Vadodara : A landmark event titled "Gati Shakti - Unlocking Global Opportunities and Connecting Vadodara to the World" was held at the Hyatt Place in Vadodara, Gujarat on August 25, 2023. The event, organized by the Exim Club, brought together eminent personalities and experts from the logistics and transportation industry to discuss and explore opportunities for Vadodara to emerge as a significant logistics hub.

The event was marked by the presence of distinguished speakers, thought leaders, and industry stalwarts, who shared their insights and knowledge on various aspects of logistics and supply chain management. Among the key speakers were:

1. Shri Sanjiv Garg IRTS CMILT, Managing Director, Pipavav Railway Corporation Ltd & Secretary General, The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport - India, who served as the Knowledge Partner and Guest Speaker.

• Smt. Richa Sharma, Professor of Logistics & Supply Chain Management at IRITM, Luknow, who also contributed as a Guest Speaker.

• Shri Gaurav Bansal IRTS, Professor of Commercial Management at the National Academy of Indian Railways, Vadodara, added his expertise as a Guest Speaker.

• Shri Amol Biniwale, Managing Director of Perennials and Sutherland LLC, who served as a Guest Speaker.

• Professor Manoj Choudhary CMILT, Vice Chancellor of Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya, Vadodara, delivered the keynote address.

• Shri N Sivasailam IAS FCILT, Former Special Secretary Logistics, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, and National Chairman of The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport - India, graced the event as the Guest of Honor.

• Shri Chhatrasal Singh IRTS CMILT, Additional Member Traffic, Railway Board, Ministry of Railways, Government of India, was the Chief Guest, albeit with a brief flight delay.

The event began with a traditional Ganesh Vandana and a welcome address by Mr. Rajan Nair, President of the Exim Club. Special invitees and sponsors were duly recognized before the commencement of the presentations.

Highlights of the event included addresses on various topics such as "Developing Vadodara Region as a Logistics Hub - Leveraging Dedicated Freight Corridor and  Gati-Shakti," "Leveraging the Integrated Logistics and National Logistics Policy to Enhance Vadodara's Logistics Capabilities," and "Potential of Multi-Modal Logistic Parks in Facilitating Effective Supply Chain and Seamless Trade."

Throughout the event, speakers emphasized the importance of logistics and connectivity in facilitating trade, boosting economic growth, and attracting global investors to Vadodara.

The event also featured presentations by organizations such as Pipavav Rail Corporation, R R Kabel, and insightful discussions on subjects like the railway perspective on Gati Shakti Multi-Modal Cargo Terminal and the logistics of the cement industry.

The program concluded with the presentation of mementos to all the distinguished guests and sponsors, followed by a vote of thanks by Shri Sanjay Mankad. The national anthem marked the end of this enlightening and productive event.

The "Gati Shakti" event served as a platform for industry leaders, policymakers, and academicians to collaborate and work towards realizing Vadodara's potential as a thriving logistics hub in India, leveraging the advancements in transportation infrastructure and logistics policies.