CFSAI & NACFS jointly host captivating maritime logistics conclave on “Logistics Preparedness for Viksit Bharat @ 2047”
Container Freight Station Association of India (CFSAI) and National Association of Container Freight Stations (NACFS) jointly hosted a vibrant Maritime & Logistics Conclave 2025 at the Lotus Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai on February 28, 2025. About 300 delegates representing various segments of Shipping & Logistics sectors joined the meet. Mr Sanjay Sethi, IAS, Addl Chief Secretary (Transport & Ports), Home Department, Govt of Maharashtra, was the distinguished Chief Guest and Mr Unmesh Sharad Wagh, IRS, Chairman, JNPA and Capt. B. K. Tyagi, Chairman, The SCI Ltd, were the esteemed Guests of Honour.
The event commenced with a vibrant Panel Discussion on the aptly chosen theme, “Logistics Preparedness for Viksit Bharat @ 2047,” which indeed is the buzzword and is focused on India’s journey towards becoming one of the most developed nations by 2047. The eminent panelists of proven industry domain experts, namely, Mr Shantanu Bhadkamkar, Past President AMTOI, Mr Dushyant Mulani, Chairman FFFAI, Mr Nityam Khosla, Past President, CAI, Mr Devki Nandan, President IPPTA, and Mr Kaustav Sen, Director, Infra & Logistics, KPMG India Services, kept the audience engaged with their wisdom and valued views Mr Ananth Rathakrishnan, IRS, Director Customs, CBIC, joined as a panelist from New Delhi on VC. The session covered key topics such as policy regulations, Customs reforms and efficient logistics strategies.
The eminent panelists shared their valued thoughts and observations focused in the context of global trade, logistics transformation and infra development, namely multimodal logistics parks, dedicated freight corridors, port modernisation and digitalising supply chains.
Post the panel discussions, the 2nd session commenced with the Presidents of CFSAI and NACFS, Mr Suresh Kumar R. and Mr Pramod Kumar Srivastava, respectively, extending a warm welcome to the Chief Guest and Guests of Honour, esteemed speakers and all the esteemed guests and delegates.
Mr Sanjay Kumar Agarwal, IRS, Chairman, CBIC, although not physically present, through a very motivating video message congratulated both CFSAI and NACFS and stressed the importance of maritime logistics and measures for enhancing its efficiency and port-led development.
Mr Mukesh Oza, Group President & CEO, Samsara Group, set the tone of the theme through an impressive and informative keynote address that highlighted the country’s progress in making Indian maritime logistics more efficient through inflow of FDIs and various trade agreements.
Mr Sanjeev Kumar Singh, IRS, Commissioner Exports, JNCH, in his presentation focused on simplification of Customs process, reduction of dwell time and export initiatives of GoI and JNCH. Mr Deepak Shetty, Former Secy. to Govt. of India and DGS, stressed the importance of Maritime Anti-Corruption Network in achieving Viksit Bharat @ 2047. Capt. Binesh Kumar Tyagi, CMD, SCI, focused on all shipping related aspects including foray into container vessels by SCI and potential for growth of the shipbuilding industry.
In his address, Mr Unmesh Sharad Wagh, Chairman, JNPA, highlighted the roadmap and the importance of the development of the new, mega Vadhvan Port which will be a game changer whose first phase is expected to be operationalised by 2029.
Addressing the august gathering, Mr Sanjay Sethi, Addl Chief Secretary (Transport & Ports), Home Department, Govt of Maharashtra, said that whilst Direct Port Delivery (DPD) and Direct Port Entry (DPE) were introduced for ease of doing business, most of the ports in India such as JNPA are conceptualised on CFS model and the trend is likely to continue. The upcoming Vadhvan Port too would need Container Freight Stations as key stakeholders. These facilities or similar facilities are essential part of the supply chain for efficient functioning of the port ecosystem, he said.
CFSAI and NACFS thereafter honoured the esteemed Commissioners of JNCH and also the apex associations of maritime logistics such as CSLA, AMTOI, FFFAI, BCBA, IPPTA and ACTO in recognition of their excellent cooperation and support. Shipping and logistics-focused media houses were also honoured for their support and contribution to the fraternity The event was followed by networking cocktails and gala dinner, highlighted a release.
Source: Exim News Service: Mumbai, March 10