In this exclusive interaction with MOTORINDIA, Vikas Juneja, Founder & Chairman, Varuna Group, shares insights on keeping the lifelines of the nation running, through a productive partnership with Tata Motors
With a current valuation of $150 billion, India’s logistics sector has been charting an upward growth, at a CAGR of 10.5%. After facing numerous challenges amidst the pandemic, the nation’s ‘lifeline’ industry has recorded significant recovery in the past year, embracing digital innovation and systematic solutions. The Indian Government’s Gati Shakti plan, outlined in the 2022 Union Budget session, is expected to further boost efficiency of this sector, with digital-first initiatives such as the Unified Logistics Interface Platform (ULIP) towards facilitating smooth movement of goods. Continued emphasis on infrastructural development, particularly the expansion of the National Highway network by 25,000 km in 2022-23, would further improve connectivity, last-mile delivery with faster turnaround time.
Amidst such promising developments, technology-driven integrated logistics service providers are spearheading the new normal of transportation. One such player in the Industry is the Varuna Group. With two mainstream services for logistics and warehousing respectively, the company has 25 years of sustained experience in the sector and specialises in dispensing operational excellence. Started its journey in 1996 from Bareilly with just two trucks, with a clientele comprising of prominent companies in the FMCG and tyre industry, it has consistently brought in technological adoptions and operational efficiency to its business, through setting up a warehouse and transport management system, among other technological advancements. Amidst the COVID-19 lockdown, it ramped up digitisation efforts and installed contactless services while pioneering digital load receipts, proof of delivery and setting up unique warehouse management systems.
Currently, the company with one of the largest fleets in India, comprising 1800+ cargo Trucks. With sizable Tata trucks, comprising both haulage and tractor trailers, commenting on the company’s relationship with Tata Motors, Vikas Juneja, Founder & Chairman, Varuna Group, said, “We have been associated with Tata Motors since a decade. The company’s products have consistently helped us function at superior operational efficiency. For a business like ours that strives to ensure maximum customer satisfaction, a reduced turnaround time (TAT) is absolutely essential. Tata Motors vehicles enable us to do this effectively.”
Commenting on the customised after-sales and services extended by Tata Motors, Juneja said, “While there are a host of reasons for our preference towards Tata Motors, the most important is the consistent after-sales customer support we receive at every juncture, and the ample availability of spares. Service offerings like Tata Alert provide us with prompt on-location assistance in the rare occasional breakdowns, schemes like Tata Prolife extend valuable after-market product support with reconditioned aggregates. The commitment towards customer service shown by their team is commendable.”
Juneja, emphasising on Varuna Group’s dedication towards hiring and training drivers, noted, “Our in-house Driver Cell takes care of driver hiring as well as induction, keeping in touch with drivers till they become part of the system. Our training centre conducts compulsory training for drivers, besides doing refresher trainings.” He added, “Tata Motors also remains engaged in conducting regular driver training sessions at our hub. These sessions have a remarkable impact, improving the skill levels of our drivers as well as the technicians involved in the maintenance of our trucks.” Besides these training programmes, drivers from the company have also shown a favourable response towards the host of offerings provided by Tata Motors.
“Our sustained engagement with Tata Motors has kept us bonded with the company,” said Juneja, “The responsiveness and commitment shown towards the customer is praiseworthy. In the logistics business, the whole ecosystem, including OEMs, must work with synergy ensuring a smooth, efficient delivery system. We believe our partnership with a trusted brand like Tata Motors will help us continue to deliver unmatched services to our customers for many years to come.”
The coming years will be decisive for the Indian logistics sector at large, amidst demand towards infrastructural development for better connectivity, and the steady adoption of advanced digital technologies. As this lifeline sector progresses towards a brighter future with sophisticated systems and networks, leading service providers like the Varuna Group would continue to play pivotal role in keeping the wheels of the industry running more effectively.
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“Tata Motors has always extended sustained focus in cultivating resilient relationships with customers, backing their business growth with our range of products and services. We have consistently brought forth competitive, best-in-class products that provide unmatched efficiency with minimum operation costs and have closely remained in conversation with our partners to provide prompt servicing. Our partnership with an industry leader like Varuna Group has provided us with a valuable opportunity to scale new heights, encouraging us to productively improve our offerings.
– V Seethapathi, Vice President, M&HCV Product Line, Tata Motors