Meenakshi SR from the editorial team of SCM Spectrum had the privilege of interviewing Ms.
Pradnya Bafna, a trailblazing entrepreneur in the logistics and supply chain industry and the
winner of the SCM – Business Excellence Award 2025.
From stepping into the business under unforeseen circumstances to transforming challenges
into opportunities, she has redefined what it means to be a woman leader in a traditionally
male-dominated field. In this exclusive conversation, we explore her inspiring journey, the
strategies that fueled the growth of Siddhivinayak Transport, her innovative approach to
integrating technology, and her vision for empowering women in logistics.
What inspired you to get into logistics and supply chain, and how has your journey been so far?
Honestly, it wasn’t something I planned, it was more of a situational decision. I came from a
corporate background and had worked with companies like Bharti Airtel at a good level. After
getting married, I joined my husband’s logistics and transportation business, mostly handling
back-end operations. While I had a fair understanding of the business, I wasn’t actively involved in the front-end.
Then, life took an unexpected turn. I lost my husband in an accident. Suddenly, I had to take
over the business, and it was incredibly challenging. I knew the basics, but stepping into a
leadership role and running everything firsthand was a whole new experience.
At first, it was tough, but over time, what felt like an overwhelming challenge turned into an
incredible opportunity. Looking back, my journey has been nothing short of a roller coaster—full of highs, lows, and lessons I never imagined I’d learn. The exposure and growth I’ve experienced have been beyond anything I could have dreamed of. But through it all, I’m grateful and proud that I’ve been able to navigate the challenges and reach where I am today.
As a woman leader in a traditionally male-dominated industry, what challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?
Oh, absolutely! This industry is a male-dominated, I live in Marathwada, and while it’s a great
place, the mindset here is still quite traditional. One of the biggest challenges I faced was simply being accepted as an entrepreneur in this field.
People weren’t used to seeing a woman take charge in logistics, so there was hesitation, even
resistance, at first. But I never let that discourage me. I’ve always believed in persistence, and
that attitude, along with a bit of universal blessing, really helped me push through.
The learning curve was steep. Understanding the fleet, dealing with truck maintenance,
navigating RTO processes, and interacting with dealers and transporters. it was all new to me.
And when corporate clients realized they were dealing with a woman, some of them were
hesitant to even have conversations with me. It wasn’t easy, but I kept following up, proving that working with me wouldn’t be a challenge but actually an advantage. Over time, people saw my professionalism, and things started shifting in my favor. Today, I feel like I’ve earned my place in the industry. And I couldn’t have done it without an incredible support system—friends, family, and a few amazing people who always encouraged me. Their belief in me gave me the strength to keep going, and I’m grateful for that.
Siddhivinayak Transport has achieved remarkable success. What key strategies or innovations have driven this growth?
Absolutely! Staying in this business for the long period wasn’t easy. Honestly, even I hadn’t
imagined I’d be able to take it to this level. But looking back, a few key factors made all the
difference.
One of the biggest was people management—whether it was handling drivers, support staff, or
clients, building strong relationships and managing them well played a crucial role. Beyond that, I had to rethink some of the conventional processes in the system. I focused on cutting
unnecessary costs, improving profitability, and optimizing operations to make things more
efficient.
For instance, being in fleet operations means fuel costs are a major factor. So, I leveraged
digital solutions—using eToll facilities, fuel credit cards, and online apps that provide instant
access to vehicle documentation. Instead of manually digging through paperwork, everything
was available at my fingertips. Adapting to technology and being a little tech-savvy helped me
make these changes faster.
These innovations have significantly reduced expenses and streamlined operations, allowing
the business to grow in a sustainable way. It’s all about working smarter, not just harder!
Technology has just taken over the world, How do you integrate technology to enhance efficiency and customer satisfaction in your logistics operations?
Technology has completely transformed the way we operate! When I first took over the business, we didn’t have GPS tracking in place. Once a truck left for delivery, there was no way to know exactly where it was, how much time it spent at different stops, or even the fuel levels. Everything was a guessing game. Now, it’s a whole different story. With just a tap on my phone, I can track each vehicle in real time. I know exactly where my drivers are, how much idle time they have, and even the truck’s fuel efficiency.
This has massively improved turnaround time (TAT) and trip efficiency—I can now monitor fuel consumption and optimize it based on real data. Another game-changer has been eToll systems. Earlier, drivers would hand over toll receipts, and we had no way of verifying whether the toll was actually paid or not. Now, I get instant notifications whenever a toll is deducted, ensuring transparency and preventing unnecessary expenses.
Technology has truly bridged the gap and streamlined operations. I don’t have to constantly call drivers while they’re on the road, which not only improves efficiency but also ensures safety. And honestly, this just goes to show that transportation isn’t just a “man’s industry.” With the right tools and mindset, anyone can excel in logistics—women included!
Can you share any initiatives you’ve taken to empower women in the logistics and supply chain sector? How do you see this role transforming the industry?
Honestly, when I joined the business, I never once thought, “I’m a woman can I really handle this?” That doubt just never crossed my mind. And I think that mindset made all the difference. I truly believe that gender should never define what someone can or cannot do, especially in any industry.
If women can win accolades in wrestling, why should logistics or transportation be off-limits? It’s all about mindset and approach. I’ve always encouraged both men and women to break free from self doubt and not let industry stereotypes hold them back. For those who struggle with that inferiority complex, my message is simple—once you step into the field with confidence and determination, there’s no stopping you. As I’ve said before, if you have that steady zeal, anything is possible. And the more women who step up in logistics, the more we can reshape the industry for the better
