Arun Kumar, President, AMTOI said, “While it’s important to recognise that each region has its unique strengths shaped by geography, history and economic evolution, drawing direct comparisons can often overlook context. India’s cargo and logistics market, despite being underappreciated historically, holds tremendous untapped potential. In recent years, the sector has gained much-needed visibility and attention from policymakers, with initiatives like the National Logistics Policy and PM Gati Shakti showing promise. However, to fully unlock India’s competitive advantage, far more needs to be done, from infrastructure enhancement and regulatory simplification to seamless multimodal integration and digitisation. In comparison, Southeast Asian nations offer strong competition. China has built one of the world’s most efficient logistics networks over the last two decades. City-states like Singapore and Hong Kong thrive on logistics as a core economic activity. Countries like Malaysia, Vietnam and Thailand have modelled themselves on their successful neighbours, creating efficient and export-oriented logistics systems.”  

Dilip Sahu, Director, EPS Worldwide Integrated Logistics said, “Next-generation cargo infrastructure requires a blend of regulatory reform, digital integration and public-private investment. Governments should streamline customs through ‘single window’ systems, harmonise trade documentation and mandate interoperable data standards to ensure seamless cargo visibility. Sustainability must be central, with incentives for zero-emission fleets, carbon accounting and green freight corridors supported by charging and refueling infrastructure. Public-private partnerships are critical for modernising ports, airports and inland hubs with automation, digital twins and AI-driven logistics planning, while also building multimodal freight corridors to reduce last-mile inefficiencies. National cargo data platforms, blockchain-enabled smart contracts and predictive analytics can enhance resilience and efficiency. Equally important are reskilling programs to prepare the workforce for automation and digital tools, alongside policy ‘sandboxes that enable testing of drones and autonomous vehicles. Ultimately, cargo modernisation depends on aligning private innovation with public policy to build sustainable, resilient and interconnected supply chains.

According to the latest report by KPMG, with continued policy support and innovation, India’s express logistics industry is well-positioned to become a global leader and is projected to grow to $18-22 billion by fiscal 2029-30 (FY30), creating 6.5-7.5 million jobs. To sustain this momentum, stakeholders must focus on five pillars: agility, efficiency, customer centricity, sustainability and a robust regulatory framework. The sector has emerged as a critical enabler of economic growth, digital commerce and employment generation. Valued at approximately $9 billion in FY25, the sector has witnessed a robust compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12-15 per cent since FY17, driven by the exponential rise in e-commerce, exports by micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and digital transformation. The express logistics market in India spans a wide range of services including cargo handling, multi-modal transportation, warehousing, last-mile delivery and customs clearance, making it a vital component of the country’s supply chain ecosystem, the report stated. The sector is a significant contributor to public revenue, with an estimated $1-1.5 billion in gods and services tax collections and $650 million in customs duties in FY24. It also supports 2.8-3 million jobs, both directly and indirectly, across urban and rural India.

Lufthansa Cargo and Shein have signed MoU to explore a range of initiatives to drive the adoption of sustainable solutions for airfreight. The initiative is aligned with the e-commerce platform’s commitment to addressing its carbon footprint from transportation. As part of this initiative, Lufthansa Cargo will provide high-quality ‘Proof of Sustainability’ certificates for the used SAF quantities. These certificates are based on externally verified standards and document emission reductions, compared to conventional jet fuel, in a traceable manner. SAF use and fleet efficiency measures and process quality form the basis of this collaboration. “Signing this memorandum with Shein represents Lufthansa Cargo´s commitment to implementing high-performance logistics solutions responsibly and with operational excellence. It demonstrates the importance of concrete measures and reliable implementation in the international air freight business. Together with all stakeholders within the supply chain, we are driving the development of more sustainable global supply chains in line with our purpose: Enabling Global Business,” said Lufthansa Cargo’s CEO Ashwin Bhat.

Schmitz Cargobull AG has announced a strategic investment in Sub Zero Insulation Technologies (SZIT) and plans to strengthen its presence in the rapidly growing Indian cold chain logistics market. Under the agreement, Schmitz Cargobull will acquire a 27.5 per cent equity stake in SZIT, with an option to increase its shareholding over the coming years. This partnership marks a significant milestone in Schmitz Cargobull’s global expansion strategy. “India’s cold chain sector is evolving rapidly and Sub Zero has demonstrated strong potential to lead this transformation. By combining Schmitz Cargobull’s engineering expertise with Sub Zero’s market reach, we aim to deliver high-quality, efficient transport solutions across India and beyond. This is not just about business growth; it’s about enabling infrastructure that can help reduce the 30–40 per cent of perishable produce lost annually due to inadequate cold-chain facilities – losses that also contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions” said Andreas Schmitz, CEO Schmitz Cargobull AG.

