Loading...
DP World and Thames Freeport have completed The Hive, a £13 million skills, amenity and innovation hub at London Gateway, DP World's deep-sea container port and logistics park on the Thames Estuary in Essex, UK. Jointly funded by the two organisations, the facility is designed to strengthen workforce development, support industry collaboration and expand access to employment opportunities across the region. Located at the centre of London Gateway's Logistics Park, the three-storey building combines a dedicated training and innovation skills centre with shared amenities for employees and businesses operating across the port and logistics park. The facility is expected to deliver more than 100 days of industrial and employability skills programmes each year, supporting approximately 1,125 trainees annually across Thames Freeport. Training will encompass crane-driver simulators, working-at-height courses and virtual reality (VR) technology for broader careers-related activities in maritime and logistics. Beyond technical training, The Hive will provide flexible meeting rooms, a double-height training and events space, a 100-person auditorium, a gym, an all-weather padel court and a multi-use sports pitch. The combination of training infrastructure and shared facilities is intended to provide a common space for businesses, employees and regional partners. Workforce Development Aligned with Logistics Growth The completion of The Hive comes as London Gateway continues to contribute to employment across the region. According to Alan Holland, Chief Executive Officer of DP World London Gateway Logistics Park, the port and its wider economic contribution now support more than 10,000 jobs. “With The Hive now complete, we are creating a space where businesses can collaborate, employees can thrive and the local community can develop the skills needed to access new opportunities,” Holland said. Stuart Rimmer, Interim Chief Executive Officer of Thames Freeport, highlighted the importance of connecting infrastructure investment with workforce opportunities. “This investment is about ensuring that the continued growth of London Gateway translates into real opportunities for local people and businesses, equipping the workforce with the skills needed to succeed in the industries of the future,” Rimmer said. SEATS, appointed earlier in 2026 as The Hive's Skills Partner, will work with DP World, employers and regional partners on workforce development. Partners are scheduled to begin moving into and operating from the facility in November 2026. Sustainability Built into the Facility Construction began in October 2025, with British steel used in the building. The Hive has achieved BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ certification and an EPC A+ rating, reflecting its stated sustainability and energy-performance credentials. By bringing together skills training, business amenities and innovation-related activities within London Gateway's Logistics Park, The Hive adds a workforce-development dimension to the site's wider logistics infrastructure. Its planned programmes will focus on equipping people with industrial and employability skills while connecting regional communities with opportunities across maritime and logistics.
DHL Freight has moved the SuperPanther eTopas 600 battery-electric heavy-duty truck from real-world trials into regular commercial operations, deploying the vehicle across its Dutch transport network for domestic services and cross-border routes to Belgium. Produced in Europe for DHL Freight by Chinese manufacturer SuperPanther, the truck has been in regular operation since September 2026. Its deployment marks a step towards integrating battery-electric heavy-duty vehicles into established road freight networks, with operational experience expected to inform wider adoption. With a range of up to 500 kilometres per charge, the eTopas 600 is designed for medium-haul transport. Rather than being restricted to a fixed shuttle or single terminal, it is deployed flexibly across different routes and currently covers around 2,000 kilometres per week. This provides DHL Freight with practical insights into the vehicle’s performance within day-to-day network operations, including cross-border transport. Arjan van Weelden, Carrier & Sustainability Manager at DHL Freight, said the vehicle had performed positively in daily operations, meeting the requirements of its intended deployment profiles and achieving high productivity within the network. He also noted positive feedback from drivers and growing customer interest in transport solutions that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. For DHL Freight Netherlands & Belgium, the deployment forms part of a broader effort to expand lower-emission road transport. Heidi van Eldik, CEO of DHL Freight Netherlands & Belgium, said the technology needed to demonstrate its effectiveness in commercial operations, adding that the company plans to introduce around 40 electric trucks over the coming months. From Trials To Commercial Deployment The move follows a phased collaboration between DHL Freight and SuperPanther that began with a memorandum of understanding in September 2024. The eTopas 600 subsequently underwent real-world testing in Austria. During a two-week trial in spring 2026, the vehicle covered approximately 1,900 kilometres before the first Europe-produced unit for DHL Freight rolled off the production line in July 2026. The transition to regular operations allows both companies to draw on data and practical experience to refine deployment profiles and assess the operational and economic viability of battery-electric heavy-duty vehicles in road freight transport. The companies have also signed a separate memorandum of understanding on autonomous driving, with plans to test how the technology can be advanced under real-world operating conditions. Scaling Lower-Emission Road Freight DHL Freight currently operates around 1,700 emissions-reduced vehicles and is testing different vehicle types and powertrain technologies. The eTopas 600 deployment adds to these efforts as DHL Group works towards its goal of achieving net-zero emissions in logistics by 2050. The experience gathered in the Netherlands will help inform decisions on how battery-electric heavy-duty trucks can be incorporated more broadly into existing transport networks, balancing route flexibility, productivity and emissions-reduction objectives.
