Driving India’s logistics transformation

TCI manages 2.5 per cent of India’s GDP by cargo value. What key strategies have driven this scale and can you share how TCI is leveraging technology and innovation to enhance supply chain efficiency, especially in the context of your role as Chair of the Logistics and Supply Chain Tech Committee at IAMAI, and what emerging technologies do you see revolutionizing logistics?

Over the years, TCI has grown with India both in ambition and execution. The scale we operate at today stems from a deep-rooted multimodal logistics philosophy, where we blend road, rail and coastal shipping. It’s not about moving more goods; it’s about moving them smarter. In 2024, we handled 150,000 TEUs through multimodal containers and ran over 2,500 full rake movements with rail multimodal solutions.

Technology is central to this journey. AI helps us fine-tune routes in real time, IoT keeps our fleet visible at every mile and digital platforms like ONDC and NLDSL plug us into a wider logistics grid. As Chair of IAMAI’s Logistics & Supply Chain Tech Committee, the focus is to push the digitalization of the logistics industry. The key initiatives being:

1. Advocacy for the establishment of e-commerce export hubs under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model to boost India’s export capabilities.
2. Engagement with the Logistics Sector Skill Council to explore joint programs for workforce development and future-proofing supply chain skills.
3. Committee-level engagement with industry stakeholders to gather insights on operational challenges and represent the sector’s concerns to policymakers and regulatory authorities.

These initiatives reflect our commitment to creating a smarter, more collaborative, and digitally empowered logistics ecosystem.

Generative AI is revolutionizing logistics by optimizing operations such as invoicing, documentation, and asset management, reducing inefficiencies, improving turnaround times, and cutting logistics costs through automation. The future horizon of digital transformation follows a structured adoption timeline.

In the short term (0-2 years), innovations like crowdsourcing, same-day delivery, logistics control towers and real-time information services are driving immediate digital shifts. The medium term (2-5 years) will see the scaling of efficiency with shared warehouse capacity, shared transport systems and city logistics. In the long term (5+ years), pioneering advancements like autonomous trucks, digitally enhanced cross-border platforms and circular economy integration will make logistics more sustainable and agile.

Technologies such as crowdsourcing, delivery capabilities and logistics services offer the highest industry and societal impact, while emerging technologies like drones, 3D printing and autonomous trucks promise transformative potential.

For TCI, this transformation is about aligning with the core pillars of logistics innovation—better, faster, and greener delivery. By focusing on multimodal logistics, adopting cleaner fuels, and driving efficiency, we aim to reduce our carbon footprint while enhancing supply chain sustainability and global competitiveness.

Please share some insight on cargo portfolio that your company handles, hinterland & major catchment areas and recent trends?

We have deliberately built a cargo portfolio that mirrors India’s economic diversity, serving over 15 diverse industry verticals ranging from traditional sectors like automotive, steel and energy to emerging domains such as e-commerce, retail, and pharmaceuticals. In simple terms, we move what moves the country. Our strength stems not only from the range of what we deliver, but also from the reach of where we deliver it. With a truly pan-India presence, we operate in every district, supported by 70+ rail terminals, connectivity to 11 major ports, and a fleet of over 10,000+ trucks.

Our coastal operations are scaling rapidly, with six vessels and 78,000 DWT capacity, offering a sustainable and efficient alternative to overland routes by helping decongest roads and cut emissions. What we’re seeing now is an increased demand for speed and customization, especially with the rise of quick commerce and omni-channel retail. Warehousing is also growing, our 16+ million sq. ft. capacity is not just about storage but seamless fulfilment. India’s infrastructure push, freight corridors, cargo parks add momentum. Our job is to keep pace and stay agile to ensure our network and services evolve in sync with India’s dynamic logistics landscape.

With your experience leading TCI’s international ventures, what are the biggest challenges and opportunities for Indian logistics companies in the global market today? How is TCI positioning itself to capitalise on these opportunities?

