CONquest 2025 provides topical insights and honours excellence amidst extensive fraternity participation
For any logistics event happening in Delhi, an important topic of discussion has to be rail, said Mr Gopal Krishna, IAS, Former Shipping Secretary, Ministry of Shipping, Government of India & Chairman, CSC (Conciliation and Settlement Committee), in his welcome address at Exim India’s CONquest 2025 – Business Forum, the 16th edition, along with the Northern India Multimodal Logistics Awards 2025, on Friday, February 7, 2025 at Shangri-La Eros Hotel, New Delhi.
He set the tone for the event, for rail was indeed a key point of the discourse, be it the benefits of the DFCs, the importance of speedy and seamless connectivity for cargo from the region to the ports, the advantages of rail-linked MMLPs and more, complemented by other pertinent issues concerning shipping and logistics, all part of a captivating Business Forum graced by distinguished speakers and panelists (see box) representing the entire spectrum of logistics service providers, besides regulatory authorities and the ex-im trade.
The event brought together in strength all associated with the maritime, cargo and logistics fraternity in the region under one roof, including a wide range of delegates who were enthusiastic participants in the interactive session.
Relevant opinions and a vibrant panel
Delivering the opening remarks, Mr Sanjiv Garg, IRTS (Rtd), Secretary General, The Chartered Institute of Logistics & Transport – India, highlighted some of the “quantum leaps” that have materialised; the DFCs that are a game changer in freight transportation; the metro revolution in Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities, the high speed rail corridors etc. Rail freight subsidising passenger services should not happen for long, he said, as it artificially raises freight rates.
In his theme presentation, Mr Harpreet Singh Malhotra, CMD, Tiger Logistics (India) Ltd., described LSPs as an integral part of the economy who contribute to the growth in GDP. He also stressed the importance of industry remaining in North India and cargo being cleared in the region instead of at the ports.
The panel discussion, expertly moderated by Mr Sachin Bhanushali, Former Director & CEO, Gateway Distriparks Ltd, Member – CII National Rail Committee & FICCI Logistics Committee,witnessed a comprehensive exchange of views and ideas on everything from rail freight, the importance of multimodalism, the impact of the changing geopolitical situation on shipping lines, how ports can better facilitate the North Indian trade, potential for cargo volume growth from the region, the necessity of digitisation and scope of digital freight forwarding, and the expectations and difficulties of shippers. Leading lights from every segment of the industry ensured an insightful and perceptive conversation.
The need for an extremely robust and advanced rail transportation system, with separate corridors, was highlighted, along with innovative multimodal solutions. The impact of the recent changes in the geopolitical situation, with the ceasefire and change in the US Presidency, would likely be seen only in the second half of the year. If the Red Sea and Suez open up again, it would be beneficial to all in the trade, it was pointed out.
It was suggested that rail cargo could be unitised and consolidated for improved efficiency, and that India could benefit from US protectionism. Multimodalism is the answer, it was emphasised, and while DFC is a game changer, cost benefit should accrue to the trade.
The need to create port capacity before cargo and all-round investment in requisite infrastructure were stressed, as was the requirement of modal shift from road to rail.
Government policies and facilitation will ensure that North India remains a major manufacturing and export hub, which in turn will benefit logistics players, but they have to be ready to cater to the demand. Digital logistics brings in efficiency, transparency and cost reduction and will grow, it was said.
From a shipper’s point of view, it was mentioned that logistics in North India is complicated and things are not getting simplified. Some of the issues highlighted were line inventory not being visible, the sundry charges, and ICD shut-outs. It is easier to clear at ports. The logistics process, therefore, needs simplification and standardising, besides innovative solutions.
The Guest of Honour, Mr Shobhit Bhatnagar, IRTS, Director (OP&BD), Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Limited, informed that the last 102 km of the WDFC from New Saphale to JNPA will be completed by December this year, which would facilitate double stack movement to and fro the port from early next year. The DFCs are today handling a record number of trains, he added.
Chief Guest Mr E. Srinivas, IRSSE, Joint Secretary, Logistics Division, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, highlighted the importance of the National Logistics Policy and how DPIIT has brought all the infra Ministries and some other Ministries on a single portal to facilitate better coordination and efficient operations.
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EMINENT PARTICIPATION
* Mr Gopal Krishna, IAS, Former Shipping Secretary, Ministry of Shipping, Government of India & Chairman, CSC (Conciliation and Settlement Committee)
* Mr Sanjiv Garg, IRTS (Rtd), Secretary General, The Chartered Institute of Logistics & Transport – India
* Mr Sanjay Swarup, IRTS, CMD, Container Corporation of India Ltd.
* Mr Shobhit Bhatnagar, IRTS, Director (OP&BD), Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Limited
* Mr Akhil Kumar Khatri, IRS, Principal Commissioner of Customs, Noida Customs Commissionerate
* Mr E. Srinivas, IRSSE, Joint Secretary, Logistics Division, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India
* Mr Sachin Bhanushali, Former Director & CEO, Gateway Distriparks Ltd, Member – CII National Rail Committee & FICCI Logistics Committee
* Mr Harpreet Singh Malhotra, CMD, Tiger Logistics (India) Ltd.
* Mr Sasi Nair, President, Northern India Steamer Agents Association & Senior Area General Manager- North India, CMA CGM Agencies (India) Pvt. Ltd.
* Mr Arun Kumar, President, Association of Multimodal Transport Operators of India, Honorary Secretary, ACFI & Managing Director, InSynergy Supply Chain Solutions Pvt. Ltd.
* Mr Ashish Priyadarshi, Deputy General Manager – Business Development, Adani Ports & Special Economic Zone Ltd.
* Ms Simar Malhotra, Global Business & Procurement Head, Tiger Logistics (India) Ltd.
* Mr Girish Belwal, General Manager (Logistics), ISGEC Heavy Engineering Ltd.
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Chief Guest, Mr Akhil Kumar Khatri, IRS, Principal Commissioner of Customs, Noida Customs Commissionerate, stressed the need for a nationally integrated, cost-effective, reliable and digitally-enabled logistics ecosystem for ‘Viksit Bharat’. He highlighted the trade facilitation measures of Customs, the improvements in policies and procedures, the use of technology to enable faster clearance etc.
Chief Guest Mr Sanjay Swarup, IRTS, CMD, Container Corporation of India Ltd., touched upon the increasing use of technology and the need for green and sustainable logistics. There should be more intermodal movement by rail and it is important to provide total logistics solutions to customers, including cargo visibility, he said.
Excellence in the spotlight
The second segment of the event began with some key felicitations:
* Noida Customs Commissionerate – For recognition of its vital role in trade facilitation
* Tiger Logistics (India) Ltd. – For its 25 years of unparalleled dedication and excellence in logistics
There was only standing room for those who arrived late at the Northern India Multimodal Logistics Awards 2025, where success, performance, leadership and setting standards took centrestage among companies and individuals as applause and cheers rang out across the venue. Recipients were honoured in over 30 categories.
Another highlight of the ceremony was the standing ovation accorded to Capt. Anil K. Sahni on receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award.
The Awards Jury, headed by Mr Sanjiv Garg, was also felicitated on the occasion.
A Lucky Draw saw two winners take home an exciting prize.
The event concluded with networking cocktails and dinner, the 16th edition further consolidating its stature as the premier sectoral congregation in this region where attendees gain topical insights and appreciate deserving recognition while also availing of the opportunity to engage in fruitful networking.
Source: Exim News Service: New Delhi, Feb. 10