Chaitanya Projects Consultancy is developing the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for two signature bridges that will transform connectivity in the Chilika Lake region under the Bharatmala Project. These bridges will provide seamless and sustainable connectivity between Satapada and Janhikuda, addressing long-standing transportation challenges and driving economic and community development in Odisha. Chilika Lake, renowned as the largest coastal lagoon in India, has long grappled with unreliable transportation, impacting both local communities and tourism. The proposed bridges will seamlessly integrate modern infrastructure with ecological preservation, ensuring reliable year-round access while respecting the natural beauty of Chilika. “We are honored to contribute to a project of such transformative potential,” said Sanjay Kumar Sinha, Founder and Managing Director of Chaitanya Projects Consultancy. “The DPR for these signature bridges will pave the way for sustainable progress, connecting communities, unlocking economic opportunities, and boosting tourism. This initiative reflects our commitment to delivering impactful infrastructure that harmonizes with its surroundings and empowers generations to come.” Designed with eco-friendly and disaster-resilient solutions, the project emphasizes sustainability at every stage. Beyond improving connectivity, the bridges will create economic opportunities, stimulate tourism, and uplift livelihoods, aligning Chilika with Odisha’s broader economic vision. Chaitanya Projects Consultancy’s expertise in innovative and sustainable infrastructure solutions ensures that this project will not only meet immediate needs but also preserve the region’s ecological significance for the future.

The Indian government and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed a $350 million policy-based loan under the second sub-programme of the Strengthening Multimodal and Integrated Logistics Ecosystem (SMILE) programme. This agreement represents a pivotal step towards revolutionising India’s logistics sector. This initiative, in collaboration with the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA) under the Ministry of Finance, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and ADB, seeks to position India as a global leader in efficient, resilient, and sustainable logistics systems.

China Airlines has announced plans to order four 777-8 freighters with deliveries expected from 2029 for global operations. The new generation freighters will be used for long-haul cargo routes to North America and Europe. The 777-8Fs will join the current fleet of 777F. China Airlines said in a statement, “The next-generation 777-8F freighter has the same cargo hold specifications as the 777F fleet and will offer more operational and dispatching flexibility. Increased range and payload will provide synergistic benefits to the mixed fleet and enhance the cargo capacity of China Airlines.” According to China Airlines’ website, as of October 31, the airline had 17 freighters in its fleet, including nine Boeing 777Fs and eight Boeing 747-400Fs.

TIACA has signed a joint declaration supporting the launch of the ‘Aviation 4 All industry’ declaration developed by the International Aviation Forum (IAF). The declaration was developed by the IAF to set out clear goals to achieve sustainable growth and prosperity within the industry. So far over more than 40 organisations have signed up. The declaration sets out several goals for the aviation industry, including: delivering on environmental commitments to provide a “net zero” industry; enhancing the workplace to establish an inclusive and diverse working environment; increasing connectivity to enhance global accessibility; working with governments to enhance safety and security; and integrating throughout the value chain to provide an improved customer and shipper experience, adopting seamless technology-based solutions. It also aims to develop a customer-centric culture; improve operational performance; deliver financial efficiencies; and enhance the overall positive impact that commercial aviation has on society. “We are thrilled to be invited to support initiatives such as the Aviation 4 All vision as it confirms the value the global aviation community sees in what TIACA is doing to support the air cargo industry and the declaration’s contents are fully aligned to what we see as being vital for the sustainable growth and development of our industry,” said Glyn Hughes, director general.

  The Federation of Freight Forwarders’ Associations in India (FFFAI) has been awarded the ‘Eurasian Transportation Excellence Award’ at the 33rd Plenary Meeting of the International Coordinating Council on Trans-Eurasian Transportation (CCTT).  The event focused on enhancing logistical cooperation and addressing challenges in the Eurasian transport network. Participants discussed measures such as multimodal logistical planning, border-crossing facilitation, financial and insurance solutions, and the critical role of digitalization in logistics. This recognition highlights FFFAI’s exceptional cooperation, partnership, and contribution to the development of CCTT and the International North-South Transport Corridor. The 33rd Plenary Meeting (CCTT was held in a hybrid format with the support of the Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations of India (FFFAI). The meeting was attended by more than 100 representatives of government establishments, railways, seaports, shipping, investment and transport and logistics companies – members and partners of CCTT – from 18 countries (Russia, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, R. Korea, UAE, Austria, Germany, Singapore, Thailand, Egypt, Belarus, Azerbaijan, China, Mongolia, Hungary, Czech Republic, Turkmenistan).

