DTDC Express announces its expansion to Sri Lanka with the launch of its first store in Colombo, partnering with Parcel Lanka, as DTDC’s authorised franchisee in Sri Lanka. This opening represents a significant milestone in DTDC’s growth strategy for the South Asian market, following its established presence in India, Australia, the UAE, Canada, the US, Malaysia, and the UK. The new store will offer an extensive portfolio of services designed for its diverse audience, including domestic and international courier solutions, MSMEs & e-commerce logistics, and bulk shipping. As an established player in the Southeast Asian markets, DTDC will be launching its state-of-the-art logistics infrastructure along with technology-driven delivery solutions at the new hub in Colombo. In the future, the company will also explore advanced technology features, such as AI-powered tracking systems, automated parcel sorting, and self-service kiosks, to enhance the customer experience and streamline operations. Sri Lanka has emerged as a crucial global logistics hub, strategically connecting major trade routes in South Asia. The demand for efficient and cost-effective logistics solutions is rapidly increasing, fuelled by the growth of online shopping, the expansion of MSME exports, and the dynamic landscape of international trade. This presents a unique opportunity for businesses to capitalize on Sri Lanka’s advantageous position.

To digitally transform the trade and logistics sectors, the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) and Maqta Technologies Group, part of AD Ports Group, have partnered with Etihad Cargo to introduce new features to the Advanced Trade and Logistics Platform (ATLP). Developed and operated by Maqta Technologies Group, ATLP was inaugurated in May 2020 by His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council. The platform aims to unify trade and logistics services across Abu Dhabi, including air, land, sea, and industrial free zones.

Vipin Vohra, Chairman, Continental Carriers said, “Drones are set to revolutionise logistics by enabling faster, cost-effective, and eco-friendly last-mile deliveries. They can bypass traffic congestion, reduce delivery times, and reach remote or inaccessible areas with ease. In the coming years, advancements in AI, automation, and payload capacity will enhance their reliability, making them a game-changer for e-commerce, medical supplies, and urgent shipments.”

Sunil Kohli, MD, Rahat Cargo said, “Drones have a crucial role to achieve logistics efficiency considering its safety parameters. They enable real-time tracking and monitoring of shipments, ensuring timely and intact delivery. Drones help us by inspecting storage facilities and transportation fleets and to further uphold safety standards while handling regulatory compliance. They also conduct inspections in hazardous environments like mining sites, mitigating risks of accidents and fatalities. These are equipped with advanced censors and can detect environmental issues such as temperature and humidity, ensuring optimal storage conditions for goods. Drones have the potential to completely change the way that goods and services are delivered by giving the businesses ability to lower logistical costs, boost productivity, and provide customers with faster product delivery. This revolutionary innovation not only redefines operating standards but also holds out the possibility of a time when supply chains will function more responsibly than ever before and also meet the evolving demands of global commerce to address the challenging areas and deliver goods to locations that are difficult to access.”

  C K Govil, CMD, ActivAir Airfreight said, “Drones are set to revolutionise logistics and last-mile deliveries by enhancing speed, reducing costs and improving accessibility. They can bypass traffic, cut delivery times and reach remote areas efficiently. By minimising fuel consumption and labor costs, they offer a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to traditional methods. AI-driven automation will optimize routes, ensuring seamless operations. As regulations evolve, drones will play a crucial role in faster, eco-friendly and efficient deliveries, making supply chains more resilient and responsive in the coming years.

Kamal Jain, Director, Cargomen Logistics said, “Drone logistics offers a promising solution to enhance speed, but policymakers must exercise caution to mitigate potential security challenges. This innovative technology is particularly valuable in areas where traditional transportation is difficult or impossible, such as hilly regions, riverbanks, jungles, and remote areas. The integration of drone logistics can: – Create new employment opportunities – Provide faster delivery of medical aid and essential supplies – Enhance accessibility to hard-to-reach areas – Streamline delivery of defense equipment and supplies. However, it’s crucial to address concerns surrounding security, regulation, and infrastructure to ensure the safe and effective deployment of drone logistics.”

