Hyderabad,  Nov 21: “India’s logistics sector is entering a high-growth decade, powered by the National Logistics Policy, PM GatiShakti, and unprecedented investments in multimodal infrastructure. But this transformation can only be sustained if we build a workforce that is as modern and future-ready as the systems we are creating,” said Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Hon’ble Minister of State (I/C), Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and Ministry of Education, Government of India.

He made the remarks while inaugurating the Centre of Logistics Training for Excellence (COLTE) at the National Skill Training Institute (NSTI) Hyderabad — a major step forward in advancing technology-driven skilling for India’s rapidly evolving logistics ecosystem.

The centre has been established by the Redington Foundation, the CSR arm of Redington Limited, in partnership with the Logistics Sector Skill Council (LSC). The Hyderabad centre builds on the strong foundation laid by the first Centre of Logistics Training for Excellence in Chennai, inaugurated in January 2024. Over the past year, the Chennai centre has emerged as a benchmark model for modern, industry-aligned logistics skilling, training unemployed youth and working professionals through advanced AR/VR modules, industry-grade simulators, and deep collaborations with academic and industry partners. Its measurable impact and scalability have paved the way for this strategic expansion to Hyderabad  one of India’s most dynamic logistics hubs.

Shri Jayant Chaudhary highlighted the importance of future-focused skilling in the sector, stating,
“Centres like COLTE Hyderabad show what the next generation of logistics skilling must look like  technology-led, industry-designed, and sharply aligned to real operational needs. As automation, digital supply chains, and new mobility models reshape the sector, skilled professionals will become the backbone of India’s competitiveness. Our commitment is to equip lakhs of young Indians with the capabilities that will drive efficiency, resilience, and global leadership in India’s logistics economy.”

The new Hyderabad centre offers significantly upgraded capabilities, including simulation labs for truck driving, warehouse operations, and forklift management. With a curriculum co-developed by LSC and industry experts, the centre integrates Industry 4.0 principles and emerging supply chain technologies to deliver job-ready, future-oriented competencies. It is expected to substantially enhance the employability of Telangana’s youth while strengthening the region’s talent pipeline for logistics and supply chain operations.

R. Venkatesh, Global Chief Sustainability Officer, Redington Ltd., emphasized the transformational impact of the initiative, saying,
“The Chennai centre demonstrated how technology-enabled learning can transform the employability of India’s logistics workforce. High engagement, strong industry alignment, and improved job readiness reaffirmed our belief in scaling this model nationwide. With COLTE Hyderabad, we are deepening that commitment by bringing world-class simulators, digital learning tools, and industry-relevant training to the city. Our goal is to build a future-ready talent pool that can meet the demands of a fast-evolving, technology-led logistics sector and contribute meaningfully to India’s economic progress.”

The establishment of COLTE Hyderabad further strengthens MSDE’s commitment to building a modern national skilling architecture for logistics and supply chain management. The Ministry’s focus on creating sector-specific Centres of Excellence demonstrates its vision to enhance industry capabilities, boost employability, and support India’s journey toward becoming a globally competitive workforce across sectors.