Edgistify has expanded its fulfilment network in the Gurugram region with the addition of a 68,000 sq ft warehouse at IndoSpace’s logistics park in Luhari, Haryana. The facility marks the company’s third high-grade warehouse in the region, with both new and existing customers already shipping orders from the site. The expansion comes ahead of the festive season, when consumer brands face heightened order volumes and tighter fulfilment timelines. With its two existing Gurugram facilities operating at full capacity, Edgistify is positioning the Luhari warehouse to provide additional storage and fulfilment capacity, enabling brands to consolidate inventory rather than distribute it across multiple logistics partners during demand peaks. The company’s operations are designed to accommodate order surges of up to 2.5 times normal volumes, supporting brands as they navigate seasonal demand fluctuations across multiple sales channels. The new facility will serve direct-to-consumer websites, online marketplaces, quick-commerce platforms and modern trade through a common inventory pool. This integrated approach is particularly relevant as quick-commerce platforms increasingly require brands to fulfil smaller business-to-business consignments more frequently and within fixed delivery slots. Such requirements make inventory proximity and efficient dock operations increasingly important for timely dispatch and truck turnaround. “Our brands have grown faster than our existing space could keep up with, and the festive season is when that pinch shows most,” said Umang Shukla, Co-founder and CEO, Edgistify. He added that the company selected IndoSpace for its warehouse infrastructure, while the Luhari facility would operate under the same team as its existing sites, providing customers with additional capacity within a familiar network. On the technology front, Edgistify will continue to accommodate different warehouse management requirements. Brands using their own warehouse management systems can retain them while Edgistify manages on-ground operations. Those without an existing system can use EdgeOS, the company’s in-house platform, which integrates with their existing storefronts, marketplaces and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems. The company has also sought to simplify expansion for existing customers, allowing them to move inventory to Luhari without undergoing a fresh vendor onboarding process. By adding capacity in a key logistics market ahead of the festive peak, Edgistify aims to address growing fulfilment requirements while supporting multi-channel distribution and the faster replenishment cycles associated with quick commerce.
GMR Aero Technic (GAT) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with France-based UUDS Aero to develop advanced aircraft cabin interiors capabilities in India, with plans to establish an Integrated Cabin Excellence Centre at GAT’s Hyderabad facility. The partnership will bring together GMR Aero Technic’s maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) infrastructure and operational capabilities with UUDS Aero’s expertise in cabin interior design, engineering, certification and production. The proposed centre will focus on a comprehensive range of services, spanning cabin design and modification to certification, repair, retrofit, refurbishment, manufacturing and installation. The collaboration aims to provide airlines and aircraft operators with integrated cabin interior solutions, while expanding the scope of specialised aviation services available through India’s growing MRO ecosystem. UUDS Aero brings European design and production credentials to the partnership, holding EASA Part 21J Design Organisation Approval (DOA) and Part 21G Production Organisation Approval (POA). Combined with GMR Aero Technic’s established MRO capabilities, these competencies are expected to support the development of end-to-end cabin solutions for customers in India and international markets. Ashok Gopinath, President and Accountable Manager, GMR Aero Technic, described the agreement as an important milestone in strengthening the company’s aircraft cabin interior capabilities. “The partnership would combine UUDS Aero’s design and certification expertise with GMR Aero Technic’s MRO strengths to deliver integrated cabin solutions across domestic and international markets,” he said. Ashane Gunaratne, Group Chief Technology Officer and Managing Director – Middle East, UUDS Aero, said the collaboration reflected the company’s long-term commitment to the Indian aviation market. “The complementary technical capabilities of both organisations across cabin design, engineering, certification, manufacturing and MRO, with a shared focus on innovation, stronger technical capabilities and sustainable growth,” he highlighted. The proposed Integrated Cabin Excellence Centre marks a step towards broadening GMR Aero Technic’s specialised service portfolio and deepening technical collaboration with an international aerospace partner. Its development is intended to strengthen the availability of integrated aircraft cabin interior capabilities in India, serving the evolving requirements of airlines and aircraft operators.
DP World and Thames Freeport have completed The Hive, a £13 million skills, amenity and innovation hub at London Gateway, DP World's deep-sea container port and logistics park on the Thames Estuary in Essex, UK. Jointly funded by the two organisations, the facility is designed to strengthen workforce development, support industry collaboration and expand access to employment opportunities across the region. Located at the centre of London Gateway's Logistics Park, the three-storey building combines a dedicated training and innovation skills centre with shared amenities for employees and businesses operating across the port and logistics park. The facility is expected to deliver more than 100 days of industrial and employability skills programmes each year, supporting approximately 1,125 trainees annually across Thames Freeport. Training will encompass crane-driver simulators, working-at-height courses and virtual reality (VR) technology for broader careers-related activities in maritime and logistics. Beyond technical training, The Hive will provide flexible meeting rooms, a double-height training and events space, a 100-person auditorium, a gym, an all-weather padel court and a multi-use sports pitch. The combination of training infrastructure and shared facilities is intended to provide a common space for businesses, employees and regional partners. Workforce Development Aligned with Logistics Growth The completion of The Hive comes as London Gateway continues to contribute to employment across the region. According to Alan Holland, Chief Executive Officer of DP World London Gateway Logistics Park, the port and its wider economic contribution now support more than 10,000 jobs. “With The Hive now complete, we are creating a space where businesses can collaborate, employees can thrive and the local community can develop the skills needed to access new opportunities,” Holland said. Stuart Rimmer, Interim Chief Executive Officer of Thames Freeport, highlighted the importance of connecting infrastructure investment with workforce opportunities. “This investment is about ensuring that the continued growth of London Gateway translates into real opportunities for local people and businesses, equipping the workforce with the skills needed to succeed in the industries of the future,” Rimmer said. SEATS, appointed earlier in 2026 as The Hive's Skills Partner, will work with DP World, employers and regional partners on workforce development. Partners are scheduled to begin moving into and operating from the facility in November 2026. Sustainability Built into the Facility Construction began in October 2025, with British steel used in the building. The Hive has achieved BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ certification and an EPC A+ rating, reflecting its stated sustainability and energy-performance credentials. By bringing together skills training, business amenities and innovation-related activities within London Gateway's Logistics Park, The Hive adds a workforce-development dimension to the site's wider logistics infrastructure. Its planned programmes will focus on equipping people with industrial and employability skills while connecting regional communities with opportunities across maritime and logistics.
