Afzal Malbarwala, Managing Director, Galaxy Freight said, “While Tier 1 and metro areas have historically seen the majority of air traffic, there has been a slight diversification over the past eight to nine years. The top six metro areas’ overall air traffic share in India has decreased from 69 per cent in FY 13 to 63 per cent in FY 21, with smaller airports taking up an increasing percentage of the total each year. Initiatives that have led to this are: growing number of smaller airports, initiative of the Indian Ministry of Civil Aviation to expand and modernise the nation’s aviation network, particularly in Tier 2+ cities, expansion of the Regional Connectivity Scheme – UDAN to 1,000 routes and 100 airports, government initiative to begin operations in 100 additional airports in the upcoming five years and creating an ecosystem that will support the expansion of Indian carriers by assisting them in growing their current fleets and creating a welcoming environment for cargo operations in India.”

Arun Chandra, Vice President – Aviation Business, BIAL aid, “Programs like UDAN have catalysed regional air connectivity, while state governments and private players are investing in regional infrastructure to support export potential directly from these production centres. BLR Airport is actively supporting this shift. As the primary gateway for South India, our  cargo terminals has been designed to create stronger linkages with regional markets across Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala. Our collaboration with express logistics players and integration with road feeder services enables time-bound cargo movement from smaller cities to global destinations via Bengaluru.”  

Balagopal Balachandran, National Head – Air freight, FEI Cargo said, “India has over 73 regional airports now handling some level of cargo operations, up from just a dozen five years ago. Krishi Udan 2.0 is operational at around 58 airports under this scheme has been launched to facilitate the air transportation of agricultural and perishable products from smaller cities, northeastern states, enhancing farmers’ access to larger markets and has helped to boost agri-export cargo movement by over 30 per cent year-on-year. UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik), while primarily focused on passenger connectivity, UDAN has connected (as of early 2024) 450+ routes, with more than 73 airports are now equipped with basic cargo infrastructure, promoting regional logistics. These efforts are crucial for decongesting major hubs and promoting balanced economic growth across the country. Airports like Indore has shown growth exceeding 20% CAGR over the last 3 years, Surat has emerged as a Diamond export Hub etc. Additionally, the government aims to develop 33 new cargo terminals by 2025 under the PM Gati Shakti plan, focusing on regional airfreight corridors linked to industrial clusters and agri zones. With the convergence of infrastructure upgrades, digital transformation, and growing global trade ties, India is well-positioned to become a dominant air freight gateway not just for Asia, but for the WORLD”          

Amit Tandon, CEO & Managing Director, Asia Shipping India said, “India has recognised the importance of expanding its domestic air cargo ecosystem beyond just the metro cities, and that is where Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities are starting to play a much bigger role. One of the most impactful initiatives has been the UDAN scheme, which focuses on improving regional air connectivity. Under this, many smaller airports have been upgraded to handle not just passenger traffic but also cargo—especially for sectors like agriculture, pharma, and e-commerce that need faster, more efficient logistics. More airports are being developed under this scheme as greenfield projects. A strong momentum is also seen through the Gati Shakti initiative and the National Logistics Policy, both of which prioritise developing multimodal logistics infrastructure in non-metro regions. These efforts are aimed at linking regional production hubs, like textile clusters, industrial parks and agri zones, to national and international markets via air. The increasing connectivity of the moffusil airports to the gateway airports also improves the efficiency of the export activity for the perishable products. What is promising is the growing investment in infrastructure like modern and well-equipped warehouses, temperature-controlled storage, digital cargo tracking, and bonded warehousing, at regional airports.  Private players are also stepping in, which is helping to accelerate the process. Furthermore, cities like Indore, Lucknow, Coimbatore, and Guwahati and other export centres are already emerging as cargo nodes, and this trend is only going to strengthen with the passage of time. It’s a big step forward for inclusive trade growth and building a truly nationwide logistics network.

