Broekman Logistics Insights How does India enhance logistics efficiency through technology?

How does India enhance logistics efficiency through technology?

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India’s digital transformation in logistics isn’t happening in isolation; it is part of the Maritime India Vision 2030, which lays out a blueprint not just for physical infrastructure, but for a technology-first approach to port-led development and across multimodal transport strategies. From smart port systems and digitised customs to integration of multimodal transport solutions and predictive cargo routing, the goal is clear: create a logistics ecosystem that is faster, leaner, and globally competitive. We discuss this with Martijn Tasma, Director International Freight Forwarding at Broekman Logistics.

How does India’s digital shift influence multimodal logistics strategies?

Connecting the Dots: enhancing logistics efficiency through technology

“It’s encouraging to see digital systems not just improving one link in the chain, but helping the whole chain talk to each other,” says Martijn Tasma, Director of International Freight Forwarding at Broekman Logistics. “What’s powerful is the direction India is taking, bringing ports and shipment of goods into a digital environment.”

This shift goes beyond ports. Air freight and road transport are also being reshaped by India’s digital leap. e-AWBs (electronic air waybills), airport cargo community systems (like those at Delhi and Mumbai), and temperature-monitored facilities are streamlining air cargo flows, especially for time-sensitive goods. On the road, FASTag-based tolling and GPS fleet tracking are making trucking more transparent and reliable.

Inland Container Depot Broekman Logistics India

How important is digital consistency across modes sea, air, and road?

“It’s essential,” Martijn says. “A container might land at a smart port, but if trucking and air legs are disconnected or offline, you lose the advantage. We see real progress now in connecting these dots, and that’s where the real impact comes in.”

Where do freight forwarders add value in a digital port environment?

“A smart port is only truly smart if it communicates with the rest of the supply chain,” Martijn explains. “That’s where we, international freight forwarders, come in; making sure what’s happening digitally in India syncs with what’s happening in Europe, or vice versa, where our partners are based, and where decisions are being made. We do not just act as cargo movers, but as connectors between systems, geographies, and regulations.”

For cross-border freight forwarding operations, the opportunity lies in tying India’s rapidly advancing digital systems into transport and warehouse management platforms (TMS/WMS), efficient customs clearance, and real-time visibility tools (including our own web-portal) used across international networks. In doing so, we act as a bridge between India’s digital ambition and the operational reality of global trade.

This digital synchronisation across transport modes sets the stage for another vital piece of the puzzle; customs. As the gateway between domestic infrastructure and international flow, its modernisation is key to unlocking the full value of India’s logistics transformation.

Below we will explore how India’s customs landscape is adapting to this transformation, and why local expertise still makes all the difference.

Customs Clearance in India: when local expertise meets digital innovation

The importance of digital consistency across modes of transport

India’s customs clearance process has historically been viewed as more complex and time-consuming than in other global hubs, leading to higher turnaround times and slower cargo movement. However, digital transformation is changing that narrative. Customs operations have embraced new platforms to streamline documentation, with shipping bills and cargo manifests now submitted electronically, often enabling clearance before goods even arrive at port.

When connected to integrated systems, this enables pre-lodgement of documents, real-time customs status updates, and smoother handoffs to terminals and inland transport. Still, challenges remain. “You can have the right platforms, but if you don’t know how things work in practice, what a specific port expects or where manual intervention might still be needed, you lose time,” says Martijn.

This is where local expertise becomes essential. With our customs teams in both India and Europe, aligned across systems, time zones, and regulations, the customs process becomes more streamlined and proactive. “It’s not just about ticking digital boxes,” Martijn adds. “It’s about ensuring shipments are cleared on time, every time.”

So, what does this mean for international logistics and supply chains?

India’s digital transformation is no longer simply a local upgrade. It is a fundamental reimagining of how global supply chains connect, operate and communicate.

With over two decades of experience in India, Broekman Logistics combines local customs knowledge and system-driven operations to align India’s digital advancements with international freight needs. It is not just about understanding how these platforms function — it is about making them work together across borders and time zones.

We will continue this series by looking into how digitalisation is reshaping transhipment strategies in Southern India, and what that means for building supply chains that are ready for tomorrow.

Join us! We are hosting the NICCT Netherlands India Business Meet on 3rd July 2025.

Event

Rotterdam becomes the port of call for bold ideas and strategic partnerships. We are proud to host the NICCT Netherlands India Business Meet—where maritime ambition meets logistics innovation.

Join us for an interactive afternoon of table discussions on:

Trade flows between the #Netherlands and #India in a shifting geopolitical landscape
International freight forwarding and ocean-driven opportunities
Smart ports, green maritime tech, and resilient supply chains

Where? Broekman Logistics HQ, Rotterdam
When? Thursday afternoon, 3 July 2025