Awery Aviation Software has appointed Cornelia Korsch as Global Development Director for Awery and CargoBooking, strengthening its leadership team as it seeks to expand the digital air cargo quoting and booking platform’s airline network and adoption among freight forwarders. In her new role, Korsch will focus on bringing additional airlines and cargo capacity onto CargoBooking, while driving greater adoption of the platform across the forwarding community. The appointment comes as digital distribution continues to gain importance in connecting airline capacity with freight forwarder demand. The move follows Awery’s recent appointment of Gianluca Marcangelo as Executive Vice President of Global Sales, further reinforcing the company’s commercial leadership as it expands its global footprint. “I’m looking forward to bringing my experience with airlines and technology providers to CargoBooking and working across the air cargo community to help them reach more customers and maximise the opportunities that digital distribution can offer,” said Korsch. Korsch brings more than 30 years of air cargo experience spanning airline sales, technology and business development. Her career includes global airline partnership roles at WebCargo by Freightos and AirBridgeCargo Airlines, alongside more than two decades with Cargolux Airlines, giving her extensive experience across both the airline and technology sides of the air freight ecosystem. “This is an exciting period of growth for CargoBooking, and we’re delighted to have Cornelia on board to support and further drive that momentum,” said Vitaly Smilianets, Founder and CEO, Awery. “Cornelia understands what airlines need from a digital booking platform, and that insight will be invaluable as we bring more carriers onto CargoBooking, giving forwarders greater choice and access to more capacity.”
Crown Worldwide Group has expanded exXtra, its valet storage service, to six major Indian cities: Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai and Pune, as changing urban lifestyles and space requirements drive demand for more flexible storage solutions. The expansion extends exXtra’s reach across markets characterised by growing urban populations and evolving residential and business space needs, while leveraging Crown Worldwide Group’s more than three decades of experience in India across logistics, relocation, warehousing and related services. Moving beyond storage associated solely with relocation, exXtra is positioned to address a broader range of everyday requirements, from storing seasonal clothing, books, sports equipment, bicycles and documents to accommodating belongings during home renovations, downsizing or changing residential spaces for work and other purposes. Praveen Joseph, Assistant Vice President, South Asia, Crown Worldwide Group said, “With our understanding of moving, handling and storing belongings, we can offer customers a solution that gives them greater freedom over the space they have, without requiring them to make decisions about what to keep or let go.” The service combines doorstep pickup, secure storage and on-demand return, allowing customers to retain belongings without dedicating valuable space to items they do not need regularly. Customers can schedule pickups, track their inventory and manage payments through an online portal, adding greater convenience and visibility to the storage experience. The expansion draws on Crown’s established capabilities in handling, moving and storing belongings, with the company positioning exXtra around the changing ways in which households and businesses manage their available space. Crown Worldwide Group said exXtra will continue to explore further expansion across India through phased launches, with future growth guided by customer demand and opportunities in emerging markets where the Group already maintains a presence.
Indore: Indian Railways is preparing to operate the country’s first hydrogen-powered train at speeds of up to 110 kmph, following successful trials at speeds of 120 kmph, Railway Board Chairman and CEO Satish Kumar said on Sunday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had flagged off India’s first hydrogen-powered train on July 17, marking a significant step in the Railways’ efforts to introduce cleaner propulsion technologies. The train operates on the 89-km Jind–Sonipat route in Haryana. Unlike conventional electric trains that rely on overhead power lines, the hydrogen fuel-cell trainset generates electricity onboard through an electrochemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen. The process produces water vapour and heat as by-products, eliminating combustion, smoke and tailpipe carbon emissions. The hydrogen train is part of Indian Railways’ broader efforts to explore alternative propulsion technologies and reduce emissions from rail operations. Its deployment could also offer a pathway for cleaner rail connectivity on routes where conventional electrification may be less practical. Follow CARGOCONNECT for more such updates
Chapman Freeborn has successfully completed a time-sensitive cargo charter operation transporting oversized oilfield equipment from China to Saudi Arabia, supporting urgent replenishment requirements for a client in the oil and gas sector amid ongoing global shipping disruptions and airfreight congestion. The operation involved the movement of nearly 90 tonnes of cargo, including industrial pumps, precision spare parts and oversized equipment measuring up to eight metres in length. The shipment was transported aboard a Boeing 747 Freighter, selected for its main-deck capacity and ability to handle heavy and outsized freight. The project required complex logistical coordination after fuelling constraints at the original departure airport necessitated the cargo’s relocation inland to an alternative airport. Chapman Freeborn’s China team arranged overnight trucking and managed the freight forwarding process to maintain delivery timelines. The charter operation was further challenged by limited aircraft availability, routing restrictions and slot coordination requirements at destination. Despite the operational complexities, the cargo arrived on schedule, enabling uninterrupted onward movement and preventing disruptions to the client’s ongoing field operations. The project highlights the growing role of specialised air charter solutions in supporting critical industrial supply chains where speed, flexibility and operational coordination remain essential.
