Multimodal and AI set to dominate project logistics

What does the future hold for India's booming construction sector? We uncover CJ Darcl's insights into key trends, forecasting a significant acceleration in multimodal solutions and a non-negotiable demand for technology-driven logistics, as the nation targets ambitious growth.

- Nikhil Agarwal President CJ Darcl Logistics Limited

How is CJ Darcl aligning its heavy-lift and project logistics with India's infrastructure push, like PM Gati Shakti?

Our project logistics and heavy-lift capabilities are strategically aligned with India's infrastructure growth, supporting national programs such as PM Gati Shakti, the National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP), and Bharatmala. Utilising our multimodal network—road, rail, and coastal—is the key to our strategy for ensuring the efficient and economical transportation of heavy and over-dimensional construction equipment.

Through multimodal routing, we have completed activities like the rail rake transportation of 34 excavators from several OEMs from Chennai to Ballabgarh, reducing transit time and expense. With its hydraulic axles, low-bed, and extensible trailers, our specialised ODC/OWC fleet facilitates accurate route engineering and regulatory knowledge while guaranteeing smooth freight transportation to intricate building sites throughout India.

What are the primary challenges in optimising logistics costs for construction equipment and materials, and what innovative solutions are you implementing?

Compared to regular freight, the cost of transporting overweight or over-dimensional cargo (ODC/OWC) is substantially higher. This is because of the need for a specialised fleet, statutory clearances, escort vehicles, and occasionally even temporary civil infrastructure like bridges or bypass ramps. If not handled skilfully, these complications might increase time and expense.