The traditional, siloed methods of transportation are increasingly giving way to multimodal solutions as businesses seek greater flexibility and resilience in their supply chains. Multimodal logistics integrates different transport modes under a unified framework, enabling businesses to optimise costs, reduce transit times, and enhance overall efficiency.
“Multimodal logistics is no longer a luxury; it is a necessity in today’s interconnected world,” Chaitaly Mehta, Director of EKF Logistics, said. “The ability to switch seamlessly between transport modes not only reduces costs but also allows businesses to adapt quickly to disruptions, whether caused by geopolitical events, weather conditions, or market fluctuations.”
Efficiency meets sustainability
Sustainability has become a critical priority for global supply chains, and multimodal logistics plays a key role in reducing the environmental impact of transportation. By optimising routes and leveraging energy-efficient transport modes like rail and sea, businesses can significantly cut their carbon footprint.
Vaibhav Vohra, Managing Director of Continental Carriers, highlighted the sustainability benefits: “Combining transport modes allows us to achieve a balance between efficiency and environmental responsibility.
“For instance, rail transport is more energy-efficient for bulk goods over long distances, while air freight is essential for time-sensitive shipments. The integration of these modes ensures that we can meet diverse customer needs without compromising on sustainability.”
Backbone of multimodal success
The strength of multimodal logistics hinges on technological integration, which provides visibility and control across the supply chain. Tools like real-time tracking, predictive analytics, and digital freight platforms are enabling businesses to monitor shipments seamlessly across different modes of transport.
Rohan Dixit, Director of Business Development at Clearship Group, underscored the importance of digitalisation: “Technology is the enabler that makes multimodal logistics efficient and reliable.
“Real-time tracking systems allow businesses to anticipate disruptions and make informed decisions, while predictive analytics helps optimise routes and schedules. These advancements are critical for maintaining supply chain agility in a volatile market.”
Industry applications
For sectors like construction and heavy engineering, which require the transport of large, complex shipments, multimodal solutions offer unparalleled advantages.
Dharmendra Gangrade, Head of Logistics Management Centre at Larsen & Toubro, spoke about the challenges and solutions for such specialised logistics needs: “For large-scale projects, multimodal logistics ensures that critical components arrive at their destinations on time and intact.
“By combining road and sea transport, for instance, we can navigate infrastructural challenges and optimise costs. This approach has been crucial for meeting tight project deadlines without compromising quality.”
The pharmaceutical and chemical industries are also leveraging multimodal logistics to meet their unique requirements for precision and compliance.
Mitesh Gangar, VP & Head of Specialties Business & Supply Chain at Aarti Industries, noted: “In industries like ours, where precision and timeliness are paramount, multimodal logistics allows us to customise solutions that align with regulatory standards and customer expectations. For example, integrating air and road transport ensures that temperature-sensitive shipments are handled with care while meeting stringent timelines.”
Enhancing connectivity across regions
Regional connectivity and trade corridors have a pivotal role to play in the success of multimodal logistics.
Wael Mattar, Senior Manager Cargo at Gulf Air, highlighted the Middle East’s strategic importance as a logistics: “The Middle East serves as a natural bridge between East and West. By integrating air cargo with sea and road networks, we are enhancing connectivity and enabling faster movement of goods across continents.
“Multimodal logistics is at the heart of this transformation, ensuring that businesses can access global markets with ease.”
Despite its numerous advantages, multimodal logistics is not without challenges. Fragmented infrastructure, regulatory hurdles, and a lack of standardisation across regions can hinder seamless operations.
Dr Ghanshyam Singh, Head of Purchase and Supply Chain at Cosmo Films, emphasised the need for collaboration amongst logistics domain and denoted that: “To fully unlock the potential of multimodal logistics, stakeholders across the supply chain must work together to standardise processes and share data. Investments in infrastructure and policy alignment are also critical for ensuring that multimodal solutions can scale effectively.”
Vision for the future
As global supply chains continue to evolve, multimodal logistics is set to play an increasingly vital role in enabling businesses to thrive.
By integrating multiple transport modes, embracing digital technologies, and prioritising sustainability, the industry can create a resilient and efficient logistics ecosystem.
As Mehta aptly concluded: “Multimodal logistics is not just about moving goods—it’s about creating a seamless and sustainable network that drives growth for businesses and economies alike. By embracing this approach, we can revolutionise the way global supply chains operate.”