India is preparing to operationalise its trade agreement with Oman from June 1, as New Delhi accelerates efforts to secure alternative trade corridors and strengthen supply chain resilience amid continuing geopolitical and energy market uncertainty. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said discussions with Omani officials have progressed positively, with both sides moving toward implementation of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). The agreement, signed in December 2025, is expected to provide duty-free access for a large share of Indian exports to Oman, including engineering goods, textiles, food products and chemicals. In return, India will lower tariffs on several Omani exports, including petrochemical products and minerals. Trade and logistics stakeholders view the pact as strategically important for India’s westbound cargo movement and regional connectivity ambitions. Oman’s geographic position along major maritime routes in the Arabian Sea and Gulf region gives Indian exporters an additional gateway into West Asia and parts of Africa. The agreement is also expected to support warehousing, port-led trade and multimodal logistics integration between the two countries. Government officials indicated that the CEPA would cover more than 98% of Indian export tariff lines entering Oman, while India would gradually liberalise access across a significant portion of imports from Oman. Certain sectors, particularly petrochemicals, may see phased tariff reductions rather than immediate elimination. The push to activate the Oman pact comes as India expands its broader trade strategy through multiple bilateral agreements aimed at reducing dependence on concentrated supply chains and improving market access for domestic manufacturers. Recent discussions involving trade arrangements with the UK, EU and other partners have reinforced New Delhi’s emphasis on export diversification and trade-led industrial growth. Industry analysts expect the Oman agreement to particularly benefit Indian sectors linked to containerised exports, chemicals, automotive components, processed foods and MSME manufacturing clusters. Shipping and logistics companies are also likely to see increased cargo flows through western Indian ports as bilateral trade volumes rise under preferential tariff treatment. Follow CARGOCONNECT for more such updates.
India’s two largest container gateways, Mundra and Nhava Sheva, are facing mounting congestion as rising cargo volumes, truck driver shortages and rerouted shipments from the Middle East strain operations across the country’s logistics network. Shipping lines and logistics operators are reporting worsening turnaround times at both ports, with vessel delays averaging nearly two and a half days and some unscheduled ships waiting up to five days for berthing. The disruptions are slowing cargo movement, tightening yard space and forcing carriers to make last-minute operational changes. According to industry reports, a shortage of truck drivers has become a major bottleneck for container transfers between terminals and inland transport hubs. The issue has reduced the pace of cargo evacuation from ports, adding pressure on already crowded container yards. Terminal operators have intermittently restricted gate access to control container inflow, while export gate schedules continue to shift frequently. These changes are complicating truck planning and increasing uncertainty for exporters and freight forwarders. The congestion is being intensified by cargo diversions linked to disruptions in the Middle East, particularly around Gulf trade routes. Shipping lines have increasingly redirected transshipment cargo to Indian ports as alternatives to facilities in the Persian Gulf, sharply increasing container volumes in recent weeks. The pressure has begun affecting carrier schedules. Some shipping companies are rerouting vessels between terminals at short notice to avoid yard congestion. Danish shipping giant Maersk recently shifted several sailings from its regular terminal at Nhava Sheva to PSA Mumbai after facing space constraints and a growing container backlog. Industry stakeholders say these sudden terminal changes are creating operational and financial challenges for shippers, including higher handling costs and difficulties coordinating customs clearance and inland transportation. The latest disruption comes at a time when India has been positioning itself as a major global manufacturing and logistics hub. Over the past decade, the country has expanded port capacity, improved freight corridors and modernised customs processes to strengthen supply chain efficiency. However, the current congestion highlights the vulnerability of port infrastructure during periods of sudden trade realignment and geopolitical disruption. Logistics experts warn that prolonged delays could increase freight costs, extend delivery timelines and place additional pressure on exporters already dealing with volatile global shipping conditions. Follow CARGOCONNECT for more such updates.