Allcargo Logistics has launched Grade A built-to-suit (BTS) warehousing facility for a Swedish player in the electrification business at Alur, Nelamangala near Bengaluru, Karnataka under Allcargo Supply Chain Private Limited (ASCPL). Spread over 1.5 Lakh sq. ft. the tech-enabled BTS facility will manage handling, storage and distribution of the company’s electrical components. The Alur warehouse will be the Swedish major’s largest in India and will serve as a consolidated distribution centre for its electrical component division. Its strategic location offers superior shipment connectivity, further enhancing operational efficiency. The warehouse is equipped with multi-tier shelving rack, heavy duty racking with product suitable elevation, on-floor storage location, maximising storage capacity. Reach truck, VRC, Spiral Conveyor, Double Deep Battery Operated Pallet Truck (BOPT) design, Customise Single Fork HPT ensure swift and smooth goods movement and handling. The Alur warehouse leverages SAP System and has deployed advanced scanning systems ensuring better functional efficiency. In addition, the facility complies with all the safety norms in terms of firefighting equipment, internal and external hydrant lines, internal sprinkler system, etc. The structure is energy efficient with natural light  

Welspun One Logistics Parks (WOLP) has announced the acquisition of 51 acres of land parcel in Hoskote and 56 acres of land in Devanahalli. With these acquisitions Welspun has further strengthened its presence in South India reflecting its confidence in the long-term fundamentals of the region. The two new projects mark a significant expansion of Welspun One’s pan-South India footprint, taking its regional land bank to 260+ acres across Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. This portfolio represents a development potential of 6 million+ sq. ft., supported by a committed investment of $250 million (INR 2,150 crore). The company’s strategy has focused on early entry into high-potential logistics corridors, long before they become mainstream, evident in its pioneering moves across North Chennai and Bengaluru’s Bagalur, and now Devanahalli and Hoskote. These acquisitions will enhance Welspun One’s warehousing capabilities, creating scalable hubs to serve diverse occupiers across multiple industries. In East Bengaluru’s Hoskote cluster, Welspun One has acquired 51 acres for its Proxima category park, a Grade-A warehousing facility built to serve 3PLs, FMCG, and retail players. The micro-market already hosts major occupiers like Amazon, Flipkart, and DHL, and is poised for exponential growth with the upcoming Satellite Town Ring Road (STRR) and Bengaluru-Chennai Expressway within close reach. With excellent connectivity to SH-95, NH-75, and proximity to Whitefield, KR Puram, Sarjapur, and Varthur, the site offers quick access to high-consumption zones in East Bengaluru. The Hoskote-Soukya cluster currently houses over 7 million sq. ft. of Grade-A warehousing stock, with an estimated shortfall of 1.6 million sq. ft. by FY26–27, indicating sustained occupier demand.

The upcoming CCUB event in Hyderabad on 18 and 19 September is set to bring together leading stakeholders from the logistics, supply chain and air cargo industries to deliberate on the future of temperature-controlled logistics in India. With demand for reliable cold chain infrastructure rising across sectors such as pharmaceuticals, perishables, food processing and e-commerce, the event will serve as a vital platform for industry leaders, technology providers, policy makers and logistics professionals to exchange insights, showcase innovations and explore new business opportunities. India, being one of the largest producers and exporters of perishable goods and a global hub for pharmaceutical manufacturing, requires robust cold chain systems to maintain product integrity, ensure compliance and meet international quality standards. Panel discussions, technical sessions and networking opportunities will cover critical topics such as sustainable cold chain models, integration of renewable energy, automation in warehousing and multimodal connectivity. The event will also provide insights into government initiatives and policy frameworks supporting cold chain development, with a focus on reducing logistics costs and enabling India’s vision of becoming a reliable global supply chain partner. By bringing together diverse voices from the cold chain ecosystem, the event will play a key role in shaping the roadmap for innovation-driven, efficient and sustainable cold chain solutions for India’s logistics and air cargo industry.  

Electric vehicles, technology, e-commerce will drive growth of the logistics industry and boost economic development of the country. We are developing sustainable MMLPs, e-highways, we are reducing cargo transit time, which will help reduce logistics cost. We are developing National highways, launching EVs it will automatically reduce cost. Automobile, aviation industries are also growing tremendously,” said Nitin Gadkari, Union Cabinet Minister for Road Transport and Highways, GoI while unveiling report titled, titled ‘Express Industry in India 2025: Powering India’s economy, connecting businesses and markets.’ He added, “We need to start electric cold chain trucks also. Electric vehicles are very cost effective.” The report commissioned by The Express Industry Council of India (EICI) and KPMG focused on the sector’s expansion from USD 3 bn in 2017 to USD 9 bn in FY 2025, recording a compound annual growth rate of 12-15 per cent. It projects that market will double to between USD 18 and 22 bn by FY 2030.

According to the latest report from WorldACD, volumes between Asia Pacific and the US showed signs of life in recent weeks, while from Europe, figures have weakened, potentially a sign of volumes rebalancing as a result of the US finalising more tariff arrangements. Figures from WorldACD show that chargeable weight between China and the US increased by 1 per cent in the week ending August 10 (week 32), following flat figures in week 31 and a 5 per cent increase in week 30. In addition, demand from China to the US increased by 5 per cent year on year in week 32 – the first increase compared with last year since mid-April. In contrast, export tonnage from Asia Pacific to Europe has now declined for four weeks in a row, led by declines from China, South Korea and Indonesia.