AVPL International has announced a $12 million investment to support the country’s growing drone ecosystem within the next 24 months. The company has set up 31 Drone Aero-Vision Labs in India, onboarded 30 Remote Pilot Training Organisations (RPTOs) across the country, laid the foundation stone to establish two manufacturing units, and is co-building a robust AI powered agriculture drone with IIT Kanpur. AVPL is also building India’s largest RPTO in Hisar, a ₹15 crore facility in Bihta, Bihar, alongside a key drone production unit in Hisar, Haryana. Together, these projects form part of AVPL’s broader vision to train the new generation of drone pilots and entrepreneurs, while boosting domestic manufacturing. The announcement was made at a launch event attended by Union Minister of State for Rural Development, Kamlesh Paswan, who visited the event to understand the on-ground implementation of drone didi scheme across the country, BJP National General Secretary, Tarun Chugh also attended the event virtually. Many industry leaders like Naveen Parashar (CMD, SN Capital) and Uday Pal Singh (CEO, Innovision Ltd.) also commended the company’s initiatives. “With drones transforming how we farm, build, and connect, this kind of investment helps equip our youth with future-ready skills,” said Paswan. “It’s a big step towards empowering rural India, and such initiatives will contribute immensely to the youth and women in our hinterlands.”  

IKEA Supply, part of Inter IKEA Group and BLR Logistiks, have deployed the first electric heavy-duty truck to run on the public road network in India. The deployment phase started in October 2024, and the truck recently completed its 100th journey transporting IKEA products between the port of Mumbai, the distribution centre (DC) in Pune, and the IKEA store in Mumbai. “Although the purchase price of electric vehicles is higher than diesel trucks, we have achieved higher efficiency and cost reductions in the long term. This is an important step for IKEA and a strong signal to the transport sector in India,” says Claes Lindgren, Acting Category Transport Manager, IKEA Supply Chain Operations. “Through a joint effort with our partner, we have optimised the route, ensuring the truck is used more on the road and less during idling in loading and unloading processes.” The deployment has been made possible through a close collaboration between IKEA and its carrier BLR Logistiks, as well as other partners. Apart from reducing greenhouse gas emissions from transportation, it has also generated significant efficiency gains: Reduced turnaround time from 2 to 1 days 16% cost reduction per year 30% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, totalling 206 tons, for the specific route each year Reduced empty runs by around 160,000 km per. In most cases, EV trucks have a significantly higher purchase price compared to traditional diesel trucks. Furthermore, large investments in charging infrastructure are usually required, and it is crucial to rethink route optimisation to ensure EV trucks idle as little as possible. Previously, the 120 km three-stop route was shared by two conventional trucks: one driving between the port and the DC and the …

According to Savills India’s latest report, leasing of logistics and industrial spaces rose 18.5 per cent in January-March this year to 160 lakh square feet across 24 cities on better demand. The leasing of industrial and logistics spaces stood at 135 lakh square feet in the year-ago period across 24 tier I-II-III cities. Real estate consultant Savills India data showed that Tier-I cities accounted for 79 per cent of the leasing activities, while Tier-II and Tier-III cities contributed 21 per cent. Tier- I cities include Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai, Delhi-NCR, and Pune. Tier- II and Tier-III cities include Guwahati, Bhubaneshwar, Patna, Hosur, Coimbatore, Rajpura, Lucknow, Jaipur, Nagpur, Surat, Indore, Kochi, Hubli, Vizag, Belgaum and Anantapur. Savills noted that manufacturing segment accounted for 30 per cent of the total absorption of industrial and logistics spaces in January-March 2025, followed by the 3PL (third-party logistics) players at 26 per cent, retail segment 12 per cent, e-commerce segment 10 per cent and FMCG & FMCD segment at 9 per cent. Moreover, the new supply of industrial & logistics spaces rose 23 per cent to 159 lakh square feet in January-March 2025 from 129 lakh square feet in the corresponding period of the preceding year. In the new supply, the data showed that Tier-I cities contributed a substantial 12.4 million square feet (78 per cent and Tier-II and Tier-III cities added 3.6 million sq ft (22 per cent).

