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We are working towards next-gen route optimisation

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Anuradha Parakala, Co-founder, Chief Strategy and Product Officer, Fleetronix Systems, discusses with Kanika Mathur how optimising cement logistics with smart data solutions helps drive efficiency.

AI-powered route optimisation, real-time tracking and predictive maintenance are some of the ways in which Fleetronix Systems is helping fleet operators cut fuel consumption and lower emissions. As a women-led enterprise, how Fleetronix is shaping the future of sustainable transportation with innovation and inclusivity, are some of the key highlights that Anuradha Parakala, Co-founder, Chief Strategy and Product Officer, speaks on in this interview.

How is Fleetronix leveraging data-driven technology to enhance sustainability and reduce the carbon footprint in
cement logistics?
Imagine a fleet of trucks that is moving cement every day. Some of the trucks are taking the longer routes, some are sitting idle with engines running and some are overloaded, burning extra fuel. What if you could see all this happening in real time and fix it before the resources are wasted? That’s exactly what Fleetronix does with data-driven logistics.

Our technology helps cement manufacturers with the following:

  • Optimise routes: Trucks take the most efficient paths, reducing fuel waste.
  • Monitor fuel consumption: We track every drop of fuel used, cutting unnecessary emissions.
  • Reduce idling: If a truck is idling for too long, our system alerts fleet managers instantly.

What role does Fleetronix Megatrack play in optimising fleet efficiency and promoting eco-friendly transportation?
Fleetronix Megatrack is at the heart of our green logistics strategy. Think of it as a smart assistant that watches over your trucks 24/7.

Here’s what it does:

  • Tells drivers how to save fuel. If they accelerate too fast or brake too hard, Megatrack gives real-time feedback.Finds the smartest routes. It avoids congestion and suggests fuel-efficient paths.
  • Alerts for unnecessary stops. If a truck is idling too long, it notifies managers to take action.
  • Provides eco-driving assistance and real-time feedback to drivers on acceleration, braking and speed control, encouraging fuel-efficient driving habits.

How can geofencing and real-time tracking help cement manufacturers implement greener supply chain practices?
Geofencing is like setting an invisible boundary around important locations – cement plants, warehouses and customer sites.
Why does this matter?

  • No unnecessary detours: Ensures trucks operate within designated green corridors, avoiding congested routes that increase fuel consumption.
  • Less waiting time: Cement plants can prepare for arrivals, reducing truck idling.
  • Eco-friendly scheduling: Helps cement plants manage shipments efficiently, reducing waiting times and preventing unnecessary engine idling.
  • Restricted zone compliance: Prevents unauthorised detours through environmentally sensitive areas, supporting eco-conscious operations.

What innovations has Fleetronix introduced to improve vehicle maintenance and regulatory compliance while supporting green logistics goals?
At Fleetronix, we are constantly looking ahead to the future of logistics, and we see a massive opportunity in using technology to make fleet management smarter and more sustainable. Right now, fleet maintenance is often reactive – issues are fixed after they cause downtime. But we envision a future where predictive maintenance becomes the norm. Our goal is to develop a system that identifies potential problems before they turn into costly breakdowns, ensuring trucks run efficiently and reducing unnecessary emissions.
Regulatory compliance is another challenge we want to simplify. Instead of fleet managers juggling paperwork and last-minute audits, we are working on automated compliance monitoring – a system that keeps track of emission norms, safety regulations, and maintenance schedules seamlessly.
As the industry moves towards hybrid and electric vehicles, we see Fleetronix playing a key role in optimising fleet transitions – from smart route planning that maximises battery efficiency to integrated tracking for EV charging. Our vision is clear: healthier trucks, lower emissions, and a logistics industry that’s not just efficient, but truly sustainable. And we are actively building the technology to make it happen.

How does Fleetronix’s approach to load optimisation help reduce waste, fuel usage and emissions?
If a truck carries too little, you need more trips. If it’s overloaded, it burns more fuel and wears out faster. Neither is good for business or the environment. Fleetronix uses AI-based load optimisation tools to:

  • Ensure each vehicle carries an optimal load, reducing the number of trips needed.
  • Avoids excessive fuel burn caused by improperly loaded trucks.
  • Minimise the environmental impact by ensuring every truck moves efficiently.

In short, smarter loading = greener logistics.

As a company founded by women entrepreneurs, how is Fleetronix driving innovation in sustainable logistics for cement?
When we started Fleetronix, we didn’t just want to run a logistics company – we wanted to change how logistics works. As women entrepreneurs, we bring a fresh perspective – one that’s tech-driven, sustainability-focused and people-first. We envision a world where cement transportation is smarter, cleaner and more sustainable. Our goal is to develop AI-powered systems that predict and prevent inefficiencies, cutting down emissions before they happen.

  • We are working towards next-gen route optimisation, where fleets automatically choose the most fuel-efficient paths, reducing waste and environmental impact.
  • We aim to integrate EV and hybrid trucks seamlessly into supply chains, making green logistics the industry standard, not the exception.
  • We are committed to making logistics more inclusive because innovation prospers when diverse perspectives come together.

