India’s evolving trade and industry landscape demands efficient logistics, and TCI has been consistently delivering solutions that support this momentum.

In a recent conversation on the podcast “The Brand Called You”, Mr. Vineet Agarwal, MD – TCI Group shared insights on TCI’s incredible journey, digital transformation, sustainability commitments and how we are helping shape the future of logistics in India and beyond.

From One Truck to Moving 2.5% of India’s GDP

TCI was founded in 1958 with just one truck and a single route between Kolkata and Mumbai. The journey wasn’t easy, the very first truck caught fire. But rather than giving up, TCI borrowed again to repay customers and restart operations, laying the foundation of our core value: customer-centricity and resilience.

Today, we move goods equivalent to 2.5% of India’s GDP by value, with operations across road, rail and sea. With a team of over 27,000 people (including 20,000+ outsourced professionals), we have evolved from a single-entity firm to a diversified logistics leader.

A Legacy of Innovation and Early Digital Transformation

Our digital journey didn’t start with AI or big data, it began way back in the 1970s, with IBM punch-card systems. That early mindset of technological adoption has shaped how we operate today.

In recent years, we established a Center of Excellence (CoE) focused solely on innovation and digital transformation. Some examples of how we are leveraging technology:

• AI-based Prediction: For long-haul shipments, our AI models adjust delivery estimates in real time using road, weather and traffic conditions.
• Gen AI for Internal Systems: From HR data to freight rates, retrieving information is now just a query away.
• Full-Stack Visibility: GPS tracking and digital dashboards allow customers and internal teams to make smarter, faster decisions.

Leading the Shift to Sustainable Logistics

TCI is committed to significantly reducing its environmental impact over the next decade, with focused initiatives across energy use, fleet operations and infrastructure.

• Multimodal Solutions: Shifting cargo from road to rail or sea reduces emissions and cost.
• Green Warehouses: Our facilities are being designed to be energy-efficient with solar power and green construction.
• Alternative Fuels: We are adopting EVs, LNG/CNG for medium hauls and are exploring hydrogen for long-distance transport.

Powering the E-commerce and Quick Commerce Boom

Home deliveries, quick commerce and e-commerce are redefining consumer behavior and TCI is enabling these trends at scale:

• We manage cold-chain and fulfillment centers for major grocery and food delivery startups.
• Our hub-and-spoke models ensure quick replenishment to dark stores across metros.
• This demand is driving innovative warehouse formats, optimized delivery routes and last-mile visibility.

Policy Alignment & Infrastructure: Building for the Future

TCI continues to contribute actively to various government committees and industry platforms, offering strategic input on logistics and infrastructure development.

Initiatives like ULIP (Unified Logistics Interface Platform) are great steps forward, allowing integration between customs, finance and transport data. Continued investment in multimodal infrastructure and digitization will be crucial to maintaining India’s growth trajectory.

India’s Role in the Global Supply Chain

Given the current tariffs policy related uncertainties and the impending FTAs being signed, India is increasingly becoming a part of global value chains, not just as a manufacturing base, but also as a large consumer market.

This opens immense potential for India to emerge as a global logistics hub and TCI is positioned at the forefront to contribute by

• Enabling efficient Exim trade
• Supporting multi-modal export strategies
• Aligning with global logistics standards and sustainability norms

Upskilling: Building India’s Logistics Talent Pool

Logistics is a people-first industry. At TCI, we are deeply committed to building talent at the grassroots level. In collaboration with NSDC, we run skilling programs for youth from rural areas, training them in warehouse management, freight handling, and IT systems.

We also run internal academies, ensuring that every TCI employee receives structured training every 15–18 months.

Backing the Startup Ecosystem

We believe the future of logistics will be co-created and startups are vital to that journey. Over the past decade, TCI has strategically invested in early-stage logistics tech startups, helping accelerate innovation across warehousing, delivery and transport tech.

These investments not only keep us agile but also enrich the entire ecosystem with fresh thinking and scalable solutions.

Conclusion

"India is on the path to becoming a global logistics hub. With the right mix of infrastructure, innovation, and talent, we are poised to lead the world in supply chain efficiency and sustainability."

At TCI, we’re not just moving cargo — we’re moving India forward.