Ankit Gupta, Founder, Skye Air Mobility said, “The PMGS is changing logistics landscape by driving multimodal linkage and fostering infra development. For the drone industry, this initiative marks a pivotal step toward integrating advanced technologies such as drones into the core logistics network. Complemented by government initiatives such as the Drone Shakti programme and the PLI schemes, a thriving ecosystem for drone startups is taking shape. At Skye Air, we are aligned with these efforts and recognise how PMGS aligns with potential of drone technology. By enabling inter-modal infra and offering policy support, this plan is poised to accelerate the adoption of drones in logistics operations. The potential for drones in India’s logistics sector is vast and transformative. These cutting-edge technologies address longstanding challenges such as traffic congestion, limited connectivity in remote areas, and the high costs associated with last-mile deliveries. At Skye Air, we’ve witnessed how drones revolutionize supply chains by significantly reducing delivery times and offering a cost-effective, highly efficient alternative to traditional logistics models. As industries like e-commerce, healthcare, and agriculture continue to expand, drones are set to become a cornerstone of the logistics ecosystem. The growing demand for quick commerce and faster deliveries, especially in urban areas, further underscores the critical role drones can play in reshaping the future of logistics.”

Softlink Global successfully hosted LogiTHON at IIT Bombay, bringing together India’s brightest engineering minds to tackle critical challenges in the logistics industry. Organised by Softlink Academy with support from IEOR and IIT Bombay, the event received an overwhelming response, with over 1,500 students from more than 250 engineering colleges registering to participate. Addressing the participants, Amit Maheshwari, CEO of Softlink Global, reflected on his personal journey in logistics technology. He shared how he, as an engineer, accidentally entered the logistics industry, only to discover its vast potential for innovation and problem-solving. “Logistics is one of the most dynamic industries in the world. The problems are real, the impact is global, and the need for solutions is immediate. Those who embrace this challenge will define the future of logistics.” He further emphasised the growing role of AI, automation, and digital intelligence in logistics transformation: “Technology is not an option—it is the backbone of modern logistics. Seeing the solutions developed at LogiTHON, I am confident that the next generation of engineers is ready to lead this transformation.”

          Dubai-based cargo operator SolitAir Holding is looking to invest USD 25 million in the domestic market in the first year of operations, its founder and Chief Executive Officer Hamdi Osman has said. He also said that India is very critical for global trade and SolitAir places it at the top of its 50-city mission and vision that it is looking at in the long-term. The UAE’s only dedicated cargo-agnostic airline operating express daily scheduled services between Dubai and high-yield key trade routes across the Global South, started operations last year with a Boeing 737 freighter plans to connect and service 50 cities within a six-hour flight radius of the UAE through its air cargo network. “Based on cost and investment coming into India, we are talking anywhere between USD 20-25-million investment in the Indian market in the first year,” Osman told PTI. The company launched its freighter services to Bengaluru in January this year. He said that this investment could be doubled and tripled in the next 2-3 years as the company expands its network and increases the frequency of its services and that will be a big thing for the company.

Ecom Express has launched Pragati, an ambitious learning and development program designed to upskill delivery center Managers (DCMs) across its last-mile operations. This strategic program enables the company to create development plans, ensuring that both existing employees and new hires are equipped for success. Pragati aims to certify over 4,000 employees in logistics, supply chain management, and behavioural skills. The program uses a hybrid learning model with classroom sessions, virtual modules, and self-paced learning via E-Pathshaala, a comprehensive Learning Management System (LMS),creating scalable growth opportunities for the workforce. Pragati’s core framework assesses employees on performance and potential, enabling tailored career development plans. Through this framework, high-potential external talent is identified and prepared for leadership roles, while good performers within Ecom Express benefit from targeted upskilling programs to enhance their capabilities and drive business growth. A key pillar of this initiative is a strong focus on local hiring in over 3,500 locations, aimed at reducing relocation challenges and ensuring seamless integration of talent into local teams. With this comprehensive approach to talent acquisition and development, Pragati is committed to building last-mile managementthat is both skilled and strategically positioned for the future.