Noida: The stage was set for a celebration of vision, resilience, and innovation at the Leaders of Road Transport Awards Season 2 which took place on August 9, 2024, at the iconic Imperial Hotel in Janpath. This prestigious event, organized by TV9 Network in collaboration with Continental Tires, has become the pivotal gathering for leaders in the transport sector, where the spotlight shines on extraordinary achievers and industry milestones that are shaping the future of road transport in India.
The ceremony brought together a distinguished audience, including top industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators. Their collective insights channelled into three pivotal panel discussions, each addressing a key aspect of the sector’s evolution, which included topics such as, ‘Laggards to Leaders: India Gears Up for Logistics Glory’, and ‘Steering to Profitability with Road Safety’.
“I extend my heartfelt congratulations to TV9 Network for spearheading this commendable initiative and for allowing me the privilege to honour the heroes of road safety. While we are committed to advancing road and infrastructure development, the importance of road safety cannot be overstated. With India accounting for over 10% of global road accidents, this is a pressing issue. Leaders in the road and transport sector must prioritize safety and leverage cutting-edge technology to drive meaningful progress in this critical area,” said Mr. Harsh Malhotra, Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways, and the Chief Guest on the occasion.
“The road transport industry literally drives the wheels of our economy, yet the contributions of its stakeholders—whether it’s the transporters who are successful entrepreneurs and business leaders or the drivers who tirelessly navigate our roads—remain largely uncelebrated. I have always believed that these highway heroes deserve acknowledgment, and their stories need to be told. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with this industry, meeting many of India’s transport trailblazers. It’s heartening to witness the overwhelming response to the second edition of the Leaders of Road Transport Awards,” said Raktim Das, Chief Growth Officer, TV9 Network.
Speaking on the occasion, Samir Gupta, Head of Central Region – BA Tires APAC, Managing Director – Continental Tires India, emphasized the importance of road safety and the role that innovation plays in achieving it. He remarked, “Continental is dedicated to promoting road safety and better efficiencies. Our commitment extends beyond just developing products but as a solution provider; we actively engage in dialogues both globally and within India to advocate for safer road conditions along with efficiencies. Platforms like the Leaders of Road Transport Awards 2024 play an essential role in this mission, as they bring together key stakeholders to facilitate meaningful conversations and drive impactful actions that enhance road safety for everyone.”
At the Leaders of Road Transport Awards 2024, a stellar lineup of achievers was recognized for their exceptional contributions to the transport and logistics sector. Among the honourees, Jasveer Singh of Instant Transport Solution Pvt Ltd / XP India and Minal Mehta of Mile trade were celebrated as Young Business Leaders, embodying the new wave of innovation driving the industry forward. Chirag Katira of Shree Nasik Goods Transport Co Pvt Ltd also received accolades in this category, underscoring the future potential of logistics leadership in India.
In the Woman Entrepreneur of the Year category, the awards recognized trailblazers who have made significant strides in a traditionally male-dominated industry. Sakshi Singh of Santosh Gill Earth Movers Pvt Ltd, Reema Jogani of Reema Transport Pvt Ltd, Vijeta Suvarna of Rushabh Sealink and Logistic Private Limited, and Beena Girish Biyani of Mahesh Cargo Movers were celebrated for their groundbreaking contributions and leadership, which have driven transformative change within the sector.
The Business Person of the Year award was jointly presented to Anand Sankeshwar of VRL Logistics Limited and Mahendra Shah of V-Trans India Ltd, highlighting their impactful leadership in the industry. Additionally, the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Samman was awarded to Ashok Shah of V-Trans India Ltd for his enduring contributions to the field, while the late Shri Jai Kishan Sharma of Chetak Logistics was posthumously honoured, recognizing his lasting legacy in the transport sector.
This landmark event is backed by industry giants like AITWA and BOCI, cementing its role as a leader in road transport excellence. In the run up to the awards, TV9 Network hosted roundtables with sector leaders, fostering dialogues that will resonate well beyond the annual event.