI-enabled dashcams across our fleet to monitor driver behavior in real time. These systems issue alerts for safety-related concerns such as drowsiness, harsh turns, or yawning. This has significantly reduced fleet-related accidents.

In addition, our intelligent fleet management systems support predictive maintenance by reducing idle time and ensuring optimal vehicle utilization. We also operate digital control towers that offer centralized oversight, enabling us to detect potential bottlenecks, anticipate disruptions, and manage complex operations more efficiently. These innovations have elevated our fulfilment accuracy and improved customer satisfaction.

Sustainability is now a strategic imperative. How far has CJ Darcl progressed in adopting EVs or alternate fuel fleets? What percentage of your fleet is currently green, and what are your targets for FY2025–26? How have clients, regulators, or partners responded to your ESG commitments?

Sustainability is deeply embedded in our operations. While the infrastructure for long-haul EV adoption is still evolving, we are in discussions with multiple OEMs to explore alternate fuel options. In the short-haul segment, we have piloted electric vehicles in Bengaluru for intra-city logistics and are actively evaluating results.

Our goal for FY2025–26 is to significantly scale up our green fleet. Beyond vehicles, we have deployed safety solutions such as Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and Driver Fatigue Monitoring Systems (DFMS) to reduce accidents. We are also installing solar panels at our facilities and have initiated rainwater harvesting.

A unique initiative is our emissions tracking on invoices — each shipment includes a record of carbon emissions generated from pickup to delivery. This has received positive feedback from clients who view it as a tool to manage their own ESG performance.

With a stronghold in multimodal transport and project logistics, CJ Darcl plays a key role in critical sectors like steel, energy, and infrastructure. How are your integrated logistics offerings helping clients improve supply chain resilience, reduce cost, or enhance delivery timelines? Could you share a recent client success story that underscores your value proposition?

With over four decades of experience, we offer end-to-end integrated logistics that include multimodal transportation, warehousing, freight forwarding, project logistics, and value-added services. This integration removes the need for multiple vendors, enhances visibility, and strengthens resilience by relying on our diversified asset base and trained workforce.

A recent example is our movement of bulk oil from Mumbai to Kolkata, NCR, and Chennai. Instead of traditional ISO tank containers, which often suffer from limited availability and involve multiple vendors, we used flexi bags. By handling the entire operation through a single window, we addressed the container availability issue and delivered the shipment efficiently from first to last mile. This approach saved time, reduced cost, and streamlined the customer’s supply chain.

As global logistics evolves, India is rapidly catching up on several fronts — from digital freight corridors to policy reforms and sustainability mandates. How do you see Indian logistics aligning with these global shifts? What major disruptors or enablers do you foresee over the next 2–3 years that could reshape the future of multimodal and integrated logistics in India?

India is undergoing a logistics transformation driven by infrastructure and policy reforms such as PM Gati Shakti, Bharatmala, Sagarmala, and the National Logistics Policy. These initiatives will increase the share of multimodal logistics by minimizing idle times, reducing empty miles, and lowering environmental impact.

Currently, the sector is fragmented with dominance by small fleet owners. However, the growing emphasis on ESG compliance among businesses will accelerate the shift toward integrated service providers. Over the next 2–3 years, technology will be a key enabler. Predictive analytics, demand forecasting, and intelligent fleet management systems will play a crucial role in making logistics smarter and more responsive. The convergence of sustainability and technology will define the next phase of integrated logistics in India.