The logistics industry overcame disruptions in 2024 with digitalisation, sustainability efforts, and infrastructure growth. As 2025 approaches, balancing cost-efficiency with customer-centricity and fostering collaboration will be key to achieving a resilient, sustainable logistics ecosystem.
Looking ahead to 2025, incremental sustainability measures are needed in logistics
In 2024, despite global economic uncertainties and geopolitical challenges, the logistics industry showed resilience, according to Prediman Koul, CEO, Jeena and Company. While facing obstacles like supply chain disruptions and a shortage of skilled labour, the sector made significant advancements through innovation and strategic progress.
2024: An year of struggles and strides
One of the most pressing challenges in 2024 was the rising cost of fuel, which added financial strain on supply chains already grappling with disruptions. These challenges, compounded by global tensions, underscored the vulnerabilities in traditional systems. Additionally, the ongoing shortage of skilled labour hindered growth across the logistics landscape. However, Koul pointed out that despite these obstacles, the logistics sector didn’t just survive—it adapted and evolved.
Infrastructure development took a significant leap forward, with multimodal transport and dedicated freight corridors enhancing operational efficiency. Government initiatives like the NLP played a crucial role in supporting growth, while public-private partnerships sparked innovative solutions. Digital transformation emerged as a key trend, reshaping the logistics landscape by streamlining operations and reducing costs through automation, AI, and data-driven strategies. The continued rise of e-commerce further accelerated demand for faster, more flexible delivery solutions, which led to breakthroughs in last-mile delivery and automated warehouses.
2025: The road ahead
Looking ahead to 2025, Koul emphasised the need for incremental sustainability measures in the logistics sector. Key steps include adopting energy-efficient fleets, reducing waste, and setting realistic goals. Koul envisions ambitious targets, such as transitioning to electric vehicles and achieving carbon neutrality, for long-term success. He highlighted the importance of a green, decentralised logistics ecosystem in line with India’s ‘Viksit Bharat’ vision for 2047. Koul commended initiatives like PM Gati Shakti and infrastructure investments but stressed the need to focus on Tier-2 and Tier-3 regions to create resilient logistics hubs and foster equitable economic growth.
Balancing costs and customer needs
As customer expectations for real-time tracking, eco-friendly options, and personalised services grow, the logistics sector must balance these with cost reduction. Prediman Koul highlighted that innovations like shared multimodal transport and collaborative warehousing can optimise operations while controlling costs. He stressed that logistics providers must align technological advancements with customer demands to stay competitive. Additionally, Koul emphasised the need for collaboration between technology providers, logistics companies, and policymakers. By fostering public-private partnerships and data-sharing, the industry can build a future-ready, resilient ecosystem capable of meeting global market demands and ensuring long-term competitiveness.
As 2025 approaches, the logistics industry, guided by insights from experts like Koul, is poised to overcome its current challenges and move towards a more sustainable, efficient, and resilient future.
