Nitin Gadkari highlights role of AI in transforming India’s Logistics Sector
NEW DELHI : Union Minister Shri Nitin Gadkari has emphasized the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in revolutionizing India’s logistics sector. Addressing the ‘Revolutionizing Supply Chain with Artificial Intelligence’ conference organized by the Indian Institute of Materials Management, Gadkari outlined ambitious goals, including a 2% reduction in logistics costs within the next two years.
Gadkari stressed the importance of AI in enhancing efficiency across logistics, packaging, production, and the timely delivery of goods and services. “Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India is poised to become the third-largest economy globally, with AI playing a pivotal role in realizing the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat,” he stated.
AI is central to the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, as it empowers industries with advanced technologies that enable self-reliance. By leveraging AI for predictive analytics, real-time monitoring, and process optimization, Indian businesses are achieving operational efficiencies and reducing dependency on imports. AI-driven tools in logistics, for example, streamline freight movement, enhance inventory management, and boost overall productivity. This aligns with the government’s broader agenda of fostering innovation, supporting indigenous manufacturing, and building robust infrastructure.
He also underlined the significance of adopting appropriate technologies, ensuring their effective utilization, and extending their benefits to all sections of society. According to Gadkari, India’s youth will be instrumental in driving this AI-led transformation.
Highlighting the urgency of the matter, Gadkari called for industry stakeholders to prioritize robust distribution systems, effective packaging, and enhanced logistics capacities to remain competitive on a global scale. He further noted that AI is enabling industries to address global challenges, optimize production, and make data-driven decisions in supply chain management.
Additionally, Gadkari pointed out the environmental benefits of AI, which he said could significantly reduce the carbon footprint of the logistics sector.
Venkataraman, Director of the Indian Institute of Materials Management, Nagpur, echoed Gadkari’s views, emphasizing how AI can address multi-dimensional challenges in supply chain management. The two-day conference brought together experts in logistics, supply chain management, and AI to discuss sustainable supply chain development through AI-driven solutions.