Concrete

India Sets Up First Carbon Capture Testbeds for Cement Industry

Five CCU testbeds launched to decarbonise cement production

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The Department of Science and Technology (DST) recently unveiled a pioneering national initiative: five Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU) testbeds in the cement sector, forming a first-of-its-kind research and innovation cluster to combat industrial carbon emissions.
This is a significant step towards India’s Climate Action for fostering National Determined Contributions (NDCs) targets and to achieve net zero decarbonisation pathways for Industry Transition., towards the Government’s goal to achieve a carbon-neutral economy by 2070.
Carbon Capture Utilisation (CCU) holds significant importance in hard-to-abate sectors like Cement, Steel, Power, Oil &Natural Gas, Chemicals & Fertilizers in reducing emissions by capturing carbon dioxide from industrial processes and converting it to value add products such as synthetic fuels, Urea, Soda, Ash, chemicals, food grade CO2 or concrete aggregates. CCU provides a feasible pathway for these tough to decarbonise industries to lower their carbon footprint and move towards achieving Net Zero Goals while continuing their operations efficiently. DST has taken major strides in fostering R&D in the CCUS domain.
Concrete is vital for India’s economy and the Cement industry being one of the main hard-to-abate sectors, is committed to align with the national decarbonisation commitments. New technologies to decarbonise emission intensity of the cement sector would play a key role in achieving of national net zero targets.
Recognizing the critical need for decarbonising the Cement sector, the Energy and Sustainable Technology (CEST) Division of Department launched a unique call for mobilising Academia-Industry Consortia proposals for deployment of Carbon Capture Utilisation (CCU) in Cement Sector. This Special call envisaged to develop and deploy innovative CCU Test bed in Cement Sector with thrust on Developing CO2 capture + CO2 Utilisation integrated unit in an Industrial set up through an innovative Public Private Partnership (PPP) funding model.
As a unique initiative and one of its first kind in India, DST has approved setting up of five CCU testbeds for translational R&D, to be set up in Academia-Industry collaboration under this significant initiative of DST in PPP mode, engaging with premier research laboratories as knowledge partners and top Cement companies as the industry partner.
On the occasion of National Technology Day celebrations, on May 11, 2025 the 5 CCU Cement Test beds were announced and grants had been handed over to the Test bed teams by the Chief Guest, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology; Earth Sciences and Minister of State for PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr Jitendra Singh in the presence of Secretary DST Prof. Abhay Karandikar.
The five testbeds are not just academic experiments — they are collaborative industrial pilot projects bringing together India’s top research institutions and leading cement manufacturers under a unique Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. Each testbed addresses a different facet of CCU, from cutting-edge catalysis to vacuum-based gas separation.
The outcomes of this innovative initiative will not only showcase the pathways of decarbonisation towards Net zero goals through CCU route in cement sector, but should also be a critical confidence building measure for potential stakeholders to uptake the deployed CCU technology for further scale up and commercialisation.
It is envisioned that through continuous research and innovation under these test beds in developing innovative catalysts, materials, electrolyser technology, reactors, and electronics, the cost of Green Cement via the deployed CCU technology in Cement Sector may considerably be made more sustainable.
Secretary DBT Dr Rajesh Gokhale, Dr Ajai Choudhary, Co-Founder HCL, Dr. Rajesh Pathak, Secretary, TDB, Dr Anita Gupta Head CEST, DST and Dr Neelima Alam, Associate Head, DST were also present at the programme organized at Dr Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi.

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Concrete

JK Lakshmi Adopts EVs to Cut Emissions in Logistics

Electric vehicles deployed between JK Puram and Kalol units

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JK Lakshmi Cement, a key player in the Indian cement industry, has announced the deployment of electric vehicles (EVs) in its logistics operations. This move, made in partnership with SwitchLabs Automobiles, will see EVs transporting goods between the JK Puram Plant in Sirohi, Rajasthan, and the Kalol Grinding Unit in Gujarat.
The announcement follows a successful pilot project that showcased measurable reductions in carbon emissions while maintaining efficiency. Building on this, the company is scaling up EV integration to enhance sustainability across its supply chain.
“Sustainability is integral to our vision at JK Lakshmi Cement. Our collaboration with SwitchLabs Automobiles reflects our continued focus on driving innovation in our logistics operations while taking responsibility for our environmental footprint. This initiative positions us as a leader in transforming the cement sector’s logistics landscape,” said Arun Shukla, President & Director, JK Lakshmi Cement.
This deployment marks a significant step in aligning with India’s push for greener transport infrastructure. By embracing clean mobility, JK Lakshmi Cement is setting an example for the industry, demonstrating that environmental responsibility can go hand in hand with operational efficiency.
The company continues to embed sustainability into its operations as part of a broader goal to reduce its carbon footprint. This initiative adds to its vision of building a more sustainable and eco-friendly future.
JK Lakshmi Cement, part of the 135-year-old JK Organisation, began operations in 1982 and has grown to become a recognised name in Indian cement. With a presence across Northern, Western, and Eastern India, the company has a cement capacity of 16.5 MTPA, with a target to reach 30 MT by 2030. Its product range includes ready-mix concrete, gypsum plaster, wall putty, and autoclaved aerated fly ash blocks.

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Concrete

Holcim UK drives sustainable construction

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Holcim UK has released a report titled ‘Making Sustainable Construction a Reality,’ outlining its five-fold commitment to a greener future. The company aims to focus on decarbonisation, circular economy principles, smarter building methods, community engagement, and integrating nature. Based on a survey of 2,000 people, only 41 per cent felt urban spaces in the UK are sustainably built. A significant majority (82 per cent) advocated for more green spaces, 69 per cent called for government leadership in sustainability, and 54 per cent saw businesses as key players. Additionally, 80 per cent of respondents stressed the need for greater transparency from companies regarding their environmental practices.

Image source:holcim

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