The diversification process by Apple continues to progress as India becomes one of the centers for manufacturing operations. Based on an analysis by Smart Analytics Global (SAG), the percentage share of Indian manufacturing of iPhones has increased from 14% in 2024 to 23% in 2025 and further to 28% by 2026, whereas China’s share has decreased from 83% to 74% within the same timeframe. As Apple continues to lower its reliance on China, India is all set to emerge as the major assembly hub for 28 percent of all iPhones exported around the world by 2026, compared to just 23 percent in the prior year. This change is due to the company's overall strategy of spreading its manufacturing operations in order to mitigate potential tariff risks and geopolitical risks, in addition to creating a more flexible manufacturing network beyond China. Based on the estimates of Smart Analytics Global (SAG), China's share in global iPhone production dropped from 83% in 2024 to 74% in 2025, while India's share increased from 14% in 2024 to 23% in 2025. Estimates provided by another market research firm, Counterpoint Research, indicate that India's share in global iPhone manufacturing could increase to approximately 26% in 2026 from 23% in 2025. As per SAG, “India will account for the manufacture of 28 percent of iPhones shipped globally in 2026, rising from 23 percent in 2025. This growth will be fueled by the ongoing diversification of Apple outside China and capacity build-up at existing manufacturers in India like Tata Electronics,” said Abhilash Kumar, an analyst at Smart Analytics Global. According to Tarun Pathak, research director at Counterpoint Research, “Apple's manufacturing partners have substantially increased their manufacturing capacities and assembly lines in India. They have also diversified their product portfolio made in India.” He further stated that the increase in manufacturing capacity of Tata Electronics is another factor aiding the growth. Apple has managed to localize production substantially in India through manufacturers like Foxconn and Tata Electronics. The recent takeover of Wistron and Pegatron in India by the Tata Group represents a huge step forward in Apple’s localization efforts in India. At present, India is assembling a larger number of iPhones, even the latest versions, and has become an important source of exports, targeting countries like the US and European nations. Over the past five years, Apple has manufactured iPhones worth almost $70 billion in India using its PLI scheme, where around $51 billion, or almost 73% of all iPhones manufactured, were exported from India. Moreover, iPhones have become the most exported goods from India during the previous financial year. India has become the biggest beneficiary of Apple’s changing supply chain. From initially assembling iPhones on a smaller scale, it has grown to become a manufacturing cluster for iPhones through government incentives, increased manufacturing capabilities, and the growing presence of suppliers. Several of the most important suppliers and manufacturers for Apple are still highly entrenched within China, allowing the country to enjoy an unrivaled capacity and adaptability when it comes to managing mass-scale productions and product shifts. For more such news and updates, visit CARGOCONNECT.
Shadowfax is significantly expanding its quick commerce infrastructure, announcing plans to scale its dark store network from 15 facilities to 100 by FY27. The move underscores the company’s growing focus on hyperlocal deliveries, same-day fulfilment, and direct-to-consumer (D2C) logistics as competition intensifies in India’s fast-evolving quick commerce ecosystem. The Bengaluru-based company plans to add 85 new dark stores over the next fiscal year, targeting metro cities with delivery radiuses of approximately seven kilometres and fulfilment timelines of around 30 minutes. The expansion is expected to support rising demand from vertical quick commerce platforms and D2C brands that increasingly rely on third-party logistics (3PL) partners for rapid deliveries. According to company executives, vertical marketplaces are emerging as a profitable segment because of their dependence on outsourced logistics infrastructure rather than captive fulfilment networks. Shadowfax believes this trend creates a strong opportunity for scalable 3PL-led quick commerce models. The dark store expansion will account for nearly 10% of Shadowfax’s planned capital expenditure of ₹180–190 crore in FY27. The company is simultaneously strengthening its automation and artificial intelligence capabilities to improve operational efficiency. AI-led demand forecasting, automated slotting, and smarter sorting centre operations are expected to reduce overhead costs while accelerating breakeven timelines for new facilities. Shadowfax’s aggressive expansion comes on the back of strong financial performance. The company reported a consolidated net profit of ₹55.8 crore in Q4 FY26, compared to a net loss of ₹9.9 crore during the same period last year. Revenue from operations surged 73.6% year-on-year to ₹1,237 crore, reflecting growing order volumes and increased adoption of quick commerce delivery services. Founded in 2015, Shadowfax has evolved into one of India’s largest logistics and last-mile delivery networks, serving over 2,500 cities and more than 15,000 pincodes. The company currently handles millions of shipments daily through a technology-driven delivery ecosystem that supports e-commerce, grocery, hyperlocal, and D2C brands. Industry analysts believe the dark store expansion reflects a broader shift within India’s logistics sector, where speed, proximity-based fulfilment, and automated operations are becoming central to supply chain competitiveness. As quick commerce adoption accelerates beyond groceries into categories such as fashion, electronics, and personal care, logistics providers like Shadowfax are positioning themselves as critical enablers of ultra-fast retail fulfilment. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 https://cargoconnect.co.in/ 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬!
India’s Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFCs) are rapidly reshaping the country’s logistics landscape, with the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC) between Dadri and Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) emerging as a game-changing infrastructure project for supply chains and multimodal freight movement. Designed exclusively for cargo operations, the corridor is significantly reducing transit times, improving reliability, and easing congestion on conventional rail routes. Stretching nearly 1,500 km from Dadri in Uttar Pradesh to JNPA near Mumbai, the corridor forms the backbone of India’s western logistics artery, connecting manufacturing centres, inland container depots, industrial clusters, and ports. With dedicated tracks for freight trains, the network allows uninterrupted cargo movement at higher average speeds, eliminating delays caused by mixed passenger and freight operations. One of the biggest outcomes has been a sharp reduction in transit time. Freight movement between Dadri and JNPA that traditionally took close to 72 hours on