Graced by the presence of Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, the Hydraulic Trailer Owners Association (HTOA) India hosted its 15th anniversary event cum conference in New Delhi to celebrate years of growth and success and to celebrate 7 seven years of successful implementation of MoRTH's ODC portal for heavy-weight shipments movement permissions.
Other eminent and distinguished guests present on the occasion were Amit Vardhan, Joint Secretary- MVL Transport, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Sumit Lall, Founder Partner, CSL Chambers, Rahul Agarwal, Vice President, Invest India, Alok Bhowmick, Director, B&S Engineering, Anurag Chaturvedi, VP and COE Manager- Trade, Transport and Logistics- APMEA Region, Hitachi Energy India, Chandramohan Kandasamy, Chairman & Managing Director, NTC Group, amongst several prominentl veteran dignitaries because of whom the heavy machinery transportation industry has actively become the backbone of Indian industrial infrastructure and economy.
The conference was attended by hydraulic axles owners, regulators (MoRTH/NHAI), civil and construction consultants, vehicle and trailer manufacturers, axles manufacturers, OEMs, heavy-equipment manufacters, EPC contractors, as well as Department of Defence (Indian Army) - all of whom are valuable stakeholders in the heavy machinery transportation industry.
The conference particularly emphasised on the issues shippers/EPC contractors and transporters face, especially when it comes to adhering to innumerable legalities, rules and regulations, additionally strained by the weak infrastructure at key junctions, while being bounded by the acute pressure to complete crucial projects in a limited time-frame within highly specific budgets.
At the conference, HTOA celebrated the tough journey of digitalising the process of issuing and receiving permits to facilitate heavy cargo transportation through the launch of the online ODC portal. Seven years of effective functioning of the portal has made it easier for 55,000 ODC transporters to receive their permits, further easing out the hassles that make the process time-consuming, cumbersome and most importantly, draining monetarily. HTOA also announced their newly designed website to repurpose their existence and service offerings for stakeholders and staged a small launch session led by Nitin Gadkari.
As smooth collaboration among government authorities, private bodies and industry stakeholders is adequately required for a successful GDP growth rate, through harnessing the potentials and increased standardisation of systems and process, Roads and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari highlighted the need for transparent, time-bound, result-oriented and corruption-free trade and transportation practices. Gadkari took into account the burning issues and challenges facing the industry and assured that the government is already building a system which adheres to this principles and working day in and day out to broaden the horizons.
In the task of fastening digitalisation to achieve utmost transparency and end-to-end visibility, NIC has significantly aided the government. As the subject of transport and gaining permits, comes under the concurrent list, any changes made need to be assented by the central and state governments, and for this, the linking up of information processed from the state governments and their RTO departments is highly instrumental. The Hon’ble Minister also claimed that the decentralisation of process which makes it inefficient is also a factor that introduces corruption into the system and expands the process timelines unnecessarily.
Importantly, the Minister underscored the need for switching paths and opting for ethanol, methanol, BioCNG, BioLNG, electric sources of power as well as Green Hydrogen. He said that such a conversion to alternative fuels by the companies from heavy industries in the usage and transport of construction equipment would not just add to cost-effectiveness but also to environment sustainability. He said the price for 1 kg of Green Hydrogen is currently Rs 70, and that with the increased usage of alternative fuels, the prices of these would reduce significantly.
Gadkari informed that India, today, has also embarked upon an innovative R&D journey that is actively investing upon making battery manufacturing technology sustainable for future uses. Now, instead of using conventional Lithium-ion batteies, Sodium and Zinc-ion batteries are being manufactured. A Faridabad Research Laboratory is opening up new futuristic lanes for technological development in the field of transport through Aluminium-ion batteries, he enlightened.
Now, trailer trucks are also being run on LNG and drivers are being trained in the same, so that the gaps that compel the truck drivers to work 24 hours here in India, contrary to the 8 and 12 hours shift of European countries and the US, are eradicated efficiently, the Minister further noted.
