The Union Budget 2025-26, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, underscores the government's commitment to strengthening India's logistics and supply chain infrastructure. Building upon previous initiatives, the budget introduces several key measures aimed at enhancing efficiency, connectivity, and sustainability in the sector. Maritime Development Fund A significant highlight is the establishment of a ₹250 billion ($3 billion) Maritime Development Fund aimed at revitalising India's shipbuilding and repair industry. The government will contribute 49% to this fund, with the remainder sourced from ports and private entities. This initiative seeks to enhance maritime infrastructure, reduce dependence on foreign carriers, and position India as a formidable player in global shipping. Plans include promoting shipbuilding clusters and extending a 10-year import tax exemption on inputs for shipbuilding and shipbreaking activities. Additionally, credit notes for shipbreaking will be issued to encourage the scrapping of old vessels and the construction of new ones. Expansion of Air Cargo and Regional Connectivity Recognising the critical role of air cargo in facilitating trade, especially for high-value perishable goods, the budget proposes significant investments in modernising air cargo infrastructure. This includes the development of state-of-the-art warehousing facilities equipped with advanced technology to ensure efficient handling and storage. Additionally, cargo screening and customs procedures will be streamlined to improve efficiency and reduce transit times and costs for exporters and importers. To further strengthen regional connectivity, the budget introduces a modified UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) scheme. This initiative aims to connect 120 new destinations using turboprop aircraft and helicopters, with a target of carrying 40 million passengers over the next decade. The scheme includes substantial incentives and development plans for smaller airports, helipads, and greenfield airports, particularly in hilly and northeastern regions. This expansion is expected to bolster regional trade and integrate remote areas into the national economy. Capital Expenditure and Technological Integration The government has consistently increased budgetary allocations for infrastructure to reduce logistics costs and enhance supply chain efficiencies. Capital expenditures grew by 28.4% in FY24 and are expected to grow by 17% in FY25. This sustained investment underscores the government's commitment to strengthening the logistics framework. Additionally, there is a focus on technological integration, with expectations of reforms that will further accelerate growth and efficiency in the logistics sector. Industry Reactions Industry leaders have lauded the budget's balanced approach to strengthening infrastructure, manufacturing, and consumer spending. Key measures include tax relief for the middle class, increased access to essential drugs, promotion of electric vehicle production, incentives for renewable energy, and support for the agricultural ecosystem. Experts are optimistic about the budget's potential to increase disposable incomes and drive consumer demand while emphasising the importance of continued fiscal discipline and improvements in the ease of doing business. The budget includes significant steps towards developing India's startup ecosystem, enhancing real estate accessibility, and expanding global supply chains. Rampraveen Swaminathan, Managing Director and CEO of Mahindra Logistics, emphasises that the Union Budget reinforces India's position as one of the fastest-growing major economies, strengthening the roadmap for overall growth in consumption and infrastructure. He highlights that the ‘National Manufacturing Mission’ and 'Make in India' initiatives will further accelerate domestic production, fueling 'Move in India'—a vision for seamless cargo movement across the country. Additionally, the sustained emphasis on infrastructure development, along with a three-year project pipeline under the PPP model and state-backed incentives for capital expenditure, lays a strong foundation for future growth. He further notes that the budget’s focus on logistics modernisation—including PM Gati Shakti, streamlined air cargo warehousing, and the new BharatTradeNet initiative—will enhance India's logistics ecosystem. Aligned with these developments, Mahindra Logistics remains committed to leveraging technology, driving efficiency, and strengthening supply chain resilience. "We look forward to collaboratively building a future-ready, sustainable, and tech-driven logistics landscape, aligned with India's growth ambitions," he adds. C.K. Govil, President of the Air Cargo Agents Association of India (ACAAI) & Chairman and Managing Director of Activair Airfreight India, acknowledges that the Union Budget 2025-26 presents a balanced roadmap that fuels economic expansion while maintaining fiscal prudence. He highlights that for the logistics, air cargo, and supply chain industries, the budget introduces key initiatives aimed at enhancing efficiency, reducing costs, and driving modernisation. He further emphasises that these measures will strengthen the overall logistics framework, ensuring seamless operations and improved competitiveness. "The focus on infrastructure development and digital integration will play a crucial role in shaping a more efficient and resilient supply chain ecosystem," he adds.