Quickship Global Express, a unit of the Inext Logistics Group has announced its ‘Dedicated Delivery Services’ for shipments between India and Canada, irrespective of weight and size. With this initiative, Quickship Global Express cements its position as the undisputed leader in the India-Canada and Canada-India logistics corridor, offering unparalleled speed, reliability, and customer-centric solutions. “The India-Canada trade lane is booming, and businesses on both ends need fast, efficient, and hassle-free logistics to thrive,” said Amar Khurana, CMD of Quickship Global Express and writer of Amazon’s best-seller Selling Beyond Borders. “Our new 24×7 services promise to redefine cross-border shipping with speed, transparency, and innovation,” he added. Quickship Global Express’s new initiative is designed to empower businesses, freight forwarders, and shippers, Online sellers, Amazon sellers looking to expand across the India-Canada trade lane. Whether you’re shipping textiles, jewellery, handicrafts, pharmaceuticals, Food items, medicines or heavy cargo, we have the solutions to fit your needs. Our goal is to simplify global trade and help businesses flourish across borders,” added Mr. Khurana. “By connecting India and Canada with unmatched efficiency, we are enabling businesses to think globally and act confidently.” Key Features Own offices, own Custom brokerage, own warehousing and own delivery capabilities in India and Canada 24×7 Delivery Network: Around-the-clock dedicated services for shipments from India to Canada and Canada to India. 30-Minute Quotation Guarantee: No waiting! Receive precise shipping quotes in under 30 minutes, empowering businesses to act swiftly. Comprehensive Solutions: Tailored logistics for all shipments – from e-commerce parcels to bulk cargo and high-value goods. Dual Market Leadership: Leveraging Quickship Global Express’s expertise as a market leader in India and Canada. Why Choose Quickship Global Express? Fastest Transit Times: Minimized delivery timelines …

Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya (GSV), Vadodara has signed MoU with the Indian Navy in New Delhi to enhance logistics-related education, research, and training for the Indian Navy. The agreement, signed by Vice Admiral Deepak Kapoor (Controller of Logistics, Indian Navy) and Prof. Manoj Choudhary (Vice-Chancellor, Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya), represents a major milestone in bolstering India Navy’s logistics capabilities and operational efficiency. The collaboration is set to strengthen the Indian Navy’s logistical framework by focusing on supply chain management, multimodal transportation, and sustainability in logistics. It also aligns with national development initiatives such as the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan 2021 and the National Logistics Policy 2022. The MoU facilitates the exchange of expertise and case studies in areas such as AI applications, predictive analytics, and blockchain technology to elevate logistics practices. A specified number of Indian Navy officers will also have the opportunity to pursue academic degrees at Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya (GSV), alongside management development programs designed exclusively for them.

Swiss WorldCargo has added its capacity to online booking portal WebCargo as part of efforts to expand its digital presence. Through the partnership, the airline’s bellyhold capacity will be available to book online by WebCargo’s forwarder users. The company added that the new partnership with WebCargo would enhance digital presence. The airline said its product portfolio will be bookable on WebCargo for selected markets in Europe, Asia and the Americas. This includes Swiss General Cargo and Swiss Pharma and Healthcare. These products can be paired with the Celsius Passive transportation solution for temperature-sensitive shipments and the X-Presso option for expedited transportation.  

Global air cargo demand showed no signs of slowing down in November as volumes recorded a 13th consecutive month of double-digit growth and load factors hit their highest level since April 2022, according to the latest market analysis by Xeneta. Demand rose +10% year-on-year in November, fuelled by the continued boom in e-commerce. This, coupled with only a marginal +2% growth in air cargo capacity, contributed to global air cargo spot rates (valid for one month) also reaching their highest level in nearly two years at USD 2.90 per kilo, a sixth consecutive month of double-digit year-on-year growth. The air cargo market’s strong monthly performance in 2024 had led to hopes of a ‘peak of all peaks’ in Q4 from some sectors of the market. Niall van de Wouw, Xeneta’s Chief Airfreight Officer, however, says the industry has done well to avoid it. “The peak of all peaks should not be a goal. It should be avoided because of the imbalance it creates between winners and losers. 2024 had all the ingredients to see crazy peak season rates but the fact we haven’t seen this situation develop is another sign of the maturity we previously referenced in the global air cargo market. What we witnessed in 2023 was a mess and a valuable lesson. In 2024, we are seeing those lessons put into practice,” he said.  

Amit Tandon, CEO & MD, Asia Shipping India says, “Currently, India’s airports handle 6.5 million tonnes of cargo annually, with plans to expand this capacity to 10 million tonnes by 2030. Modernisation initiatives by the Airports Authority of India include upgrading 150 smaller airports to enhance cargo handling capabilities through multimodal hubs, cold storage facilities, and digital integration. These measures aim to reduce logistics time and costs and establish India as a trusted global trade and transshipment hub. While advancements in air cargo and logistics infrastructure are promising, sustained investment in efficiency, capacity expansion, and technological integration remains essential to drive the sector’s growth and meet the demands of an increasingly dynamic market.