Dr. Pushpendra Pratap Singh, Country Head, Asia Shipping, shares insights on building a sustainable, resilient, and customer-focused logistics sector, exploring key trends and goals for 2025 and beyond.
Dr. Singh sees the ‘Viksit Bharat’ vision as a blueprint for transformative growth
Reflecting on 2024
Dr. Singh identifies 2024 as a pivotal year marked by the increasing adoption of predictive analytics and automation, alongside a heightened focus on sustainability. “The logistics industry has successfully navigated challenges such as supply chain disruptions and escalating fuel costs by leveraging technology,” he remarks. The integration of digital twins and AI-powered demand forecasting has not only streamlined operations but also enhanced decision-making capabilities. Achievements in green supply chains, such as reduced carbon footprints through alternative fuels and electrification of fleets, have set the stage for a transformative future.
Setting measurable goals for 2025
“Sustainability must transcend buzzwords,” Dr. Singh asserts. He envisions measurable goals for the industry, including embracing renewable energy, transitioning to greener vehicles, and integrating circular economy principles such as reusing packaging materials and minimising waste. These efforts are essential for creating a sustainable supply chain.
Aligning with Vision 2047
Dr. Singh sees the ‘Viksit Bharat’ vision as a blueprint for transformative growth. “To build a future-ready logistics sector, the industry must align with national goals of infrastructure modernisation and skill development,” he explains. Investments in multi-modal logistics parks, digitization of ports, and workforce upskilling will catalyze resilience. He also highlights the industry’s role in fostering regional connectivity, enabling Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities to emerge as logistics hubs, thereby contributing to equitable growth.
Cost-efficiency vs. Customer-centricity
As logistics moves towards 2025, Dr. Singh foresees a recalibration of priorities. “Cost-efficiency and customer-centricity are not mutually exclusive,” he notes. By deploying AI-driven route optimization, companies can reduce operational costs while ensuring faster, more reliable deliveries. Enhanced visibility through blockchain and IoT will empower customers with real-time tracking, elevating the overall experience.
Fostering collaboration
Dr. Singh emphasises the need for a synergistic approach among technology providers, logistics firms, and policymakers. “Establishing innovation clusters where stakeholders can co-develop solutions will drive progress,” he suggests. Public-private partnerships (PPPs) focused on infrastructure upgrades and incentives for green technology adoption can further accelerate the transition to a resilient logistics framework.
Government’s role
Acknowledging the government’s pivotal role, Dr. Singh underscores the importance of proactive policymaking. “During global disruptions, agile regulatory measures and robust crisis management frameworks are essential,” he states. He calls for real-time data sharing between the private and public sectors to mitigate risks and ensure supply chain continuity.
Dr. Pushpendra Pratap Singh’s insights illuminate a path forward that is not only innovative but deeply rooted in the principles of sustainability and resilience.
