New Delhi
Stalwarts of the Indian auto industry have called for improving efficiency in the automotive industry by focusing on implementing cutting-edge technologies such as GPS tracking system and robust collaborations between the automotive industry and logistics solutions providers. The urgency was highlighted at an industry logistics conclave organised by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), the apex body of the automobile industry and attended by senior government officials, logistics heads of automobile companies, and experts from the automobile supply-chain.
Vinod Aggarwal, President, SIAM and CEO & MD, Volvo Eicher Commercial Vehicles drew attention to the Indian automobile industry’s need to increase efficiency and long-term sustainability and in accordance with the National Logistics Policy (NLP), focus on lowering logistics costs of transportation, warehousing and administration which account for about 14 pr cent of GDP. Additionally, Aggarwal sought concentration on issues faced in increasing efficiency, such as time-consuming tasks like loading and unloading of cargo as well as effort to address the driver shortage by enhancing the appeal of this profession, by improving amenities like insurance and working conditions. For Ashish Choudhary, Operating Officer of Honda Motorcycle & Scooters India, time, distance and efficiency were key factors affecting cost and delivery which could be addressed by use of relevant technology like Google Maps. Touching on the human aspects, Achal Paliwal, General Manager of Tata Motors dwelt on treating drivers with care and providing requisite facilities which was essential for the automotive industry’s success. While India’s improved road connectivity and ongoing highway development will enhance seamless movement, equipping vehicles with eating and sleeping facilities was crucial for drivers’ comfort and welfare, said Paliwal, suggesting that OEMs and logistics service providers collaborate with the Government and take requisite actions to enhance logistics efficiency.
On the administrative side, Anil Chhikara, Deputy Commissioner of the Transport Department, Government of NCT of Delhi also agreed for focus on improving drivers’ abilities, educating them about rules and regulations and addressing their issues, primarily developing requisite infrastructure on highways like sanitation facilities. With the Government working on the 4Is — infrastructure, information, IT and integration to improve the effectiveness of the Indian supply chain, digitization and creation of a suitable information system to assist the industry in determining the shortest distance was getting a required push, as per SP Singh, Joint Secretary (IAHE & Logistic), Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. Joint Secretary (Logistics), Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) E Srinivas was of the opinion that India’s climb to six places in the World Logistic Performance Index (LPI) and the 38th position became possible due to the government’s constant efforts and futuristic initiatives as the National Logistic Policy (NLP).
Another key concern for the industry highlighted by Amit Kumar Ghosh, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways was transportation costs. “We need to implement state-of-the-art
technologies to reduce the cost and improve efficiency,” Ghosh said, alongwith a more seamless toll systems. “The ministry is already working on it,” informed Ghosh, as he also joined the voices in favour of elevating the reputation of the driving profession by enhancing drivers’ comfort with initiatives like air-conditioned cabin trucks, among others.