With the opening of the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) in late May, air passengers in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) will soon face a crucial choice—whether to fly from the new facility or continue using the existing Mumbai airport. However, within a decade, this decision will become less relevant as the new airport is set to become the region’s primary hub. By the early 2030s, Navi Mumbai airport is expected to take over the bulk of flight operations in the MMR, relegating Mumbai airport to a secondary role. In the immediate term, Mumbai airport’s Terminal 1 (T1) at Santacruz (East) is set to cease operations, affecting approximately 15 million annual passengers. Of these, 10 million will be accommodated at Navi Mumbai airport’s T1, while the remaining five million will move to Terminal 2 (T2) at Sahar. As part of this transition, Mumbai T2’s passenger capacity will be increased from 40 million to 45 million. This shift is expected to ease congestion at the heavily burdened Mumbai airport, improving air traffic flow and reducing waiting times for arrivals and departures. Most general aviation services, including private jets and chartered aircraft, are also set to move to NMIA. Globally, major metropolitan regions operate with multiple airports, with one acting as the primary hub and others supporting regional and domestic operations. London, for instance, has Heathrow as its main airport, with Gatwick, Stansted, and Luton functioning as secondaries. Similarly, in New York, John F. Kennedy Airport serves as the primary gateway, while Newark and LaGuardia cater to additional air traffic. Following this global model, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region is preparing for a structured redistribution of air travel demand, where Navi Mumbai will take precedence, and Mumbai airport will eventually serve as a supporting facility. Currently, Mumbai airport manages 55 million passengers annually, making it India’s second busiest after Delhi. As NMIA starts handling 10 million passengers in its first year and expands to 20 million by mid-2026, its trajectory will reshape the region’s aviation landscape. The first terminal at NMIA has a capacity of 20 million passengers per annum (PPA) and is expected to reach full capacity in record time. A second terminal, with a handling capacity of 30 million PPA, is scheduled to be ready by 2029. Mumbai T2 and NMIA T1 will undergo phased expansions between 2026 and 2029 to accommodate demand surges. NMIA is designed for continuous expansion, with successive infrastructure developments over the next decade. Eventually, it will surpass Mumbai airport, featuring parallel runways and multiple terminal buildings to accommodate future passenger growth. By 2032, with the commissioning of Terminal 3 and Terminal 4, NMIA’s handling capacity will reach 90 million passengers per year, solidifying its status as the region’s dominant airport. Comparatively, Mumbai airport, constrained by spatial limitations and urban encroachment, will be unable to match this scale and will settle into the role of a secondary airport. BVJK Sharma, CEO of Navi Mumbai International Airport, expressed confidence in NMIA’s ability to revolutionise the region’s air travel. “The Navi Mumbai airport is well supported by multimodal connectivity, and we are confident in meeting MMR’s ever-increasing demand. I am positive that the airport will contribute greatly to the region’s and country’s growth,” he stated. Despite these developments, NMIA’s rise will not be enough to help MMR regain its former dominance in India’s aviation sector. Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, already India’s busiest, is set to expand further, ensuring the National Capital Region remains the country’s leading aviation hub. With Navi Mumbai and Mumbai airports projected to handle a combined 100 million passengers per year by 2032, MMR will remain a critical aviation centre but will lag behind Delhi in total air traffic volume. Source: The Times of India
Singapore’s Changi Airport is sharpening its focus on pharmaceuticals and e-commerce shipments to navigate constrained cargo capacity until planned expansion in the 2030s. According to Lim Ching Kiat, Executive Vice President of Air Hub and Cargo Development at Changi Airport Group, current facilities face mounting pressure due to growing regional demand, necessitating strategic tenant and cargo type management. E-commerce continues to be a key growth driver for air cargo globally, fueled by major players like Shein, Temu, and TikTok Shop. At the same time, Singapore is solidifying its position as Southeast Asia’s preferred pharmaceutical hub, attracting investments from global biopharma giants such as Thermo Fisher, Sanofi, BioNTech, and MSD. Looking ahead, Changi Airport plans to launch a second logistics park by the 2030s, aiming to increase its annual cargo capacity from 3 million tons to 5.4 million tons. The new free trade zone will further expedite cargo handling and redistribution. In 2024, Changi Airport reported handling 1.99 million tons of airfreight, a 14.6% rise from 2023, driven by robust cross-border e-commerce demand, improved trade routes with China and the U.S., and recovering electronics exports. Top air cargo markets included China, Australia, the U.S., Hong Kong, and India.
