In a candid interview with Rajesh Rajgor, Pyare Khan, Managing Director of Ashmi Road Carriers Pvt. Ltd. (ARCPL), discusses the company’s remarkable growth to a ₹1,000 crore turnover. From executing massive logistics projects for industry giants to expanding into toll operations and cryogenic tanker transport, ARCPL is set on an ambitious path. Khan reflects on his bold 2017 vision, emphasizing his commitment to innovation, resilience, and nation-building, while advocating for entrepreneurial opportunities for all, regardless of caste or background, in India’s growing economy.
Ashmi Road Carriers Pvt. Ltd. (ARCPL), under the leadership of Pyare Khan, has become one of India’s most formidable logistics companies. Its steady rise and ambitious goals have not only reshaped the logistics sector but also played a pivotal role in driving the country’s infrastructure projects forward. Today, ARCPL operates a fleet of over 500 trucks and accesses more than 3,000 market trucks, making it a key player in projects for companies like JSW Steel, ABB, RPG Group to name a few. Khan’s leadership and vision have guided the company to handle logistics for staggering assignments, including nearly 35,000 tonnes of material for JSW Steel.
“We’ve gained immense experience in material handling, particularly in executing what many would consider challenging projects. We’ve consistently walked the path less traveled,” said Pyare Khan, Managing Director of ARCPL. This experience has fueled the company’s rapid growth and cemented its position as a trusted partner in large-scale infrastructure initiatives.
A Road to Growth and Innovation
ARCPL’s growth trajectory has been nothing short of impressive. The company has surpassed ₹1,000 crore in turnover, and Khan’s plans for the future are equally ambitious. The company is expanding its footprint into toll operations, targeting projects like the Samruddhi Mahamarg and Mumbai’s Bandra Worli Sea Link (officially known as the Rajiv Gandhi Sea Link), which are poised to add significantly to its toll business revenue. Currently, ARCPL’s toll business brings in ₹540 crore from 55 toll plazas, including 28 managed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).
In 2017, Pyare Khan wrote a bold ₹1,000 crore turnover goal on a whiteboard, a target many thoughts were far-fetched as the Turnover FY 2016-2017 was 64.85 Cr. Yet, for Khan, it was a clear vision of ARCPL’s potential. Today, that milestone has been achieved, showcasing the power of determination, strategic risk-taking, and innovation. “People thought it was unrealistic, but I always believed in our company’s potential,” Khan reflected, highlighting how a simple note became a symbol of ARCPL’s relentless pursuit of success.
Khan’s innovative approach is a key driver of this success. ARCPL has embraced cutting-edge technologies such as AI-based traffic management systems, which optimize the flow of vehicles and reduce congestion. Additionally, the company has integrated customized GST APIs into its toll operations, making the process of toll remittance smoother and more efficient.
“We’re always looking for ways to optimize our operations through technology,” Khan shared. “What might seem illogical or overly complex to others is something we’re willing to tackle head-on. My team has the expertise to execute complex roles, and that’s one of our greatest strengths.”
The company’s willingness to explore unconventional methods has made ARCPL an architect in the logistics sector. From utilizing hydraulic axles to move over-dimensional cargo (ODC) to deploying a fleet of specialized equipment, ARCPL has become synonymous with reliability and efficiency in sectors such as steel and energy.
Overcoming Challenges and Scaling Boundaries
Khan and ARCPL are no strangers to overcoming obstacles. Their experience stretches beyond India’s borders, having managed difficult logistics projects in Bhutan, where the company faced a unique set of challenges. “The work in Bhutan was tough,” recalled Khan. “We were dealing with hydraulic axles and faced tensions in the area that temporarily halted the project. Even the roads and bridges weren’t ready, but we collaborated with local authorities, built necessary infrastructure, and deployed local manpower to finish the project on time. We transported a total load of nearly 600 tonnes using 240 hydraulic axles, divided into 6 pieces, each weighing around 110 tonnes.”
This adaptability and problem-solving mentality have defined ARCPL’s approach to business. Whether navigating geopolitical issues or overcoming infrastructure limitations, ARCPL has demonstrated an ability to consistently deliver results on time, no matter the circumstances.
ARCPL’s Role in Nation Building
Beyond logistics, ARCPL has a strong commitment to nation-building, particularly through its contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic. As the country faced an acute shortage of medical oxygen, Pyare Khan and his team stepped in. The company initially had only one oxygen tanker but soon ramped up its fleet to 25 tankers. These tankers played a crucial role in transporting life-saving oxygen to hospitals across India.
“Helping during the pandemic was not just an obligation for us; it was a responsibility we took seriously,” Khan said. His efforts during the crisis garnered widespread recognition, as ARCPL worked closely with the government to ensure oxygen reached hospitals in time. This experience has positioned the company to explore the transportation of cryogenic tankers for LNG and hydrogen in the future, as part of its growing role in India’s energy sector.
Khan’s entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to serving the nation have been instrumental in his success. His leadership during the pandemic has only strengthened his resolve to contribute to India’s growth in the coming years.
Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, ARCPL has set an ambitious target of achieving ₹10,000 crore in turnover by 2030. This growth will be driven by further expansion into toll business operations, road transport, and construction projects. The company’s foray into the transport of cryogenic tankers for LNG and hydrogen is also a key part of its future plans.
“We see immense potential in India’s growing energy sector,” Khan remarked. “With our experience in handling oxygen tankers during the pandemic, we’re well-positioned to explore the transportation of LNG and hydrogen in the near future.”
ARCPL’s plans are grounded in its innovative use of technology and a solid commitment to operational excellence. Khan’s leadership has ensured that the company remains at the forefront of the logistics sector, leveraging both AI and advanced hardware like camera-based tracking systems to manage traffic flow and optimize transport operations. The company’s expertise in moving complex cargo, such as over-dimensional consignments, will continue to be a key differentiator.
But Khan’s vision for the future goes beyond business growth. He remains a strong advocate for encouraging greater participation from the Muslim community in entrepreneurship. “There’s a false narrative about bias, but this government has been very supportive of entrepreneurs,” Khan emphasized. “The opportunities are there for everyone. We just need to seize them.”
By advocating for inclusivity and dispelling misconceptions, Khan hopes to inspire a new generation of entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds to take part in India’s growth story. His belief in India’s future is unwavering, and he views entrepreneurship as a key driver of the country’s progress.
With Pyare Khan at the helm, ARCPL continues to scale new heights, combining innovation, resilience, and a forward-thinking approach that is reshaping India’s logistics and toll management sectors. From handling complex transportation projects to playing a crucial role in the pandemic, ARCPL’s journey is a testament to what can be achieved through vision, determination, and a commitment to nation-building.
As the company looks toward its ambitious goals for 2030, ARCPL is set to remain a pioneer in India’s logistics industry, leading with a blend of technological innovation and a passion for contributing to the country’s infrastructure development. For Pyare Khan, the road ahead is filled with opportunities, and his belief in turning challenges into possibilities ensures that ARCPL’s story of success is far from over.