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Air India SATS Airport Services (AISATS) has introduced short-term Warehousing Solution (STW) at its BLR Logistics Park, offering freight forwarders and shippers flexible storage for urgent, last-minute and temporary cargo requirements. Designed for both general and temperature-controlled cargo, the solution enables customers to access storage on demand, with rental periods starting from just one day and no long-term lease requirements. Within its first year of operations, the AISATS BLR Logistics Park witnessed strong market traction and is on track to achieve full occupancy, underpinned by a compelling total cost of ownership proposition for customers. Spread across eight acres, the integrated facility brings together Grade A warehousing, a customs-bonded warehouse, a consolidation centre, cold storage, office spaces and a suite of value-added logistics services within a single ecosystem. In addition to storage, customers can access cargo inter-shuttle services, packing and labelling support, dedicated manpower, forklift service and other cargo facilitation services, making the Logistics Park a one-stop solution for their end-to-end warehousing and logistics requirements. Strategically located in close proximity to the airport and with seamless access to NH44, the facility helps significantly reduce transit times and transportation costs by eliminating the need to move cargo to off-airport warehouses located 40-50 kilometres away. The facility has attracted leading multinational logistics companies, including DHL, DSV, FedEx, Kuehne+Nagel, CEVA Logistics etc. which have established operations at the Logistics Park. The new STW extends these capabilities to mid-sized and smaller freight forwarders, shippers and businesses with occasional storage requirements. Instead of leasing dedicated warehouse space for extended periods, customers can access the facility on a short-term basis, according to their flexible needs. The solution is particularly relevant during peak cargo periods such as Diwali, Christmas and New Year, as well as for project cargo and oversized or specialised consignments. Recently STW solution was used to store odd-sized medical equipment that required special care, and special chemicals and pharmaceutical ingredients at its common user cold storage facility. Commenting on the development, Salim Chaudhary, Chief Operations Officer, AISATS, said, “The AISATS BLR Logistics Park was developed to address Bengaluru’s evolving air cargo and logistics requirements through world-class, integrated infrastructure. The response from the market has been extremely encouraging, with occupancy already reaching 70%, reflecting the strong value proposition and cost efficiencies the facility offers. As cargo volumes grow, we are witnessing increasing demand for flexible storage solutions, particularly for urgent, short-duration and specialised cargo requirements. Our Short-term Warehousing Solution has been introduced to address this need, enabling freight forwarders and shippers to access premium warehousing infrastructure on demand, without the constraints of long-term commitments.” With demand being driven by high-value sectors including electronics, semiconductors, engineering goods, aerospace and pharmaceuticals, the AISATS BLR Logistics Park is well-positioned to play a critical role in supporting the region’s evolving supply chain and logistics requirements. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 CARGOCONNECT 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬!
Anshul Singhal, a real estate veteran with over two decades of experience in building institutional platforms, has launched Vantrock Real Assets Pvt Ltd (VRAPL), an operator-led real assets platform initially focused on warehousing, industrial and logistics parks. Headquartered in Mumbai, the company plans to develop approximately 11.5 million sq ft of real-estate, representing an estimated gross development value (GDV) of ₹4,200 crore (approximately US$434 million) upon completion. The first phase will cover around 3 million sq. ft., with an estimated GDV of ₹1,100 crore (approximately US$113 million) across the National Capital Region (NCR), Bengaluru and Pune. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2027, with the first rental income targeted from 2028 onwards. Land for these projects is at advanced stages of negotiation, documentation and/or regulatory approvals. The remaining 8.5 million sq ft is planned across the same markets, alongside the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), with projects expected to be operationalised in phases over the next 12–18 months. AN INFILL-FIRST APPROACH TO WAREHOUSING Vantrock’s strategy centres on strategic infill locations within established industrial and logistics corridors, where demand for quality warehousing is strong but suitable supply is constrained. The company is targeting land parcels of approximately 15–60 acres, with development potential ranging from 0.4 million to 1.5 million sq. ft. Its proposed portfolio spans big-box and build-to-suit facilities, multi-storey warehouses, last-mile distribution, dark stores, self-storage, cold chain, industrial plots, workforce accommodation and mixed-use developments where offices or retail complement warehousing. “We are going the other way by acquiring the infill land that is left inside proven corridors, and the Grade-B sheds already standing there, refurbished to Grade-A standards,” said Singhal, Founder and CEO, Vantrock. He added that while assembling such locations can be slower and more challenging, they offer greater value to customers by keeping facilities closer to their business operations. REFURBISHMENT AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO NEW CONSTRUCTION A distinctive element of the platform is its plan to acquire existing Grade-B warehouses, either outright or through joint ventures, and upgrade them to Grade-A standards. Vantrock expects its in-house development team to complete these refurbishments within six to 12 months—less than half the time required for a new build and at a lower cost than developing from scratch. The model is intended to provide occupiers with modern facilities closer to demand while increasing the supply of quality warehousing and logistics infrastructure within established urban