congested rail routes is now being completed in nearly half the time, improving turnaround efficiency for exporters, importers, and logistics operators. Industry stakeholders believe the reduction in transit duration will strengthen India’s competitiveness in global trade and support the government’s target of lowering logistics costs as a percentage of GDP. The DFC network has also enabled the operation of longer and heavier freight trains, including double-stack container services on electrified routes. This has increased carrying capacity while lowering per-unit transportation costs. According to sector estimates, rail freight on dedicated corridors is considerably more energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable than road transport, aligning with India’s broader decarbonisation goals. Beyond operational efficiency, the corridors are catalysing the growth of integrated logistics ecosystems. Regions such as Dadri, Greater Noida, and Jewar are witnessing accelerated development of multimodal logistics parks, warehousing zones, and industrial hubs due to their strategic connectivity with both the Eastern and Western DFCs. The emerging “rail-road-air” logistics triangle around the National Capital Region is expected to attract substantial investments in manufacturing and distribution infrastructure. The Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India (DFCCIL) has reported rising freight train volumes on the operational stretches, indicating growing industry adoption. The completion of key links on the western corridor is expected to further enhance throughput and reduce dependency on road transport for long-haul cargo. Analysts say the dedicated rail network could become central to India’s ambition of creating faster, greener, and more resilient supply chains. As India continues investing in additional freight corridors across the country, the success of the Dadri-JNPA route demonstrates how infrastructure modernisation can directly influence trade efficiency, logistics performance, and industrial growth. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 https://cargoconnect.co.in/ 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬
In a strategic warehousing move, the South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL), the second largest coal-producing subsidiary of Coal India Limited, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Central Warehousing Corporation (CWC) for collaboration in coal logistics, railway rake provisioning under GPWIS and similar schemes, and integrated transportation services. Guided by the Union Ministry of Coal, SECL is rapidly working to improve India’s energy security and coal logistics infrastructure. The company is taking steps to boost coal evacuation efficiency and ensure a steady fuel supply to essential sectors. This partnership with CWC is a significant move in that direction. The goal of the partnership with CWC is to strengthen SECL’s coal evacuation capabilities by providing reliable and efficient rail logistics solutions to meet the rising demand from the power, steel, cement, and other sectors. The MoU outlines collaboration in various areas, including dedicated railway rake operations, integrated coal transportation solutions, multimodal logistics, first-mile and last-mile connectivity, and the deployment of digital systems for logistics monitoring and operational efficiency. Under the agreed framework, both organizations will explore provisioning and operation of GPWIS and equivalent racks, integrated rail logistics services, and long-term transportation solutions aimed at improving dispatch efficiency and reducing logistical obstacles. The MoU was signed in the presence of Harish Duhan, Chairman-cum-Managing Director of SECL, and Santosh Sinha, Managing Director of CWC. Functional Directors and senior officials from SECL, as well as representatives from CWC, attended the signing ceremony. SECL plays a vital role in meeting the country's growing coal demand. In the current financial year 2026-27, Coal India Limited has already surpassed the 100 million tonne production mark, with SECL contributing more than 26.8 million tonnes. Central Warehousing Corporation (CWC), a Navaratna Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Government of India, is a leader in integrated logistics and warehousing services. It has extensive experience in rail-linked cargo movement and multimodal transportation solutions. For more such news and updates, visit CARGOCONNECT.
Air Cargo
Warehousing
Buzz
Events
E-Commerce
Logistics
India’s two largest container gateways, Mundra and Nhava Sheva, are facing mounting congestion as rising cargo volumes, truck driver shortages and rerouted shipments from the Middle East strain operations across the country’s logistics network. Shipping lines and logistics operators are reporting worsening turnaround times at both ports, with vessel delays averaging nearly two and a half days and some unscheduled ships waiting up to five days for berthing. The disruptions are slowing cargo movement, tightening yard space and forcing carriers to make last-minute operational changes. According to industry reports, a shortage of truck drivers has become a major bottleneck for container transfers between terminals and inland transport hubs. The issue has reduced the pace of cargo evacuation from ports, adding pressure on already crowded container yards. Terminal operators have intermittently restricted gate access to control container inflow, while export gate schedules continue to shift frequently. These changes are complicating truck planning and increasing uncertainty for exporters and freight forwarders. The congestion is being intensified by cargo diversions linked to disruptions in the Middle East, particularly around Gulf trade routes. Shipping lines have increasingly redirected transshipment cargo to Indian ports as alternatives to facilities in the Persian Gulf, sharply increasing container volumes in recent weeks. The pressure has begun affecting carrier schedules. Some shipping companies are rerouting vessels between terminals at short notice to avoid yard congestion. Danish shipping giant Maersk recently shifted several sailings from its regular terminal at Nhava Sheva to PSA Mumbai after facing space constraints and a growing container backlog. Industry stakeholders say these sudden terminal changes are creating operational and financial challenges for shippers, including higher handling costs and difficulties coordinating customs clearance and inland transportation. The latest disruption comes at a time when India has been positioning itself as a major global manufacturing and logistics hub. Over the past decade, the country has expanded port capacity, improved freight corridors and modernised customs processes to strengthen supply chain efficiency. However, the current congestion highlights the vulnerability of port infrastructure during periods of sudden trade realignment and geopolitical disruption. Logistics experts warn that prolonged delays could increase freight costs, extend delivery timelines and place additional pressure on exporters already dealing with volatile global shipping conditions. Follow CARGOCONNECT for more such updates.
