Multimodal Logistics Driving India’s Supply Chain Transformation: Nikhil Agarwal, President, CJ Darcl Logistics
NEW DELHI: On the occasion of National Logistics Day, Mr. Nikhil Agarwal, President, CJ Darcl Logistics, highlighted the transformational role of multimodal logistics in reshaping India’s supply chain ecosystem. He emphasized that the country’s logistics landscape is witnessing a fundamental shift driven by stronger connectivity, faster cargo movement, digital integration, and resilient infrastructure.
According to him, India’s growing manufacturing base, rising consumption, and increasing demand for operational efficiency are accelerating the transition towards integrated logistics solutions. Government-led initiatives such as PM Gati Shakti, the National Logistics Policy (NLP), Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFCs), and the development of Multimodal Logistics Parks (MMLPs) are playing a pivotal role in connecting road, rail, ports, and airports into a unified logistics network.
He noted that these reforms are helping reduce transit times, optimize logistics costs, improve infrastructure planning, and promote seamless cargo movement across multiple modes of transport. The shift towards rail-based freight through dedicated freight corridors and multimodal cargo terminals is also strengthening capacity, easing congestion, and contributing to India’s sustainability objectives.
Mr. Agarwal further observed that multimodal logistics has evolved from being merely an operational advantage to becoming a strategic business imperative. The integration of road and rail transportation enables businesses to achieve greater efficiency, cost optimization, improved service reliability, and lower environmental impact, thereby enhancing their competitiveness in an increasingly complex supply chain environment.
Highlighting CJ Darcl Logistics’ commitment to multimodal transportation, he said the company continues to leverage technology-driven operations, an extensive pan-India network, and integrated road-rail solutions to deliver agile and future-ready supply chains for its customers.
Original Quote
“India’s supply chains are entering a new era, defined by connectivity, speed, and resilience. As manufacturing expands, consumption grows, and businesses seek greater efficiency, the way goods move across the country is undergoing a fundamental shift. At the center of this transformation is multimodal logistics.
Traditionally, freight movement in India operated in silos, with road, rail, ports, and airports functioning independently. Today, initiatives such as PM Gati Shakti, the National Logistics Policy, Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFCs), and the development of Multimodal Logistics Parks (MMLPs) are bringing these networks together to create a more integrated logistics ecosystem. The focus is clear: reduce transit times, lower logistics costs, and enable seamless movement of cargo across modes.
This transformation is already delivering results. The National Logistics Policy aims to bring India’s logistics costs closer to global benchmarks while improving efficiency through digital integration and coordinated infrastructure planning. At the same time, dedicated freight corridors and multimodal cargo terminals are accelerating the shift of freight from road to rail, enhancing capacity, reducing congestion, and supporting sustainability goals.
For businesses, multimodal logistics is no longer just an operational advantage, it is a strategic necessity. The ability to combine the flexibility of road transport with the efficiency and scale of rail enables faster deliveries, optimized costs, improved reliability, and reduced environmental impact. As supply chains become more complex, integrated transportation networks are becoming critical to maintaining competitiveness.
At CJ Darcl Logistics, we have long believed in the power of multimodal transportation. By leveraging the strengths of both road and rail, supported by technology-enabled operations and a strong pan-India network, we help customers build agile, efficient, and future-ready supply chains. Our focus is not simply on moving cargo, but on creating smarter logistics solutions that drive business growth.
On National Logistics Day, we celebrate the sector’s contribution to India’s economic progress and recognize the role of multimodal logistics in shaping the future of supply chains. As infrastructure, technology, and connectivity continue to converge, India is building a logistics ecosystem that is faster, more sustainable, and better equipped for the opportunities ahead.”