markets, without requiring cities to invest in additional land. The company expects individual projects to move from land to revenue within 18–24 months of construction commencement. Funding is envisaged through a combination of equity, construction debt and, where appropriate, forward funding from institutional buyers. Joint ventures, joint development arrangements and long-term leasehold structures with landowners and capital partners will also form part of its approach. SAFETY, COMPLIANCE AND INSTITUTIONAL STANDARDS Shailesh V Haribhakti, Chairman of the Board, Vantrock, highlighted the need to improve safety and compliance across India’s existing warehousing stock, particularly in areas such as fire protection, structural integrity, lighting and ventilation. “Bringing that stock to standard is as much a governance task as a real estate one,” Haribhakti said, adding that maintaining global standards across both site operations and board-level oversight would be central to the platform’s growth. ADDRESSING A WIDENING GRADE-A SUPPLY GAP Vantrock’s market selection is informed by a market study and investment thesis prepared by CBRE, which identified high-value warehousing corridors near Tier-I cities. According to CBRE Research, India faces an estimated 117 million sq. ft. shortfall in Grade-A warehousing supply between 2026 and 2031, as demand from third-party logistics providers, e-commerce companies and manufacturing occupiers outpaces quality supply across key corridors. Rami Kaushal, Managing Director – Consulting & Valuation, CBRE India, described the market as being at an inflection point, with the gap between demand and quality supply expected to widen through the end of the decade. Beyond its initial warehousing and industrial focus, Vantrock plans to explore global capability centres (GCCs), suburban office campuses, strata offices, data centres and infrastructure assets as distinct strategies in subsequent phases. The platform’s proposition rests on bringing institutional-grade development and operating standards into established logistics markets—combining new construction with refurbishment to address the shortage of quality space closer to India’s major demand centres.
Air France KLM Martinair Cargo has initiated a project to expand and automate its perishables centre at Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), in partnership with Lödige Industries, to increase storage capacity, improve operational efficiency and strengthen its handling capabilities for temperature-sensitive shipments. The project reflects the growing importance of automated infrastructure in maintaining efficient and reliable cold-chain logistics. The dedicated cargo business of the Air France-KLM Group is implementing an elevating transfer vehicle (ETV) system to enable automated, multi-level storage and retrieval of unit load devices (ULDs) and pallets. The solution is designed to maximise the use of available building space while accommodating future growth in cargo volumes. By automating storage and retrieval operations, the system is expected to reduce manual handling, streamline internal cargo movements and improve the utilisation of existing storage capacity. It will also support consistent handling processes within dedicated temperature-controlled areas, which are critical for preserving the quality and integrity of perishable goods throughout their journey through the cargo facility. “Expanding our temperature-controlled cargo capabilities at Paris-Charles de Gaulle is an important step in strengthening our cold-chain operations. The new automated storage solution will enable us to handle growing volumes more efficiently and further enhance the cargo handling flow for temperature-sensitive shipments at CDG,” the project team at Air France KLM Martinair Cargo said. The installation will feature a 10-foot-wide edge ETV serving 58 storage decks, of which 17 will be located within temperature-controlled areas. This configuration will allow the facility to combine high-density storage with dedicated temperature-managed space, supporting the operational requirements of perishable cargo. Lödige Machine Warburg and Lödige Machine Romania are supplying the system, which is scheduled to become operational at the end of September 2027. The installation is expected to provide a scalable foundation for further automation as cargo volumes and cold-chain requirements evolve. Commenting on the project, Björn Ussat, Director Airport Logistic Solutions at Lödige Industries, said: “Cold-chain logistics place particularly high demands on reliability, efficient use of space and consistent handling processes. This project demonstrates how automation can help cargo operators optimise storage capacity and internal material flows while supporting the stringent handling requirements of temperature-sensitive shipments. We are delighted to support Air France KLM Martinair Cargo with an efficient and scalable solution that also provides a solid basis for future expansion of automated storage processes at Paris-Charles de Gaulle,” The investment will reinforce Paris-CDG's role in the group's cargo operations by improving how temperature-sensitive shipments are stored and transferred within the facility. Automated storage systems can help cargo operators manage space constraints, reduce unnecessary handling and establish more predictable internal workflows. For Air France KLM Martinair Cargo, the project forms part of the broader effort to strengthen specialised cargo-handling capabilities as supply chains increasingly demand reliable infrastructure for perishable goods. Efficient cold-chain operations are particularly important for shipments such as fresh produce, flowers and other temperature-sensitive commodities, where handling conditions and transit efficiency can influence product quality. As air cargo facilities face growing pressure to improve throughput without proportionate increases in their physical footprint, automation offers a way to enhance capacity and operational consistency. The Paris-CDG project combines these objectives with dedicated temperature-controlled storage, positioning the facility to accommodate future demand while maintaining the handling standards required for perishables. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 CARGOCONNECT 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬!
