We are navigating supply chain disruptions through automation and AI: CJ Darcl’s Nikhil Agarwal

In an era of rapid transformation in the logistics sector, the Gurugram-headquartered CJ Darcl Logistics states that it is leveraging technology, sustainability, and multimodal transport to stay ahead of the curve. As an end-to-end transport and logistics support provider, the company is expanding its warehousing and distribution footprint to meet the growing demands of the e-commerce and industrial sectors. In an interaction with ET Online, Nikhil Agarwal, President of CJ Darcl Logistics Ltd, talks about how the company is aligning with India’s evolving logistics landscape, driven by government initiatives like PM Gati Shakti and the National Logistics Policy (NLP), and more. Edited excerpts:


ET: With initiatives like PM Gati Shakti and the National Logistics Policy, the government has shown a strong commitment to advancing the logistics sector. What role have these policies played in the industry’s progress and CJ Darcl’s expansion?
Nikhil Agarwal: Their introductions have played a key role in boosting the growth of the logistics sector. With NLP’s focus on creating a single-window interface called Unified Logistics Interface Platform (ULIP) to bring all the digital services under one umbrella, it has led to better coordination and brought transparency between different ministries and logistics companies. Along with this, the Government of India also launched an ambitious effort towards a graphical interface, GI Cloud, also known as “Meghraj”, to accelerate delivery of e-services in the country and optimise government’s ICT spending.

As emphasised by PM Gati Shakti’s Master Plan, CJ Darcl is actively incorporating multimodal logistics by bringing together operations across road, rail, air, and coastal modes of transport. We are also integrating technology into most of our operations to fully leverage the benefits of these government initiatives. Overall, these initiatives are supporting the industry’s growth by improving connectivity, infrastructure, and efficiency and reducing the costs involved.


ET: How important is sustainability to CJ Darcl? Can you elaborate on your eco-friendly initiatives and how they fit into your long-term strategy?
Agarwal: We actively focus on sustainability as part of our company’s long-term vision for a sustainable industry. We are piloting the use of EVs (electric vehicles) in short-haul, intra-city movements to assess the challenges and opportunities involved in EV adoption. We also empower our clients to manage their carbon emissions by offering our automated platform that helps measure and reduce carbon emissions from product shipments.

As part of our decarbonisation strategy, we are shifting from BS (Bharat Stage) IV to BS VI vehicles and ensuring all the vehicles in our fleet are maintained under 10 years of age. Additionally, we are expanding our railway operations to reduce carbon emissions stemming from road transport. Recently, CJ Darcl successfully transported 34 excavators via specialised rail rakes, utilising the Indian Railway network to showcase the efficient use of multimodal logistics while being environmentally conscious.


ET: The logistics industry is rapidly evolving with new technology. How has CJ Darcl integrated advanced technology and fleet safety solutions to improve operational efficiency and safety standards?
Agarwal: We actively promote a ‘technology-first’ culture with the ambition of transforming the logistics industry into a smart, innovative sector. To effectively manage our logistics operations, we have adopted a transport management system (TMS) that offers visibility into the supply chain—from order booking to real-time shipment tracking. Moreover, the company has an ERP (enterprise resource planning) system that links all our branch offices across India to ensure that the operations are well monitored. We have also set up digital control towers that act as nerve centres for our logistics operations, providing centralised, real-time monitoring of all logistics operations.

To prioritise fleet safety, we maintain rigorous safety checks and quality assessments for all vehicles before each journey, in line with our ‘zero-accidents’ policy. Our fleet is embedded with IoT devices that provide real-time data on the location, temperature (for sensitive goods), fuel usage, and vehicle conditions. We have also deployed a driver fatigue monitoring system (DFMS) and smart dashcams that track the driver’s behaviour throughout the journey, reducing the risk of accidents and giving prior updates to the driver about any obstacle in the way ahead.


ET: Geopolitical pressures and shifting supply chain dynamics are transforming the logistics industry. How is CJ Darcl adapting to these challenges to support its customers in navigating these changes?
Agarwal: In our industry, predicting shifts is very important, whether they stem from natural disasters or geopolitical tensions. We use AI and predictive analytics to forecast demand in the supply chain, effectively preventing both overstock and stock shortages.

By leveraging advanced technologies, we have enhanced the visibility and efficiency of our operations, which enables us to proactively address potential issues, ensuring seamless deliveries.


ET: Infrastructure plays a critical role in logistics. Could you elaborate on CJ Darcl’s plans to expand its warehousing, transhipment hubs, and distribution networks?
Agarwal: We are continuously expanding our warehousing and distribution (W&D) network by investing in new facilities and strategic locations. To enhance our W&D infrastructure, we have recently taken over 1.25 lakh sq. ft of warehousing space in Bengaluru. With this move, we aim to optimise our logistics operations and strengthen our presence across the country.

We are also working towards integrating technologies like IoT and automation to optimise inventory management while minimising the chances of human error. This would support our broader service goals of delivering superior service quality and meet the evolving needs of our customers. Additionally, we are leveraging robotic process automation (RPA) in repetitive and time-consuming tasks to lower the workload of our employees.

ET: With the boom in e-commerce, last-mile delivery is more crucial than ever. How does CJ Darcl plan to navigate these trends?
Agarwal: The digitalisation of e-commerce has significantly influenced customer expectations, making fast and reliable deliveries a priority. To meet these demands, we are leveraging technology-driven solutions to streamline our operations and enhance last-mile delivery capabilities. With CJ Darcl’s robust pan-India network, supported by a fleet of over 800,000 vehicles, we ensure fast and reliable delivery from first to last-mile. With our ‘hub and spoke’ model and transhipment centres located across the country, we are able to reduce the delivery time and enhance our customers’ experience.

We also offer 3PL and freight forwarding services, providing our customers a stress-free solution to manage their entire supply chain from order picking to delivering it to its end users.


ET: In a competitive logistics landscape, what do you believe sets CJ Darcl apart in terms of service quality and innovation?
Agarwal: CJ Darcl distinguishes itself by being the early adopter of tech-driven solutions, complemented by a strong customer-centric approach. We offer comprehensive end-to-end logistics solutions tailored to meet the unique needs, such as over dimensional containers (ODCs) for clients across various sectors.

Our commitment to sustainability also sets us apart from our competitors. By maximising rail transportation, we are reducing road congestion, thereby minimising our carbon footprint and contributing to a greener future. We are also exploring alternative fuels, such as EVs for short-haul deliveries and CNG trucks for long-haul deliveries, to understand the challenges and opportunities involved within this segment.

We are authorised to book air cargo across all major airlines operating in India, offering seamless delivery across the country. The company’s investments in warehousing facilities at strategic locations and special multi-dimensional containers for various cargo types further contribute to our distinctive position in the market.