RailTrans Expo Focuses on Smart Logistics and Vision 2047

As India gears up to celebrate National Logistics Day on June 28, the 5th RailTrans Expo 2025, organized by the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC), continued with renewed energy and insight. Day 2 of the Expo witnessed a high-impact plenary session titled “Unifying Corridors & Smart Logistics for Sustainable Infrastructure”, aligning with the central theme ‘Logistics 360 for Viksit Bharat’.

The session brought together a powerhouse panel of senior policymakers, logistics leaders, and academicians, reflecting a shared vision to build a unified, tech-enabled, and future-ready logistics ecosystem under the Vision 2047 roadmap.

Prof. (Dr.) Manoj Choudhary, Vice Chancellor, Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya (a Central University under the Ministry of Railways), addressed the urgent need for developing a future-ready logistics workforce, said “Logistics is no longer just about moving goods—it’s the very engine powering Viksit Bharat. With cutting-edge infrastructure, integrated digital systems, and a skilled workforce, India’s logistics sector is driving inclusive growth, resilient supply chains, and global competitiveness. As we build faster, smarter, and more sustainable networks, trust and technology will define our path forward.”

Delivering the session, Mr. Kanishka Sethia, Chairman, National Logistics & Supply Chain Committee, ICC and CEO, Western Carriers, emphasized, “With a $338 billion logistics sector contributing nearly 14% to our GDP, the path to a $5 trillion economy by 2027 runs directly through efficient, integrated, and sustainable logistics. The government’s $1.2 trillion Gati Shakti initiative—digitizing 1.46 lakh km of highways, modernizing 200 rail terminals, and deploying 300 multimodal hubs—is systems engineering at a national scale. But this journey requires more than infrastructure. We must address fragmentation, bridge talent gaps, and embrace green logistics as a strategic economic lever. At Western, we’re actively deploying EV fleets, solar-powered warehouses, and piloting carbon-neutral supply chains—because sustainability is no longer an ESG checkbox, it’s a business imperative. Let us remember: infrastructure today is not just steel and cement—it is data, speed, and trust. The future of Viksit Bharat depends on how well we unify corridors, digitize systems, decarbonize supply chains, and above all, innovate. This is the spirit of Logistics 360.”

The session was further enriched by senior voices from the Ministry of Railways, Mr. Surendra Kumar Ahirwar, IRTS, Executive Director (Traffic Commercial), Railway Board, said, “Logistics is no longer a support function—it is central to India's socio-economic transformation and the mission of Viksit Bharat 2047. With dynamic government policies like PM Gati Shakti and the National Logistics Policy, we are integrating modes, nodes, and networks to ensure seamless, multimodal connectivity. Railways, with major corridor projects and investments of ₹4–5 lakh crores, are being repositioned as the backbone of sustainable transport. As we overcome capacity deficits and rationalize freight strategies, we aim not only to reduce logistics costs but to strengthen logistics’ contribution to GDP. It is this convergence of academia, industry, and government that will accelerate our journey—perhaps even before 2047—toward a truly developed India.”

 Dr. Jaideep Gupta, Additional Member, Railway Board, shared, “This platform is not just a dialogue—it’s a declaration of intent and a reflection of the collective will to drive transformation at scale. As India aspires to become a global logistics powerhouse, it is imperative that the government, industry, and academia work in close alignment to overcome legacy challenges and unlock the full potential of integrated, multimodal infrastructure. The RailTrans Expo is enabling the kind of forward-looking conversations we need—conversations that translate policy into action and vision into on-ground execution. With smart investments, inclusive growth models, and a focus on sustainability, we are not just reshaping logistics—we are building the backbone of a truly developed India.”

Speaking as the Guest of Honour, Prof. (Dr.) Manoj Choudhary, Vice Chancellor, Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya (a Central University under the Ministry of Railways), stressed the need for developing a new generation of skilled professionals capable of navigating the complexities of modern logistics.

Discussions during the session touched on multiple high-priority themes, including the ambitious roadmap for transforming India into a global logistics powerhouse under Vision 2047, and the importance of unlocking investments in multimodal logistics parks through public-private partnership (PPP) models. Emphasis was also laid on enhancing regional development through targeted incentives and state-specific logistics policies, and the significance of the Unified Logistics Interface Platform (ULIP) in simplifying data access and improving decision-making across the supply chain. The session further highlighted the critical role of inclusive logistics frameworks that integrate MSMEs, cooperatives, and rural supply chains into national networks. A shared consensus emerged around the urgent need for sustainable infrastructure that not only supports economic growth but also advances India’s decarbonization and environmental goals.

Delivering the Vote of Thanks, Mr. Vikash Lohia, Deputy Managing Director, Jupiter Wagons & Chairman, Railways Expert Committee, ICC, remarked, “As we move towards Viksit Bharat 2047, today’s discussions reaffirm that logistics is not just a facilitator but a key driver of India’s economic transformation. With robust policy frameworks, multimodal infrastructure, digital integration, and a focus on sustainability, we are building a logistics ecosystem that is efficient, future-ready, and globally competitive. Reducing logistics costs from 15% to 7–8% of GDP is not just an ambition—it’s a necessity. The collective insights shared today will help turn that vision into reality. Thanks to all dignitaries, partners, and stakeholders for making this session a meaningful step forward.”

The session reaffirmed the critical role of collaborative policy, infrastructure modernization, and capacity building in positioning India as a world-class logistics hub. The discussions set a strategic tone for the industry’s evolving role in national development, with RailTrans Expo 2025 serving as a key milestone in that journey.