Green Express Highways with four-laned roads, bridges are being built with the capability of carrying heavy loads. Tunnels are also being built to transport heavy machinery from hilly areas, which is otherwise extremely challenging.
The road sector has made the usage of reusable precast concrete as a construction product, mandatory. AIG, according to Gadkari, has already initiated a scheme of 16,000 crores which will facilitate this recyclable and reusable molding of materials.
Besides this, the need to make the process of road construction corruption-free was also highlighted by the Minister. Last year, there were 500,000 accidents and 150,000 deaths caused by hazardous road accidents. The Tamil Nadu Government, Gadkari said, has already successfully implemented an experiment originally executed by World Bank, which has resulted in 50 per cent reduction of road accidents. Similar initiatives are being formulated and executed by the central Government as well to protect the precious lives of people, he said.
The event witnessed an elaborate address on an exhaustive list of challenges and problems that need urgent attention, for which the Union Minister finally requested HTOA to file and share their problems and queries, such that he can take them up with the CBI and other investigative authorities for an in-depth inquiry.
A need for both obeisance and fear for law when reinstated and reiterated, will only help India to be corruption-free, and successfully achieve the tag of “Atmanirbhar” with being s strong 5 trillion dollar economy.
Towards the end of the event, many dignified veterans and industry stakeholders were felicitated with awards and mementos for their persevering and diligent contributions since the Project Revolution in the early 80’s, despite all forms of disruptions. The list of veterans who were felicitated were Jahangir Parabia, Ramkala Gupta, Nilesh Patel, R C Kataria, V P Sekhri, Upvinder Singh, R P Shah, A M Mukherjee, Late Reshan Singh, and Late Raj Kumar Agarwal.
The companies that were awarded by HTOA included NTC Logistics, Globe Ecologistics, Decent Cargo Movers, Procam Logistics, Ganesh Roadlines, ODC Logistics, Kataria Carriers, Darshan Roadlines, J M Baxi Heavy, JSCC Logistics, Rameshwar Transport Company, Kataria Transport Services, Nabros Transport, JS Parabia, and Bhagyoday Transport Company.
Several partners and collaborators were also felicitated for their continued efforts in magnifying the needs, challenges and solutions introduced in the industry. CARGOCONNECT, the media partner for the event, was awarded for its loyalty and honesty in representing the sector through its powerful voice and sectoral analysis of trends and transformations for the greater good of the industry.
The Federation of Freight Forwarders’ Associations in India (FFFAI) held its 6th EC Meeting for the term 2021-23 on May 27 and 28 in Bengaluru. The meeting was attended by the Office Bearers and 28 Member Association representative of FFFAI from across the country, there were many issues discussed and updates provided concerning customs, CBLR, EDI, Service Tax/GST, logistics, air cargo, sea cargo, skill development,importance of social media which FFFAI has expanded recently, technology developments, etc. The special focus of the 6th EC meeting was the updates on forthcoming 24th Biennial Convention of FFFAI to be held from August 12 to 14, 2022 in Chennai with the theme LOGISTICS RESHAPE, EMBRACE AND SURGE IN THE DIGITAL ERA. At this EC meeting, FFFAI also implemented Digital Learning platform for members and next generation for e-learning. It has been decided that FFFAI would initiate FIATA eFBL here in India to benefit the trade, which empowers customs brokers, freight forwarders and logistics service providers. In addition, updates on the recently held FIATA HQ Meet was also provided by the concerned members of FFFAI. FFFAI members present at this EC meeting stressed upon enhancing productivity on ICEGATE for trade facilitation and Ease of Doing Business. The FFFAI members also urged for creating a dedicated portal for LSP integration. As regard to skill development initiatives, IIFF’s (training arm of FFFAI) past and forthcoming training programmes (both online and classroom/physical) for the entire logistics industry were presented at the EC meeting. In addition, FFFAI’s various initiatives on capacity building through technology/IT also discussed withadequate importance. Recent activities of FFFAI Women’s Wing including organising interactive meetings with Government of India officials and