DHL Group has announced a strategic investment of €2 billion over the next five years to enhance its logistics capabilities in the life sciences and healthcare sector. This investment supports the Group’s ‘Strategy 2030’ and reinforces DHL’s commitment to helping healthcare customers grow, innovate, and serve patients more effectively worldwide. With 25 per cent of the investment allocated to the Asia Pacific, 50 per cent to Americas, and 25 per cent to the EMEA region, DHL is expanding its global footprint to deliver integrated, faster, more reliable, and patient-centric logistics solutions wherever healthcare companies operate. The investment will focus on enhancing high-quality infrastructure and technology across all logistics touchpoints – from storage, order fulfillment, and distribution to global shipping and last-mile delivery – creating even more resilient, scalable, and responsive supply chains for customers. A significant part of the investment will be allocated to establishing new cross-divisional GPD-certified Pharma Hubs for multi-temperature shipments lanes, expanding cold chain capacity in existing facilities, commissioning new temperature-controlled vehicles, and enhancing both passive and active packaging solutions to ensure sustainable delivery.  As the demand grows in critical areas such as clinical trials, biopharma, and cell and gene therapies, DHL is also investing in high-quality, specialized cooling infrastructure to accommodate low and ultra-low temperature ranges. Additionally, the Group will implement cutting-edge IT systems that provide end-to-end visibility, ensuring product integrity, regulatory compliance, and confidence for healthcare providers and their patients. With its new sector brand DHL Health Logistics, the Group consolidates its life sciences and healthcare expertise under one unified umbrella. This creates a seamless, end-to-end experience for customers, simplifying the management of complex, cross-border supply chains with confidence, agility and high-quality service. The approach …

Federal Express Corporation (FedEx) is enhancing sustainable logistics in India by deploying additional electric vehicles (EVs) in Mumbai for last-mile delivery. The recent addition of 13 TATA Ace EVs in Mumbai brings the total number of electric vehicles in operation across key Indian cities, including Delhi and Bengaluru, to 59. These efforts align with the FedEx goal to achieve carbon neutral operations globally bu 2040. “FedEx was the first global delivery company to introduce hybrid-electric vehicles back in 2003, and our journey with battery-powered vehicles began even earlier in 1994,” said Suvendu Choudhury, vice president operations and planning and engineering, India, FedEx. “Building on this legacy, we’re proud to do our part in reducing emissions and advancing sustainable logistics in India. Our phased, pragmatic approach to fleet electrification ensures we continue to deliver for our customers while minimizing our carbon footprint.” In a move that combines sustainability with brand synergy, FedEx has unveiled FedEx-CSK co-branded EVs in Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru, reinforcing its commitment to delivering goods responsibly. As an Official Sponsor of the Chennai Super Kings, this initiative represents a powerful connection between two brands built on speed, precision, and excellence. These co-branded vehicles amplify the company’s presence in India, reinforcing its ongoing investment in the market. Electric vehicles are revolutionizing logistics by providing a smart, clean, and efficient solution for last-mile deliveries. Beyond reducing carbon emissions and air pollution, they align with the growing consumer preference for sustainable business practices. Consumer expectations for sustainability are rising, with research commissioned by FedEx revealing that 90% of Indian consumers prefer businesses that prioritize sustainable practices—making EV adoption a strategic advantage. By continuing to expand its EV fleet, FedEx is advancing …

CargoAi is proud to announce the launch of CargoMART Interline, a groundbreaking solution that streamlines and enhances interline cargo bookings. Now live with multiple airlines, including Emirates SkyCargo, this innovative tool digitises and automates interline capacity checks and e-bookings, unlocking new revenue opportunities and setting a new industry standard. For decades, the air cargo industry relied on manual interline booking methods, communicated through emails and phone calls, and fragmented systems to finalise interline bookings. This led to operational bottlenecks, missed revenue, and limited scalability. CargoMART Interline will transform this approach. With CargoMART Interline, airlines can now: ✅ Instantly check and book interline capacity – No more emails or phone confirmations. ✅ Optimize revenue with seamless interline partnerships – Unlock additional capacity with minimal effort. ✅ Scale efficiently using existing APIs – No heavy IT investment required, easy onboarding. ✅ Prepare for the next step: direct interline booking for freight forwarders – Expanding airline reach on pre-approved lanes. CargoMART Interline was developed and rigorously tested with Emirates SkyCargo, a key partner in shaping this game-changing solution. However, the platform is not exclusive—it is designed for rapid adoption by any airline with API connectivity (107 currently available with CargoAi), ensuring quick implementation with minimal technical effort.

