Sustainability in Focus at 11th SIAM Automotive Logistics Conclave in New Delhi

The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) recently hosted the 11th edition of the SIAM Automotive Logistics Conclave in the capital, spotlighting the growing importance of sustainability in India’s evolving automotive logistics landscape. Held under the theme Enhancing Efficiencies in Automotive Logistics, the event convened key voices from government, industry, and logistics to discuss strategies for building a greener, more resilient and technology-driven supply chain.

In a key address, Mr. Hitendra Malhotra, Member of Operations and Business Development, Railway Board, Ministry of Railways, highlighted the sector’s shift towards specialized rail wagons capable of higher vehicle carrying capacities, including double-deck configurations suited for SUVs. He noted this advancement as part of broader efforts to meet the increased logistical demands of the automotive sector while reducing its environmental footprint.

Reinforcing this direction, Mr. Tapan Ghosh, Chairman of the SIAM Logistics Group and Vice President of Sales at Hyundai Motor India Ltd., emphasized the urgency of embracing more sustainable logistics practices. “With the automotive sector witnessing a growth of 7.3 percent in FY 2024–25, logistics has become central to our journey. There is a clear need to make the logistics value chain smarter and more environmentally responsible,” he said.

Mr. S D Chhabra, Co-Chairman of the SIAM Logistics Group and Executive Officer for Parts, Accessories and Logistics at Maruti Suzuki India Ltd., added that the industry is actively moving towards greater rail-based dispatches. “We are integrating advanced technologies to enable real-time tracking and improving coordination across the logistics network,” he noted, highlighting efficiency and sustainability as dual priorities.

Panels and expert discussions throughout the conclave centered on the role of digital transformation, multimodal transport systems, and policy alignment in driving sustainable progress. Resilience in supply chains, particularly in the face of disruptions, was also a core theme.

Prominent voices in the sector, including Mr. B N Puri from the Asian Institute of Transport Development and Mr. Sagar R Kadu from the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), weighed in on the importance of forward-looking infrastructure and regulatory clarity to facilitate sustainable logistics.

A dedicated session on green logistics drew insights from sustainability-focused leaders such as Mr. Ajay Chaudhary, Chief Strategy Officer at Think Gas, and Mr. Anup Sureshkumar from Mappls MapmyIndia IoT Group. Their discussions highlighted the growing integration of cleaner fuels, emission-reducing technologies, and route optimization tools as the sector aligns with India’s broader climate goals.

Mr. Ashish Bhatt, Managing Director of APLL VASCOR Automotive Pvt Ltd., along with representatives from Mahindra and Mahindra, Safexpress, and other logistics firms, echoed the need for systemic shifts that support long-term environmental stewardship.

In recognition of innovation and operational excellence, the conclave also honoured several logistics service providers contributing to transformative changes in the industry. The event affirmed the automotive sector’s commitment to embedding sustainability at the core of logistics operations. As the demand for green mobility accelerates, SIAM’s conclave positioned logistics not just as a functional backbone but as a strategic driver of India’s transition to cleaner transportation.