industry experts were highlighted at this meeting which drew huge appreciation from the members. The members committed to expand the activities of the Women’s Wing in all the 28 member association locations to empower/encourage the women logistics practitioners. At this EC meeting FFFAI has signed an MoU with the National Institute of Industrial Engineering (NITIE) with an objective of skilling the aspiring candidates looking for opportunities in the logistics sector. Notably, a special session was organised at this 6th EC Meeting where N Sivasailam, former Special Secretary (Logistics), Ministry of Commerce, Government of India was present to address the FFFAI members and highlight the recent initiatives of the government in strengthening the logistics infrastructure, thereby leading in increase of international trade through multimodal connectivity and faster cargo clearance. He projected the ambitious growth potential of the logistics industry in India with a strong collaboration between government and industry people. Also speaking on the occasion was Bani Bhattacharya, IRS, who interacted with members of FFFAI on various initiatives of CBIC for the trade facilitation without human intervention. FFFAI Chairman Shankar Shinde thanked all the 28 associations for their support and appreciated the contribution of CBIC/DG systems trade facilitation measures. FFFAI Member Associations are: 1. Ahmedabad Custom Brokers' Association2. Aurangabad Customs House Agents Association3. Association of Custom House Agents Thiruvanthapuram4. Bangalore Custom House Agents Association5. Brihnamumbai Custom Brokers Association6. Calcutta Customs House Agents Association7. Chennai Customs House Agents Association8. Cochin Customs Brokers' Association9. Coimbatore Customs House and Steamer Agents Association10. Custom Brokers Association Hyderabad11. Delhi Customs Brokers Association12. Goa Custom Brokers Association13.Indore Customs House Agents Association14. The Kakinada Customs Brokers Association15. Kandla Custom Brokers Association16. Kanpur Customs Brokers Association17. Ludhiana Customs House Agents Association18. Mangalore Customs House Agents Association19. Mundra Customs Brokers Association20. Nagpur Customs House Agents Association21. Nashik Customs House Agents Association22. Nadia Custom Brokers Association23. Pipavav Custom Brokers Association24. Pune Customs House Agents Association25. Rajasthan Customs House Agents Association26.Tuticorin Custom Brokers Association27.Visakhapatnam Cusotms Brokers' Association28.West Bengal Custom House Agents Society FFFAI welcomes Women in Logistics/Youth in Logistics to participate on FFFAI forums and also invites membership application form logistics service providers in industry as this is a big national and international forum to network.
Ecom Express Limited, India’s sole pure-play B2C e-commerce logistics provider as of the Financial Year 2024, has introduced a new brand identity, underscoring its commitment to customer-centricity. This rebranding reflects a focus on addressing specific customer needs, prioritising customer-facing metrics, and integrating innovative technology across its nationwide express logistics network. The goal is to enhance speed, agility, and network reach, ensuring a customer-focused approach. The rebranding includes a dynamic logo and a refreshed visual identity, symbolising Ecom Express’s pursuit of excellence. The new logo features a forward-moving arrow within a square, representing the company’s dedication to delivery. The letter "E" in the logo stands for Expression, Innovation, and Progress, while the bold magenta colour signifies bravery, self-expression, and strength. This vibrant magenta reintroduction reflects Ecom Express's renewed commitment to customers, partners, and team members, as the company aims to simplify and democratise logistics for all. Ajay Chitkara, CEO and MD of Ecom Express, elaborated on the transformation, stating, “Our refreshed brand identity reaffirms our customer-first approach as we continue to integrate technology and innovation to provide reliable, high-speed services with the widest network reach. This transformation also underscores our commitment to our employees and delivery partners, who are essential to our business.” The new logo embodies Ecom Express’s dedication to its core values, focusing on customer welfare and fostering a diverse, inclusive environment. This rebranding signifies a promise to redefine logistics through advanced technology, making life easier for all types of customers.
