India Seatrade, the premier maritime events platform, achieved a significant milestone with the successful organization of the 6th edition of the Multimodal Logistics Summit. The event took place at Radisson Hotel in Gandhidham, Gujarat, bringing together key stakeholders, industry leaders from ports, shipping and logistics, and government officials to discuss and explore opportunities in the dynamic logistics sector.
Shantanu Thakur, Honourable Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, presided over the Summit as the Chief Guest. The summit witnessed the presence of esteemed guests, including Malti Maheshwari, MLA, Gandhidham, Mima Acharya, Former Speaker, Gujarat Assembly, S. K. Mehta, Chairman of Deendayal Port Authority and Rahul Modi, Member, National Shipping Board & MD, Pushpak Logistics Solutions.
The event served as a platform for insightful discussions on the future of logistics and the transformative initiatives undertaken by the government to enhance multimodal connectivity.
Shantanu Thakur, in his address, highlighted the pivotal role of the “PM Gati Shakti” initiative in revolutionizing decision-making processes through a detailed and multi-layered data approach. He emphasized how this innovation has significantly reduced the time spent on field surveys and shortened project timelines.
“The PM Gati Shakti has facilitated precise decision-making through its detailed and multi-layered data approach. This innovation has significantly reduced the time spent on field surveys and shortened project timelines,” stated Shantanu Thakur.
Furthermore, Thakur underscored the potential of coastal shipping in transforming the logistics sector in India. He revealed the Ministry’s ambitious goal of achieving 1,300 MTPA cargo movement by coastal shipping by 2047. The Sagarmala Program, designed to shift cargo from land-based transportation to coastal shipping, was highlighted as a critical component of this vision.
“In line with the budget announcement of 2023, Coastal shipping will be promoted as the energy-efficient and lower-cost mode of transport, both for passengers and freight, through PPP mode with Viability Gap Funding (VGF),” he added.
S.K. Mehta, Chairman of Deendayal Port Authority, shared insights into the strategic projects undertaken by Deendayal Port to enhance multimodal connectivity, aligning with the vision of the “PM Gati Shakti” initiative.
“The vision of developing multimodal nodes at economic hubs is being planned centrally through the ‘PM Gati Shakti initiative.’ Deendayal Port is executing projects under this Scheme to enhance multimodal connectivity, striving for a balance between cargo and ship requirements and the broader needs of the country,” Mehta said.
He highlighted key projects, including road and rail connectivity initiatives, a world-class Road Over Bridge at Kandla, and operationalizing Ro-Pax Ferry Services from Hazira to Ghogha. He also disclosed plans for Ro-Ro Ferry Services from Vadinar, Rozi, Mandvi, Mundra, and Pipavav, along with Cruise services at Muldwarka and Pipavav Port.
“I am pleased to state that Deendayal Port has been identified for setting up a Green Hydrogen Hub under the National Green Hydrogen Mission, for which 13 developers have signed MOUs with DPA worth Rs. 1.45 lakh Crores,” he announced during the summit.
The successful organization of the Multimodal Logistics Summit underscores India Seatrade’s commitment to fostering collaboration, innovation, and sustainable practices in the maritime and logistics industry. As the nation moves towards a more connected and efficient logistics ecosystem, events like these play a crucial role in shaping the future of the sector.