Godrej Consumer Products Limited (GCPL) has inaugurated its first Vertical Storage Warehouse in Bhiwandi, Thane district, Maharashtra. Spread across 2.84 lakh sq. ft., the warehouse features over 3,200 pallet positions and a high-density G+6 vertical racking system, significantly maximizing storage efficiency while minimizing physical footprint. Serving as the mother hub for key regional markets—Maharashtra, Goa, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh—the facility is designed to enable agile, responsive logistics tailored to evolving business needs. Saurabh Jhawar, Head – Product Supply Organisation, India & SAARC, Godrej Consumer Products Ltd (GCPL), said, “The launch of our first vertical storage warehouse is a transformative step in our journey toward building a smart, agile, and future-ready supply chain. In just 18 months under Project Parivartan, we have upgraded a majority of our key logistics hubs to Grade A facilities. This new warehouse in Maharashtra stands as a beacon of our commitment to operational excellence, digital integration, and sustainable growth—allowing us to serve our consumers with enhanced speed, safety, and care.” In March 2025, GCPL launched its first integrated greenfield plant in Tamil Nadu—representing a transformational shift in manufacturing. This advanced facility, the company’s first fully integrated plant under one roof, will manufacture products from some of GCPL’s most popular brands, including Cinthol, Godrej No.1, Goodknight, Godrej aer, and Godrej Expert Hair Colour. With the addition of the Vertical Storage Warehouse, GCPL is further strengthening its national distribution network. This marks a strategic shift toward real-time, data-led decision-making and automated scheduling systems that will enhance supply chain agility and responsiveness. This development underscores GCPL’s unwavering belief in creating shared value and building resilient, innovation-driven infrastructure that aligns with its broader ambition—to lead with purpose and redefine excellence …

Brihanmumbai Custom Brokers Association (BCBA) and Vadhvan Port Project Limited (VPPL) jointly launched the first one month course under the Vadhvan Port Skilling Program on Custom Documentation. Unmesh Sharad Wagh, IRS, Chairman, JNPA and CMD, VPPL inaugurated the futuristic initiative in the presence of Rajeev Sinha, Advisor, JNPA and VPPL,  Sanjeev Harale, President, BCBA, Paresh Thakkar, Senior Vice President, BCBA, Dushyant Mulani, Chairman, FFFAI and Past President BCBA, and other senior officials from BCBA. The course, designed in collaboration with the Brihanmumbai Custom Brokers Association (BCBA), is set to equip participants with comprehensive knowledge of customs processes, documentation, and procedures vital for the functioning of ports. Unmesh Sharad Wagh, Chairman, JNPA, and CMD, VPPL, shared, “The launch of this course is a key step in enhancing the employability of our local youth, providing them with skills that are vital for the growth of Vadhvan Port and the broader maritime industry. We believe in moving beyond conversations to meaningful action that equips young people for tomorrow’s opportunities. This is just the beginning, and we are committed to expanding this program and many other programs across various sectors to further empower the community.” The Custom Documentation course is designed to equip candidates from Palghar and nearby areas of Vadhvan Port with foundational knowledge and practical skills required in the field of customs clearance and logistics. Spanning 4 weeks with 100 hours of training, the course is conducted in a classroom setting at the BCBA office in Nariman Point, Mumbai, and includes hands-on practical inputs. The curriculum covers key areas such as import-export procedures, customs documentation, clearance processes, and compliance requirements, offering participants a real-world understanding of port and logistics operations. The Vadhvan …

Sateshwar Tuteja, Director – Sales at Jeena & Company shares his viewpoint on the 90 days pause on US trade tariffs, he said, “The imposition of U S tariffs across the globe has been a major concern for all the manufacturers, and traders. The recent developments have only caused chaos and uncertainty leading to impact on overall trade. The announcement of 90-days suspension is seen as a positive outlook for leveraging the maximum export opportunity. This temporary pause has offered a narrow but vital window for the global manufacturers to breathe and strategize for the next phase of their business journey. All sectors are rushing to export goods in bulk to the U.S, which has in turn created an extensive demand for logistics and operations. We might witness an initial double-digit spike in freight rates as exporters are rushing to book consignments. In the international market, the freight rates rose 3% to $2265 per 40 containers last week, according to Dewry’s World Container Index. This surge in export volumes has added a layer of burden on the logistics industry that is witnessing capacity constraints, shortage of storage (effective warehouses and temperature-sensitive zones), and influence on trade patterns. To ensure seamless deliveries and shipments, supply-chain structures must be analysed in order to mitigate disruptions, which are created by new tariffs. An assessment of current routing can be done to optimize existing pressures of tariffs. Both the logistics players and manufacturers should collaborate to plan mid-term strategies and prepare accordingly to get maximum gains from this opportunity. This 90-day window presents a valuable opportunity to assess the performance of our regular vendors, evaluate their ability to exceed key performance indicators (KPIs), refine …