Delmos Aviation has transported the second lot of 300 units of oxygen concentrators from Russia to New Delhi for the Rajasthan state government. The consignment was airborne on an Aeroflot A333 aircraft (SU 232) and reached at 10:10 AM in New Delhi. The shipments were shipped by road and sent back to Swasthya Bhawan, Jaipur, Rajasthan Medical Services Corporation (RMSCL). RMSCL obtained oxygen concentrators from Russian companies together with Delmos Aviation. Delmos Aviation is procuring, transporting and supplying COVID-relied materials to the Rajasthan Medical Services Corporation with the mandate signed with the Rajasthan Government. There will shortly be two consignments with the remaining 800 oxygen concentrators. "We are ready to assist governments in the provision and delivery of any type of essential medical supplies, oxygen concentration and equipment as quickly as possible," said Dr Naveen Rao, Director, Delmos Aviation. "At this juncture, time-based deliveries are paramount. We can handle the airlift and deliver the shipment to the last point." In four lots, 100, 300, 450 and 400 units, a total of 1250 oxygen concentrations are ordered and continue to reach New Delhi in batches of shipments. On 14 and 16 May 2021, the remaining lots will arrive. Oxygen concentrators of Single flowmeter (0.5-10LPM Adjustable) and double flowmeter (0-5LPM Adjustable) are included in the delivery. The models are JAY-10A & LFY-I-5A. "The government of Rajasthan is working hard in this raging second wave of the pandemic to provide basic medical equipment to head Minister Ashok Gehlot and Minister of Health, Raghu Sharma. The government plans to import 1250 oxygen concentrators from Moscow, Russia, in partnership with Delmos Aviation, as part of its efforts to enhance medical oxygen in the state," said a spokesperson.
Omnichannel lifestyle brand The Souled Store has partnered with third-party logistics firm Emiza to manage its primary warehouse operations in Mumbai. The collaboration positions Emiza’s Mumbai warehouse as a central hub, managing orders from The Souled Store’s website, marketplaces, and offline stores across India. “This partnership marks a significant milestone in The Souled Store’s journey, enabling the brand to streamline operations and refocus on growth by partnering with Emiza as a trusted 3PL provider,” the company said. The strategic collaboration goes beyond standard logistics, providing services such as inventory management and order processing. The Souled Store has reduced its order processing time from 24 hours to just 12 hours, significantly enhancing customer satisfaction, a key factor in the competitive D2C market. Ajay Rao, Founder of Emiza, highlighted the value of the partnership, stating, “Their trust in our services underscores the value we bring, not just in warehousing and fulfilment, but in enhancing overall customer satisfaction. As India’s fashion e-commerce market is projected to reach USD 112 billion by 2030, our role is to provide the infrastructure and fulfilment expertise necessary for brands to thrive.” Aditya Sharma, Co-founder of The Souled Store, noted the impact of the partnership: “Emiza stepped in, providing exceptional warehousing and fulfilment services aligned with our commitment to delivering quality products. Their focus on optimising our fulfilment process has allowed us to cut order processing time by half, ensuring that our customers receive their orders faster.” With 27 fulfilment centres across 14 cities, Emiza is well-positioned to support The Souled Store’s expansion beyond metro cities, tapping into the growing consumer base in Bharat, the company added.
A significant milestone has been achieved in the Indo-Bangla railway project with the inauguration of the inaugural freight train connecting Bangladesh's Gangasagar to Tripura's Nischintanpur. This momentous event marks a significant step forward in strengthening the rail connectivity between the two neighboring countries. The new railway connection is set to enhance trade and commerce between India and Bangladesh, providing a more efficient and cost-effective mode of transportation for goods. It will not only boost bilateral trade but also promote economic development in the region by opening up new opportunities for businesses and industries. The Indo-Bangla railway project is part of a broader effort to improve connectivity and foster closer ties between the two nations. It is expected to play a vital role in facilitating the movement of goods and passengers, ultimately contributing to the economic growth and prosperity of both countries.