Despite higher-than-average logistics costs, India is rapidly raising the Global Logistics Performance Index. A strong government policy push, coupled with rapid infrastructure development, is driving significant improvements in logistics efficiency and manufacturing growth. Emerging tariff structures and global trade realignments are further reinforcing India’s position as a preferred hub in global supply chains. With our improved integration across transport modes and borders, we stand to gain significantly.

At TCI, we are actively leaning into this transformation. Our strategy is centred on multimodal logistics—leveraging rail and coastal shipping to optimize costs and delivery timelines. On the digital front, we have made key investments in AI-driven demand forecasting and block chain-based security protocols to enhance transparency and efficiency. We have also forged strategic international partnerships to streamline cross-border operations. With the ongoing improvements in the ease of doing business and growing demand for supply chain resilience, TCI is uniquely positioned to capitalize on global opportunities. The global logistics narrative is shifting—from speed alone to a focus on resilience, reliability and quality. We believe Indian logistics companies, with robust systems and a forward-looking mind set, can emerge as the agile and scalable partners the world increasingly seeks.

The TCI-IIM Bangalore Sustainability Lab focuses on net-zero goals. Could you elaborate on TCI’s roadmap for decarbonising logistics, especially through collaborations like Zero Emission Trucking (ZET) and electric lorry adoption? How do these align with India’s broader climate commitments?

Sustainability isn’t a trend for us—it’s our responsibility. Through our partnership with the TCI-IIMB Supply Chain Sustainability Lab, we are dedicated to implementing science-based strategies for achieving net-zero logistics.

Our TCI-IIMB Supply Chain Sustainability Lab has designed Transportation Emissions Measurement Tool (TEMT), which became India’s first ISO 14083-certified platform to track emissions across multimodal networks. This is not just compliance, it’s a clarity. When you can measure emissions accurately, you can cut them smartly.

Apart from the Lab we are also working closely with Smart Freight Centre, CoZET at IIT Madras and other think tanks and policy bodies for enhancing sustainability in the transport & logistics sector. One of our flagship efforts in collaboration with WRI & Niti Aayog is the Zero Emission Trucking (ZET) initiative, where we are deploying electric and hydrogen-powered long-haul trucks on designated highways & clusters.

All of this ties into national goals—India’s hydrogen mission, FAME-II— aligned with what we are building. We are not just adapting to climate action but heeding the clarion call to shape the Transport & logistics sector to its demands.

“TCI Safe Safar” recently won the FICCI Road Safety Award. What unique technologies or practices has TCI implemented to improve driver safety and reduce accidents? How can smaller players in the sector adopt similar cost-effective solutions? You actively mentor talent through platforms like Aspire and TEDx. What skills will define the next generation of logistics leaders, and how is TCI fostering a culture of innovation and sustainability among young professionals entering this sector?

Safety is where operational excellence begins. TCI Safe Safar is our way of institutionalizing that mindset. It’s not about big tech alone, it’s about instilling consistent habits at grass-root level. Our AI-based driver monitoring, real-time alerts and risk analysis are built on years of observing what happens and what works.

“Ab Har Safar, Safe Safar” is not just a slogan—it’s a behaviour change program, especially for drivers operating in high-risk corridors. We equip them with awareness, tools, training and importantly self & societal respect. Smaller players can start with GPS-based monitoring, structured training and even basic fatigue detection. Starting with small steps, we can eliminate the biggest dangers.

On leadership, future logistics professionals will need more than operational know-how. They’ll need a safety-first mind set, discipline to adhere to stringent SOPs, digital fluency, ESG literacy and a global perspective. Through platforms like Aspire and TEDx, we are mentoring the next wave, blending tech with purpose. Innovation only matters if it’s sustainable, scalable and inclusive.

Any other key points on air cargo sector you’d like to add?

The air cargo sector is evolving with a focus on sustainability and efficiency. TCI is exploring opportunities in this sector for integration of air freight into its multimodal logistics solutions, ensuring timely and eco-friendly delivery options for clients. The company’s investment in green logistics practices, such as the adoption of electric vehicles and renewable energy sources, supports the industry’s shift towards sustainability. By leveraging technology and adopting green practices, TCI aims to contribute in future to the growth and development of the air cargo sector while promoting eco-friendly practices in logistics operations.