DP World announced the launch of the Bharat Africa Setu. This initiative is being developed under the guidance of the Government of India’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry and Ministry of External Affairs. This platform will provide Indian businesses access to robust warehousing, trade finance, and distribution networks—fuelling south-south cooperation and inclusive growth. It will connect India and Africa through sea and air connectivity between ports, economic zones and logistics parks operated by DP World in both geographies. The Bharat Africa Setu will provide Indian exporters with access to 53 African countries where DP World already has a strong logistics footprint, connecting to 260,000 points of sale.  His Excellency Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of DP World unveiled the ‘Bharat Africa Setu’ initiative in the presence of Shri Piyush Goyal, Honourable Minister of Commerce and Industry, Government of India and other dignitaries at the Dubai-India Business Forum in Mumbai. Africa imports approximately USD 430 billion worth of goods from various countries, presenting a significant market for global exporters. Currently, India exports USD 28 billion worth of goods to Africa, accounting for 6.5% of Africa’s total imports. This offers a significant opportunity for India’s export economy to grow its share to 12% by 2030. The Bharat Africa Setu will combine efficient physical infrastructure with value added services – thus creating a holistic trade ecosystem. It will enable Indian manufacturers to display new and upcoming product concepts. It will further ensure ease of access to trade support services such as export finance, marketing & branding, packaging, logistics, testing & certification services and reduce cash flow constraints. Additionally, it will also facilitate ease in compliance with regulatory processes, …

  Emirates SkyCargo and Teleport, exclusive cargo partner of AirAsia, have signed MoU to create a preferred partnership that will support global trade and e-commerce flows. Badr Abbas, Emirates SkyCargo’s divisional senior vice president and Pete Chareonwongsak, chief executive of Teleport sign the MoU at ongoing IATA WCS. Through interline options and block space agreements, the partnership between Emirates SkyCargo and Teleport aims to support the burgeoning trade between Southeast Asia and the rest of the world via Dubai, the UAE-based carrier said, describing Southeast Asia and the wider Asian continent as “the backbone of global manufacturing” – particularly for electronics, smart gadgets, fashion and textiles, machines, automobiles and pharmaceuticals.

Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) and Brihanmumbai Custom Brokers Association (BCBA) have collaborated on boosting skilling and jointly launched training programmes for the youth of Palghar district with the intention that they will be trained, skilled and ready to work in the upcoming Vadhavan Port, and with the customs brokers, freight forwarders and other stakeholders.The inaugural session was conducted on Wednesday. The training program will be of  around 4 weeks where the prospective students will be taught and after evaluation offered a jobs in respective fields. A curriculum has been thoughtfully created by the BCBA Skills and Development Committee for them. The teaching will be theoretical as well as practical. The endeavour is that end of the training, the students will be evaluated and then given internships in various customs brokers companies and then when Vadhavan Port is ready, there is ready pool of skilled professionals available to be employed immediately. BCBA has created a curriculum which whilst being easy to understand for the students will be easy to grasp and then implement. Government of India has announced development of Vadhavan port in Maharashtra. The Vadhavan Port is being developed by Vadhavan Port Project Limited (VPPL), a joint venture between Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) and the Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB). JNPA holds 74% and MMB holds 26% of the shares in VPPL. This port in the coming years will not only create more businesses but also generate a lot of employment and change the region for the better. More growth, education, skilled workforce and prosperity. The port is expected to elevate India into the top 10 container ports globally by 2034, according to Union Shipping and Ports Minister Sarbananda …