We look forward to establish complete multimodal transport and connectivity solutions.

Nikhil Agarwal
President, CJ Darcl Logistics

What is your view on the Union Budget 2023-24?
This is the first Budget of Amrit Kaal, and we believe that this is a budget aimed at fostering growth. We are sure that the huge rise in capital expenditure by 33% will have an incremental effect on the overall growth of the economy. Infrastructure sector is the backbone of any economy, and the government has been pushing for the sector's growth for its multiplier effect and linkage effects in terms of job creation.
Infrastructure and development are among the seven priorities of the Budget 2023. The newly announced one hundred critical transport infrastructure projects will help the country to ensure energy and food security as these are critical for India as it targets to become the third largest economy in the world in the next 6-8 years. The government has also decided to inject Rs 2.40 lakh crore in the railways in order to derive a positive outcome on environment sustainability. As Budget 2023 focuses on promoting coastal shipping, it will play a critical role in the economy's competitiveness, expansion, and long-term sustainability, which is an under-tapped sector now. Also, the announcement of 100 labs for developing applications using 5G services will bring in changes across the transport sector, including increasingly smart and efficient logistics and improved urban transportation with the implementation of Mobility as a Service (MaaS) platforms. The Budget 2023 has demonstrated a good balance between today's needs and the future's demand.
CJ Darcl believes that the outcome of such new projects will enhance the multimodal connectivity and create a robust structure for the supply chain management.

How far will the Budget help in pushing the further growth of your business segment? Implementation of the Budget proposals is key. What are your views in this direction?
The Budget has the potential to significantly boost the growth of the logistics business segment, if provided proposals are effectively implemented. The allocation of funds towards the development of infrastructure and multimodal connectivity, as well as the emphasis on promoting digitalization and sustainability, are positive steps towards achieving this goal. The allocation of funds towards improving infrastructure, such as the PM GatiShakti project, Sagarmala project, and Bharatmala project, will help in developing better connectivity between modes of transportation and reduce transportation costs.
Additionally, the government's push towards digitization and paperless documentation can improve efficiency and reduce the time required for logistical operations, which can positively impact the logistics business segment. The introduction of the National Logistics Policy and the creation of a dedicated logistics department are also welcome steps that can boost this sector. Overall, the Budget presents a promising outlook for the growth of the logistics sector, and it is important that the proposals are carried out effectively to realize their full potential.

As general elections nearing, what kind of push in project execution are you expecting this year?
The Indian government has already announced several infrastructure projects, and it is likely that there will be an even greater push in this area as the election approaches. One of the most significant initiatives is the National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP), which is a plan to invest Rs. 111 lakh crore ($1.5 trillion) in infrastructure projects over the next five years. This includes bulk projects such as roads, railways, ports, airports, and urban infrastructure.
In addition to the NIP, the government is also likely to focus on logistics to improve multimodal transportation which will alternately supply chain efficiency. This could include connectivity between ports, airports, and hinterland regions. Overall, the Indian government is likely to prioritize infrastructure and logistics projects in the run-up to the 2024 elections, with a focus on improving connectivity, reducing bottlenecks, and enhancing efficiency across various sectors of the economy.
On the initiatives, the Indian government is also likely to continue its push towards renewable energy and sustainability. The government has set an ambitious target in achieving 450 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030, which includes solar, wind, and other forms of clean energy. To achieve this goal, the government is likely to announce more initiatives and incentives to promote renewable energy and sustainability. This could include policies to encourage electric vehicles, promote green building practices, and increase the use of clean energy in the industrial sector. These efforts will not only support India's long-term sustainability goals but also create new job opportunities and contribute to economic growth. CJ Darcl emerged as the first and the largest forwarder to handle and clear solar imports in the country.

How are you planning your investment and expansion plans in the year 2023-24? What kind of growth are you expecting in the year 2023-24? What is your outlook on 2023-24?
CJ Darcl Logistics is continuously expanding its new verticals such as Air Cargo, Warehousing & Distribution, Railways, Coastal and Surface Express. The company is dedicated to improving and innovating their transportation methods to become a leading comprehensive logistics service provider by 2027. The recent addition of the vertical, surface express, to its services is helping in achieving the goal of last-mile deliveries.
The company uses advanced technology such as barcode tagging and monitoring shipments and explored faster delivery routes using multimodal transportation, includes a trial run from Kolkata Port via Bangladesh to connect north-eastern states, reducing the distance by 1,200 km. CJ Darcl Logistics operates in break-bulk movement between India and Bangladesh through barges and uses multi-dimensional containers to carry various cargo types, including long products like pipes and bars. It also uses specialized containers to carry different cargo types as per the clients' requirements and have integrated automated material handling machines to improve efficiency and cost-effectiveness in their warehousing operations. The company is committed to providing customer-centric solutions, promoting carbon neutrality, enhancing productivity, and reducing damage and overheads.
We look forward to establish complete multimodal transport and connectivity solutions in the coming years, which will ensure the company to provide cost-effective solutions and timely deliveries.

Hits: 0