The traditional, waterlogged methods of transportation are increasingly giving way to multimodal solutions as companies seek greater flexibility and resilience in their supply chains. Multimodal logistics integrates different modes of transport under a unified framework, enabling businesses to optimize costs, reduce transport times and improve overall efficiency.
“Multimodal logistics is no longer a luxury; it is a necessity in today’s interconnected world,” said Chaitaly Mehta, Director of EKF Logistics. “The ability to seamlessly switch between transport modes not only reduces costs, but also enables businesses to quickly adapt 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 optimizing routes and utilizing energy-efficient transport methods such as rail and sea, businesses can significantly cut their carbon footprint.
Vaibhav Vohra, Managing Director of Continental Carriers, highlighted the sustainability benefits: “The combination of transport modes allows us to achieve a balance between efficiency and environmental responsibility.
“For example, 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 sustainability.”
Backbone of multimodal success
The strength of multimodal logistics depends on technological integration, which provides visibility and control over the supply chain. Tools such as real-time tracking, predictive analytics and digital freight platforms enable businesses to seamlessly monitor shipments across different transportation methods.
Rohan Dixit, Director of Business Development at Clearship Group, underlined 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 help optimize routes and schedules. These advances are critical to maintaining supply chain agility in a volatile market.
Industrial applications
For sectors such as construction and heavy engineering, which require the transport of large, complex shipments, multimodal solutions offer unparalleled benefits.
Dharmendra Gangrade, head of logistics management center at Larsen & Toubro, spoke about the challenges and solutions for such specialized logistics needs: “For large-scale projects, multimodal logistics ensures that critical components arrive at their destinations on time and intact.
“For example, by combining road and sea transport, we can navigate infrastructure challenges and optimize costs. This approach was crucial in meeting tight project deadlines without compromising quality.”
The pharmaceutical and chemical industries also make use of multimodal logistics to meet their unique requirements for accuracy and compliance.
Mitesh Gangar, VP & Head of Specialty Business and Supply Chain at Aarti Industries, commented: “In industries like ours, where precision and timeliness are paramount, multimodal logistics enables us to tailor solutions to match with regulatory standards and customer expectations. The integration of air and road transport, for example, ensures that temperature-sensitive shipments are handled with care while meeting strict timelines.”
Improving connectivity across regions
Regional connectivity and trade corridors play a crucial role in the success of multimodal logistics.
Wael Mattar, Senior Manager Cargo at Gulf Air, emphasized the Middle East’s strategic importance as a logistics: “The Middle East serves as a natural bridge between East and West. By integrating air freight with sea and road networks, we improve connectivity and enable 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 many advantages, multimodal logistics is not without its challenges. Fragmented infrastructure, regulatory hurdles and a lack of standardization across regions can hinder seamless operations.
Dr Ghanshyam Singh, Head of Purchasing and Supply Chain at Cosmo Films, emphasized the need for collaboration between logistics domains and indicated that: “To fully unlock the potential of multimodal logistics, stakeholders across the supply chain need to work together to standardize processes and data Investments in infrastructure and policy alignment are also critical to ensure that multimodal solutions can scale effectively.”
Vision for the future
As global supply chains continue to evolve, multimodal logistics will play an increasingly important role in enabling businesses to thrive.
By integrating multiple modes of transportation, embracing digital technologies and prioritizing 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. By adopting this approach, we can revolutionize the way global supply chains operate.”