Welspun One has secured Rs 2,300 crore construction financing from the National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development (NaBFID) for its flagship logistics park project at Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA). The JNPA logistics park, spanning 55 acres, is its largest logistics development in India, it said. The funding by NaBFID is a 22-year term loan project. “While we have financed other warehousing projects, this project is unique as it comes up in a SEZ and is being built to international standards,” said Samuel Joseph, DMD, NaBFID. Located within the JNPA Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Navi Mumbai, with a total development potential of over 3.6 million square feet, the industrial and warehousing facility will cater to e-commerce, 3PL, FMCG, and manufacturing sectors. Securing this funding ensures the timely execution of the JNPA project, reinforcing Welspun One’s commitment to large-scale infrastructure development, the company said in its statement. “This park will set new benchmarks in efficiency and scalability, supporting India’s growing demand for high-quality warehousing solutions. With NaBFID’s support, we are positioned to accelerate execution, while continuing to drive long-term value for our stakeholders,” said Anshul Singhal, Co-Founder and Managing Director, Welspun One.  Comments

With large acquisitions and developments, Dachser grew significantly in 2024, with sales growth of 13 per cent lifting revenue above the 8 billion mark to EUR 8.027 billion. The family-owned company also recorded significant year-over-year increase in other key figures such as headcount (+3,300), locations (+56), and pallet spaces in its warehouses (+720,000). This growth is largely due to the acquisitions of DACHSER & FERCAM Italia, Frigoscandia, and Brummer, which will appear on the balance sheet for the first time in 2024. In purely organic terms, i.e., excluding acquisitions, Dachser grew by 4.7 percent compared to the previous year. This was driven by resilience in its European groupage network and rate increases in air and sea freight. Transported volumes rose by 7.6 percent to approximately 83.2 million shipments, while tonnage increased by 10.2 percent to some 44.1 million. Business development would have been more dynamic, but there was a lack of growth impetus from Germany and Europe: “High costs, weak industrial production, and a decline in personal consumption have also had an impact on our business. Moreover, the many crises we face around the world today have been a constant stress test for our customers, and hence also for us,” says Burkhard Eling, Dachser CEO.

  Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (BLR Airport) has achieved significant milestones in cargo operations for the financial year 2024-25 (FY’25). The airport surpassed 500,000 metric tonnes (MT) of cargo, underscoring its growing importance as a key aviation gateway for both passengers and cargo in the region. The airport handled a total of 502,480 MT of cargo in the financial year 2024-25 (FY’25). This achievement marks a notable 14% year-on-year growth, reinforcing the Airport’s position as a key logistics hub for both India and global trade. Cargo growth was driven by a 21% rise in international cargo, totalling 321,418 MT, while domestic cargo grew 4%, reaching 181,062 MT. For the fourth consecutive year, BLR Airport retains its position as India’s No.1 Airport for perishable exports, reinforcing its role in strengthening the country’s agricultural supply chain. The Airport continues to lead in mango and coriander exports, with cargo demand further driven by ready-made garments, pharmaceuticals, and machinery parts.With 12 dedicated freighter airlines, BLR Airport ensures efficient global connectivity, linking major export hubs like Singapore, London, Frankfurt, Chicago, and Muscat, while key imports flow in from Shenzhen, Singapore, Shanghai, Hong Kong, and Frankfurt. Satyaki Raghunath, Chief Operating Officer, Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), added, ““We are excited about the growth of aviation in Bengaluru and India. We believe that BLR Airport is very well placed to serve as the preferred gateway to South and Central India, and our investment in expanding airside, landside, and terminal capacity positions us perfectly for growth over the next few years. With an investment of over 17,000 crores over the next five years, we are well-prepared to support the rising demands of passenger and cargo traffic in the …

In a major development, Delhivery has signed a definitive agreement to acquire a controlling stake in Ecom Express for a cash consideration of Rs. 1,400 Cr from its shareholders. Sahil Barua, MD and CEO, Delhivery said, “The Indian economy requires continuous improvements in cost efficiency, speed and reach of logistics. We believe this acquisition will enable us to service customers of both companies better, through continued bold investments in infrastructure, technology, network and people. The founders and management of Ecom Express have established a high quality network and team, creating a strong foundation to integrate into Delhivery’s operations.” K. Satyanarayana, founder – Ecom Express said, “Delhivery is among India’s leading fully-integrated logistics service providers with significant scale advantages and will be the ideal shareholder for Ecom Express’ next phase of growth. With this acquisition and its inherent synergies, businesses across India as well as the logistics industry itself will benefit immensely through the combination of two like-minded players.” The completion of the transaction is subject to approval from the Competition Commission of India, and customary closing conditions. Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co. acted as the legal advisor and Ernst & Young acted as the financial and tax diligence advisor to Delhivery on this transaction.