The Indian Railways has unveiled an innovative new look for the Vande Bharat goods carrier, designed to enhance efficiency in freight transport across the nation. This state-of-the-art freight train features advanced technology and modern design, aimed at reducing transit times and improving the overall supply chain network. Equipped with upgraded features, the Vande Bharat goods carrier can transport a wide variety of goods, ensuring a more reliable and faster delivery system. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to modernise India's logistics infrastructure and promote the use of railways for cargo movement, which is essential for sustainable economic growth. This new freight carrier will not only help in decongesting road transport but also contribute to reducing carbon emissions, aligning with the government's commitment to environmental sustainability. With its introduction, Indian Railways aims to enhance cargo capacity and operational efficiency, providing a significant boost to the logistics sector. As the demand for efficient logistics solutions continues to rise, the Vande Bharat goods carrier is poised to play a crucial role in shaping the future of freight transportation in India.
The Zero Emission Port Alliance (ZEPA) has recently announced the onboarding of 11 key organisations from the container port industry. Notable members include APM Terminals (APMT), CATL, DP World, Kempower, Patrick Terminals, Port of Aarhus, Port of Rotterdam, Rocsys, Sany, SSA Marine, and ZPMC. These members are united in their commitment to accelerate the adoption of Battery-Electric Container Handling Equipment (BE-CHE). ZEPA aims to significantly advance port decarbonisation efforts, making BE-CHE both affordable and accessible within the next decade. In recent months, ZEPA has conducted working sessions, initial analyses, and held its first formal Steering Committee during the TOC Europe conference on June 11. The Steering Committee, which met at TOC Europe in Rotterdam, emphasized the importance of their collective membership in reducing emissions and achieving Total Cost of Ownership parity for battery-electric equipment compared to diesel. Industry leaders underscored that rapid change is achievable through cross-value chain collaboration. ZEPA's initiatives are meticulously designed and implemented in compliance with anti-trust and competition laws, with oversight from external legal counsel to ensure transparency and legality. Sahar Rashidbeigi, Global Head of Decarbonisation at APMT, reflected on ZEPA’s progress: “Reflecting on our journey, it is incredible to see how far we have come since defining the problem at last year’s TOC Europe conference. From the ‘tipping point’ White Paper nine months ago to launching ZEPA with DP World in December during COP28, and now onboarding 11 key members across the value chain, our progress highlights that we are addressing a valuable problem that resonates across the industry, and it affirms our conviction that collaboration is essential to tackle it effectively.” ZEPA's collective effort marks a pivotal step in the pursuit of sustainable and zero-emission port operations, showcasing the power of industry-wide cooperation in combating climate change.
Ekart introduced a new ‘Refinish Service’ to tackle the challenges of returns management in the fashion and lifestyle sector. This innovative service enables retailers to refurbish over 90 percent of returned inventory, helping brands mitigate losses and maximise revenue potential. The Refinish Service is designed for direct-to-consumer (D2C), e-commerce, and retail players in the fashion and lifestyle segments. It also caters to other industries, including footwear, handbags, accessories, and home and decor products such as curtains, bed sheets, and blankets. With a combined processing capacity of 55,000 units daily, Ekart employs best-in-class machinery and energy-conserving technologies. The refinishing process at Ekart's facilities involves rigorous quality checks, stain removal, box replacement, ironing, stitching (if needed), and final quality control to ensure the finesse of refurbished products. Mani Bhushan, Chief Business Officer of Ekart, commented, “By harnessing cutting-edge technology and sustainable practices, the refinishing service empowers brands to optimise their supply chains and drive positive change on a broader scale. The service sets a new standard for returns management, demonstrating our commitment to innovation, efficiency, and sustainability.” Ekart operates Refinish centers across major demand clusters in India, including Gurgaon, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Kolkata. These strategically located centers facilitate swift return processing and reduce transport costs for brands. The facilities are equipped with advanced machinery, including up-steam tables, steam vacuum tables, and industry-leading foam finishers, ensuring thorough and efficient processing of returned inventory. Ekart's Refinish Service marks a significant step forward in returns management, offering a sustainable and efficient solution that benefits both retailers and the environment.
