CJ Darcl is revolutionising logistics for heavy equipment and construction materials through OEM alliances and a dedication to sustainability. This results in timely delivery and improved project timeframes.

What motivated CJ Darcl to employ rail transport to move excavators, and how does it benefit the construction industry?
Our attempts to improve the sustainability of our transportation model prompted us to switch to rail for excavators. Rail transport allows for the safe handling of heavy gear, economic savings, and fewer carbon emissions than road transport. We used specialised rail rakes to transport 34 excavators from Tamil Nadu to Haryana, leveraging the Indian railway network. The excavators were from Volvo CE, Komatsu India Private Limited and Gainwell Commosales Private Limited. This was the first time a logistics company aggregated machines from multiple OEMs and transported them via rail transportation. Using these specialised rail rakes, we were able to ensure faster delivery while optimising costs. This aids the construction sector by shortening schedules, decreasing downtime, and achieving sustainability goals.

Can you share upcoming green logistics initiatives for the construction and mining sectors?
Sustainability is a key focus for CJ Darcl as we seek to revolutionise logistics in the construction and mining industries. We focus on decreasing the carbon footprint and provide our clients with sustainability-as-a-service, which includes measuring carbon emissions from various modes of transport and identifying alternative ways to minimise them. We also encourage our clients in the construction and mining sectors to use multimodal transport, leveraging the Indian railway network, to reduce carbon footprints on the road. Furthermore, we are piloting electric vehicles (EV) for intracity transportation and exploring the use of LNG and hydrogen- powered trucks. These efforts aim to reduce carbon footprints and to empower our partners to contribute to greener, more sustainable projects.

How will the lightweight stainless-steel containers developed with Jindal Stainless improve logistics for construction materials?
Using these custom-made stainless steel containers implies a major increase in efficiency. These containers resulted in a weight reduction of approximately 500 kilogrammes per container, increasing cargo capacity, improving fuel efficiency, and lowering total operational costs. Their durability allows for safer handling of construction materials such as cement and aggregates. Furthermore, because they are recyclable, they promote sustainability while providing clients with long-term cost savings.

How have your partnerships with OEMs enhanced your logistics services for construction? 
We have obtained significant insights into the transportation demands of top equipment manufacturers, such as handling heavy machinery, construction materials, and specialised equipment. This has allowed us to create specific solutions such as rubber-pipe coverings for iron lashing chains to ensure scratch-free delivery, specialised transportation equipment to transport over-dimensional goods and safety pre-alerts to prevent hazards caused by over-heightened cargo. Furthermore, our technologically advanced solutions, such as real-time tracking, offer transparency and dependability, allowing OEMs to focus on their core business while we handle seamless transportation.

How do digitisation and data analytics improve sustainability and efficiency in construction logistics?
Digitalisation and data analytics are transforming the logistics business to maximise its potential. We optimised our operations using the Transport Management System (TMS) and Warehouse Management System (WMS). These systems allow us to optimise our routes and provide real-time tracking of consignments, which improves operational transparency.

Furthermore, our fleet has AI-enabled dashcams installed to assure fleet and driver safety, minimising on-road incidents and boosting the overall supply chain through fewer disruptions. These technology improvements greatly benefit the construction industry by ensuring on-time delivery, reducing fuel costs, and improving overall project timeframes.

What key challenges and opportunities do you foresee for the logistics industry in 2025 and beyond, and how is CJ Darcl preparing for them?
The logistics industry is poised for transformation in the future years, driven by policy support, technological advancements, and increased collaboration between public and private stakeholders. With the continuous rise of e-commerce and changing consumer expectations, the sector is experiencing a surge in demand for faster and more reliable deliveries. To get through this, we’re investing heavily in AI, IoT, and multimodal transport solutions to make logistics smarter, more efficient, and greener. We predict a greater emphasis on adopting sustainable solutions in the logistics industry and developments in robotics and automation to increase efficiency in the dynamic market.

For more information, visit: https://cjdarcl.com/