The diversification process by Apple continues to progress as India becomes one of the centers for manufacturing operations. Based on an analysis by Smart Analytics Global (SAG), the percentage share of Indian manufacturing of iPhones has increased from 14% in 2024 to 23% in 2025 and further to 28% by 2026, whereas China’s share has decreased from 83% to 74% within the same timeframe. As Apple continues to lower its reliance on China, India is all set to emerge as the major assembly hub for 28 percent of all iPhones exported around the world by 2026, compared to just 23 percent in the prior year. This change is due to the company's overall strategy of spreading its manufacturing operations in order to mitigate potential tariff risks and geopolitical risks, in addition to creating a more flexible manufacturing network beyond China. Based on the estimates of Smart Analytics Global (SAG), China's share in global iPhone production dropped from 83% in 2024 to 74% in 2025, while India's share increased from 14% in 2024 to 23% in 2025. Estimates provided by another market research firm, Counterpoint Research, indicate that India's share in global iPhone manufacturing could increase to approximately 26% in 2026 from 23% in 2025. As per SAG, “India will account for the manufacture of 28 percent of iPhones shipped globally in 2026, rising from 23 percent in 2025. This growth will be fueled by the ongoing diversification of Apple outside China and capacity build-up at existing manufacturers in India like Tata Electronics,” said Abhilash Kumar, an analyst at Smart Analytics Global. According to Tarun Pathak, research director at Counterpoint Research, “Apple's manufacturing partners have substantially increased their manufacturing capacities and assembly lines in India. They have also diversified their product portfolio made in India.” He further stated that the increase in manufacturing capacity of Tata Electronics is another factor aiding the growth. Apple has managed to localize production substantially in India through manufacturers like Foxconn and Tata Electronics. The recent takeover of Wistron and Pegatron in India by the Tata Group represents a huge step forward in Apple’s localization efforts in India. At present, India is assembling a larger number of iPhones, even the latest versions, and has become an important source of exports, targeting countries like the US and European nations. Over the past five years, Apple has manufactured iPhones worth almost $70 billion in India using its PLI scheme, where around $51 billion, or almost 73% of all iPhones manufactured, were exported from India. Moreover, iPhones have become the most exported goods from India during the previous financial year. India has become the biggest beneficiary of Apple’s changing supply chain. From initially assembling iPhones on a smaller scale, it has grown to become a manufacturing cluster for iPhones through government incentives, increased manufacturing capabilities, and the growing presence of suppliers. Several of the most important suppliers and manufacturers for Apple are still highly entrenched within China, allowing the country to enjoy an unrivaled capacity and adaptability when it comes to managing mass-scale productions and product shifts. For more such news and updates, visit CARGOCONNECT.
Shadowfax is significantly expanding its quick commerce infrastructure, announcing plans to scale its dark store network from 15 facilities to 100 by FY27. The move underscores the company’s growing focus on hyperlocal deliveries, same-day fulfilment, and direct-to-consumer (D2C) logistics as competition intensifies in India’s fast-evolving quick commerce ecosystem. The Bengaluru-based company plans to add 85 new dark stores over the next fiscal year, targeting metro cities with delivery radiuses of approximately seven kilometres and fulfilment timelines of around 30 minutes. The expansion is expected to support rising demand from vertical quick commerce platforms and D2C brands that increasingly rely on third-party logistics (3PL) partners for rapid deliveries. According to company executives, vertical marketplaces are emerging as a profitable segment because of their dependence on outsourced logistics infrastructure rather than captive fulfilment networks. Shadowfax believes this trend creates a strong opportunity for scalable 3PL-led quick commerce models. The dark store expansion will account for nearly 10% of Shadowfax’s planned capital expenditure of ₹180–190 crore in FY27. The company is simultaneously strengthening its automation and artificial intelligence capabilities to improve operational efficiency. AI-led demand forecasting, automated slotting, and smarter sorting centre operations are expected to reduce overhead costs while accelerating breakeven timelines for new facilities. Shadowfax’s aggressive expansion comes on the back of strong financial performance. The company reported a consolidated net profit of ₹55.8 crore in Q4 FY26, compared to a net loss of ₹9.9 crore during the same period last year. Revenue from operations surged 73.6% year-on-year to ₹1,237 crore, reflecting growing order volumes and increased adoption of quick commerce delivery services. Founded in 2015, Shadowfax has evolved into one of India’s largest logistics and last-mile delivery networks, serving over 2,500 cities and more than 15,000 pincodes. The company currently handles millions of shipments daily through a technology-driven delivery ecosystem that supports e-commerce, grocery, hyperlocal, and D2C brands. Industry analysts believe the dark store expansion reflects a broader shift within India’s logistics sector, where speed, proximity-based fulfilment, and automated operations are becoming central to supply chain competitiveness. As quick commerce adoption accelerates beyond groceries into categories such as fashion, electronics, and personal care, logistics providers like Shadowfax are positioning themselves as critical enablers of ultra-fast retail fulfilment. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 https://cargoconnect.co.in/ 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬!