FlyUs Aviation Group (FlyUs), the global General Sales and Services Agent (GSSA), has expanded its partnership with Air Canada through the opening of a new office in Puerto Rico, where it will represent the airline’s cargo business. Under the appointment, FlyUs will support Air Canada’s cargo capacity on three weekly freighter flights between Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) and the carrier’s Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) hub, providing onward connections to Air Canada’s extensive global network. The move brings a particular focus on temperature-sensitive cargo. Puerto Rico is the leading US bioscience manufacturing hub by export volume, creating significant demand for reliable, temperature-controlled air freight capacity. FlyUs President and Chief Executive Officer Carlo de Haas said the company’s experience in handling pharmaceuticals, perishables and flowers positions its local team to support Air Canada and its customers with specialised shipments. The Puerto Rico appointment builds on an established relationship between the two companies. FlyUs already represents Air Canada in Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Ecuador and several Central American countries. Matthieu Casey, Managing Director, Commercial – Cargo, Air Canada, said FlyUs had established itself as a trusted partner through its performance across multiple markets, making Puerto Rico a logical extension of the relationship. He highlighted reliable cargo uplift from one of the United States’ significant export markets as an important element of Air Canada’s cargo offering. The expansion also advances FlyUs’ broader international growth strategy. The company currently represents 24 airlines across 28 locations, with further office openings planned for the remainder of 2026 and into 2027. According to de Haas, the Puerto Rico office will strengthen the group’s global footprint and its ability to deploy specialist cargo expertise in markets where airline partners need support. FlyUs is also scheduled to participate in the International Air Cargo Association’s Air Cargo Forum in Miami, Florida, from 26–29 October 2026.
Air India SATS Airport Services (AISATS) has introduced short-term Warehousing Solution (STW) at its BLR Logistics Park, offering freight forwarders and shippers flexible storage for urgent, last-minute and temporary cargo requirements. Designed for both general and temperature-controlled cargo, the solution enables customers to access storage on demand, with rental periods starting from just one day and no long-term lease requirements. Within its first year of operations, the AISATS BLR Logistics Park witnessed strong market traction and is on track to achieve full occupancy, underpinned by a compelling total cost of ownership proposition for customers. Spread across eight acres, the integrated facility brings together Grade A warehousing, a customs-bonded warehouse, a consolidation centre, cold storage, office spaces and a suite of value-added logistics services within a single ecosystem. In addition to storage, customers can access cargo inter-shuttle services, packing and labelling support, dedicated manpower, forklift service and other cargo facilitation services, making the Logistics Park a one-stop solution for their end-to-end warehousing and logistics requirements. Strategically located in close proximity to the airport and with seamless access to NH44, the facility helps significantly reduce transit times and transportation costs by eliminating the need to move cargo to off-airport warehouses located 40-50 kilometres away. The facility has attracted leading multinational logistics companies, including DHL, DSV, FedEx, Kuehne+Nagel, CEVA Logistics etc. which have established operations at the Logistics Park. The new STW extends these capabilities to mid-sized and smaller freight forwarders, shippers and businesses with occasional storage requirements. Instead of leasing dedicated warehouse space for extended periods, customers can access the facility on a short-term basis, according to their flexible needs. The solution is particularly relevant during peak cargo periods such as Diwali, Christmas and New Year, as well as for project cargo and oversized or specialised consignments. Recently STW solution was used to store odd-sized medical equipment that required special care, and special chemicals and pharmaceutical ingredients at its common user cold storage facility. Commenting on the development, Salim Chaudhary, Chief Operations Officer, AISATS, said, “The AISATS BLR Logistics Park was developed to address Bengaluru’s evolving air cargo and logistics requirements through world-class, integrated infrastructure. The response from the market has been extremely encouraging, with occupancy already reaching 70%, reflecting the strong value proposition and cost efficiencies the facility offers. As cargo volumes grow, we are witnessing increasing demand for flexible storage solutions, particularly for urgent, short-duration and specialised cargo requirements. Our Short-term Warehousing Solution has been introduced to address this need, enabling freight forwarders and shippers to access premium warehousing infrastructure on demand, without the constraints of long-term commitments.” With demand being driven by high-value sectors including electronics, semiconductors, engineering goods, aerospace and pharmaceuticals, the AISATS BLR Logistics Park is well-positioned to play a critical role in supporting the region’s evolving supply chain and logistics requirements. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 CARGOCONNECT 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬!
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.
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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.
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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
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