India’s logistics landscape is undergoing a significant transformation, propelled by innovative players like Transport Corporation of India (TCI), which manages logistics equivalent to 2.5 percent of the nation’s GDP by cargo value. Under the stewardship of Rajkiran Kanagala, President and Chief Business Officer of TCI Group, the company is leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and digital platforms like ONDC and the National Logistics Digital Solutions (NLDSL) to optimise supply chain operations, improve efficiency, and enhance connectivity.
TCI’s philosophy is rooted in a multimodal logistics approach that combines road, rail, and coastal shipping to move goods more intelligently rather than merely increasing volume. In 2024 alone, TCI handled 150,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) through multimodal containers and executed over 2,500 full rake movements via rail multimodal solutions. This blending of transport modes not only streamlines processes but also supports sustainability goals by reducing emissions. For example, their coastal fleet, with six vessels totaling 78,000 deadweight tonnage (DWT), provides an efficient alternative to road transport, easing congestion and lowering carbon footprints.
Technology is integral to this transformation. AI facilitates dynamic route optimisation in real-time, while IoT provides end-to-end fleet visibility. Additionally, digital platforms such as ONDC and NLDSL connect TCI to India’s broader logistics ecosystem. As Chair of the Logistics and Supply Chain Tech Committee at the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI), Kanagala champions industry-wide digitalisation efforts including advocating for e-commerce export hubs via public-private partnerships, collaborating on workforce development programs with the Logistics Sector Skill Council, and engaging stakeholders to address operational challenges through policy influence.
Generative AI in particular is reshaping logistics by automating complex processes like invoicing, documentation, and asset management. This reduces inefficiencies, accelerates turnaround times, and cuts costs. The broader digital transformation roadmap can be seen in three phases: short-term (0-2 years) developments like crowdsourcing, same-day delivery, and logistics control towers; medium-term (2-5 years) scaling of shared warehouse and transport systems; and long-term (beyond 5 years) innovations such as autonomous trucks, advanced cross-border digital platforms, and circular economy integration.
TCI’s cargo portfolio mirrors India’s economic diversity, spanning over fifteen industry verticals including automotive, steel, energy, pharmaceuticals, e-commerce, and retail. This breadth is backed by a pan-India presence, more than 70 rail terminals, connectivity to eleven major ports, and a fleet exceeding 10,000 trucks. The company’s warehousing capacity surpasses 16 million square feet, focusing not only on storage but also seamless fulfilment processes that support the rise of omni-channel retail and quick commerce demands.
On the international front, Indian logistics companies are navigating a landscape shaped by high logistics costs but improved rankings on the Global Logistics Performance Index thanks to government policy support, infrastructure development, and evolving global trade paradigms. TCI is positioning itself by enhancing multimodal logistics capabilities and investing in AI-driven demand forecasting and blockchain for secure, transparent cross-border operations. The global logistics narrative is shifting to prioritise resilience, reliability, and quality alongside speed, a trend TCI embraces by fortifying its systems and partnerships.
Sustainability underpins all of TCI’s efforts, reflected in its collaboration with the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB) through the TCI-IIMB Supply Chain Sustainability Lab. This partnership pioneered the Transportation Emissions Measurement Tool (TEMT), India’s first ISO 14083-certified platform to accurately track emissions across multimodal networks. Additionally, TCI’s engagement with research centres like the Smart Freight Centre and IIT Madras bolsters its Zero Emission Trucking (ZET) initiative, deploying electric and hydrogen-powered long-haul trucks along designated highways and logistics clusters. These initiatives align closely with national climate goals such as India’s Hydrogen Mission and FAME-II (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles).
Driver safety is a key pillar of TCI’s operational ethos, exemplified by their award-winning “TCI Safe Safar” programme that employs AI-based driver monitoring, real-time alerts, and risk analysis to reduce accidents. This is complemented by a behaviour-change approach promoting awareness and discipline among drivers, particularly on high-risk routes. The company encourages smaller logistics operators to adopt cost-effective solutions like GPS monitoring and fatigue detection to enhance safety standards across the industry.
Preparing the next generation of logistics leaders involves equipping them with a safety-first mindset, digital proficiency, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) literacy, and a global outlook. TCI nurtures young talent through platforms such as Aspire and TEDx, integrating technology with purpose-driven innovation to foster a culture of sustainability and inclusiveness.
In addition to traditional transport modes, TCI is exploring growth in the air cargo sector, aiming to integrate air freight within its multimodal framework for faster, eco-friendly deliveries. The company’s investment in green logistics—ranging from electric vehicles to renewable energy usage—supports this sector’s evolution toward sustainability.
TCI’s comprehensive approach to logistics transformation—anchored in technological innovation, sustainability, and operational resilience—reflects the broader shifts occurring within India’s logistics industry. By focusing on smarter, greener, and digitally empowered supply chains, TCI exemplifies how Indian logistics firms can capitalise on domestic growth and emerging global opportunities while contributing meaningfully to climate and safety goals.
Source: Noah Wire Services
Subscribe to Industry Updates