India’s Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFCs) are rapidly reshaping the country’s logistics landscape, with the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC) between Dadri and Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) emerging as a game-changing infrastructure project for supply chains and multimodal freight movement. Designed exclusively for cargo operations, the corridor is significantly reducing transit times, improving reliability, and easing congestion on conventional rail routes. Stretching nearly 1,500 km from Dadri in Uttar Pradesh to JNPA near Mumbai, the corridor forms the backbone of India’s western logistics artery, connecting manufacturing centres, inland container depots, industrial clusters, and ports. With dedicated tracks for freight trains, the network allows uninterrupted cargo movement at higher average speeds, eliminating delays caused by mixed passenger and freight operations. One of the biggest outcomes has been a sharp reduction in transit time. Freight movement between Dadri and JNPA that traditionally took close to 72 hours on congested rail routes is now being completed in nearly half the time, improving turnaround efficiency for exporters, importers, and logistics operators. Industry stakeholders believe the reduction in transit duration will strengthen India’s competitiveness in global trade and support the government’s target of lowering logistics costs as a percentage of GDP. The DFC network has also enabled the operation of longer and heavier freight trains, including double-stack container services on electrified routes. This has increased carrying capacity while lowering per-unit transportation costs. According to sector estimates, rail freight on dedicated corridors is considerably more energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable than road transport, aligning with India’s broader decarbonisation goals. Beyond operational efficiency, the corridors are catalysing the growth of integrated logistics ecosystems. Regions such as Dadri, Greater Noida, and Jewar are witnessing accelerated development of multimodal logistics parks, warehousing zones, and industrial hubs due to their strategic connectivity with both the Eastern and Western DFCs. The emerging “rail-road-air” logistics triangle around the National Capital Region is expected to attract substantial investments in manufacturing and distribution infrastructure. The Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India (DFCCIL) has reported rising freight train volumes on the operational stretches, indicating growing industry adoption. The completion of key links on the western corridor is expected to further enhance throughput and reduce dependency on road transport for long-haul cargo. Analysts say the dedicated rail network could become central to India’s ambition of creating faster, greener, and more resilient supply chains. As India continues investing in additional freight corridors across the country, the success of the Dadri-JNPA route demonstrates how infrastructure modernisation can directly influence trade efficiency, logistics performance, and industrial growth. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 https://cargoconnect.co.in/ 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬
In a strategic warehousing move, the South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL), the second largest coal-producing subsidiary of Coal India Limited, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Central Warehousing Corporation (CWC) for collaboration in coal logistics, railway rake provisioning under GPWIS and similar schemes, and integrated transportation services. Guided by the Union Ministry of Coal, SECL is rapidly working to improve India’s energy security and coal logistics infrastructure. The company is taking steps to boost coal evacuation efficiency and ensure a steady fuel supply to essential sectors. This partnership with CWC is a significant move in that direction. The goal of the partnership with CWC is to strengthen SECL’s coal evacuation capabilities by providing reliable and efficient rail logistics solutions to meet the rising demand from the power, steel, cement, and other sectors. The MoU outlines collaboration in various areas, including dedicated railway rake operations, integrated coal transportation solutions, multimodal logistics, first-mile and last-mile connectivity, and the deployment of digital systems for logistics monitoring and operational efficiency. Under the agreed framework, both organizations will explore provisioning and operation of GPWIS and equivalent racks, integrated rail logistics services, and long-term transportation solutions aimed at improving dispatch efficiency and reducing logistical obstacles. The MoU was signed in the presence of Harish Duhan, Chairman-cum-Managing Director of SECL, and Santosh Sinha, Managing Director of CWC. Functional Directors and senior officials from SECL, as well as representatives from CWC, attended the signing ceremony. SECL plays a vital role in meeting the country's growing coal demand. In the current financial year 2026-27, Coal India Limited has already surpassed the 100 million tonne production mark, with SECL contributing more than 26.8 million tonnes. Central Warehousing Corporation (CWC), a Navaratna Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Government of India, is a leader in integrated logistics and warehousing services. It has extensive experience in rail-linked cargo movement and multimodal transportation solutions. For more such news and updates, visit CARGOCONNECT.
Admin • October 9, 2026
Admin 943 August 12, 2026
Admin 636 August 11, 2026
Admin 749 August 5, 2026
Admin 882 August 1, 2026
Admin 922 July 28, 2026
Poonawalla Group invests in woman-led trackNOW to boost R&D, expand operations in Indian logistics market
Poonawalla Group invests in woman-led trackNOW to boost R&D, expand operations in Indian logistics market
Poonawalla Group invests in woman-led trackNOW to boost R&D, expand operations in Indian logistics market
Poonawalla Group invests in woman-led trackNOW to boost R&D, expand operations in Indian logistics market
Admin 943 August 12, 2026
Admin 636 August 11, 2026
Admin 749 August 5, 2026
Admin 882 August 1, 2026
Admin 922 July 28, 2026
Admin • October 16, 2026
Admin • October 16, 2026
Admin • September 8, 2026
Admin • July 18, 2026
Admin • September 24, 2026
Admin • September 10, 2026
Admin • September 8, 2026
Admin • May 14, 2026
Admin • May 15, 2026
Admin • June 2, 2026
Admin • October 14, 2026
Admin • May 26, 2026
Admin • May 15, 2026
Admin • October 16, 2026
Admin • October 15, 2026
Admin • October 8, 2026
Admin • October 6, 2026
Admin • July 2, 2026
Admin • June 30, 2026
Admin • June 20, 2026
Admin • May 15, 2026
Admin • October 16, 2026
Admin • October 16, 2026
Admin • September 14, 2026
Admin • September 15, 2026
Admin • October 16, 2026
Admin • October 14, 2026
Admin • October 12, 2026
Admin • October 12, 2026
Admin • September 7, 2026
Admin • August 24, 2026
Admin • July 20, 2026
Admin • September 8, 2026
Admin • September 8, 2026
Admin • June 14, 2026
Admin • May 15, 2026 • 37
Admin • August 31, 2026
Admin • August 31, 2026
Admin • August 29, 2026
Admin • August 29, 2026
Admin • August 12, 2026
Admin • October 16, 2026
Admin • October 14, 2026
Admin • July 30, 2026
Admin • June 12, 2026
Admin • October 16, 2026
Admin • October 15, 2026
Admin • October 15, 2026
Admin • October 15, 2026
Admin • July 27, 2026