Tata-owned Air India began operations on its flagship Airbus A350-900 aircraft from Delhi to Newark, New Jersey, on Thursday. This marks a key expansion of Air India's A350 service, following the inaugural Delhi-New York (JFK) route launched on November 1, 2024. The move makes the A350 the exclusive aircraft serving all direct flights between India's capital and New York region destinations, the airline announced. Air India's ongoing enhancements to its international route network aim to optimse schedules, boost connectivity, and improve cabin experiences. From 2025, Air India plans to deploy upgraded A350 and Boeing 777 aircraft on key U.S. and UK routes while extending premium services to Southeast Asia and Europe gateways. These updates are designed to offer seamless intercontinental travel options for passengers connecting between North America, Europe, Australia, and Southeast Asia via Air India hubs in Delhi and Mumbai. Currently, Air India operates a combined fleet of 298 aircraft, servicing 55 domestic and 48 international destinations. By 2027, the airline aims to add 100 planes, supplementing its fleet with Vistara's assets and upcoming new aircraft to maintain competitiveness, particularly on metro routes and corporate-heavy international sectors like London and Frankfurt. Despite these ambitions, the airline faces challenges with aging Boeing 777 aircraft impacting its North America operations.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for November 2024 global air cargo markets showing: Total demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometers (CTK), rose by 8.2% compared to November 2023 levels (9.5% for international operations) for a 16th consecutive month of growth. Capacity, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometers (ACTK), increased by 4.6% compared to November 2023 (6.5% for international operations). "It was a good November for air cargo with 8.2% demand growth nearly doubling the 4.6% growth in cargo capacity. Fuel costs tracked at 22% below previous-year levels and tight market conditions supported yield growth at 7.8%. All things considered we are looking to close out 2024 air cargo performance on a profitable note. While this strong performance is very likely to extend into 2025, there are some downside risks that must be carefully watched. These include inflation, geopolitical uncertainties and trade tensions,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General. Several factors in the operating environment should be noted: Year-on-year, industrial production rose 2.1% in October. Global goods trade grew for a seventh consecutive month, reporting a 1.6% increase. The Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) for global manufacturing output was above the 50-mark for November, indicating growth. However, the PMI for new export orders remained below the 50-mark, suggesting ongoing uncertainty and weakness in global trade. US headline inflation, based on the annual Consumer Price Index (CPI), rose by 0.1 percentage points to 2.7% in November. In the same month, the inflation rate in the EU increased by 0.2 percentage points to 2.5%. China’s consumer inflation fell to 0.2% in November, continuing concerns of an economic slowdown. November Regional Performance Asia-Pacific airlines saw 13.2% year-on-year demand growth for air cargo in November, the strongest growth among the regions. Capacity increased by 9.4% year-on-year. North American carriers saw 6.9% year-on-year demand growth for air cargo in November. Capacity increased by 2.2% year-on-year. European carriers saw 5.6% year-on-year demand growth for air cargo in November. Capacity increased 4.3% year-on-year. Middle Eastern carriers saw 3.6% year-on-year demand growth for air cargo in November. Capacity decreased by 0.6% year-on-year. Latin American carriers saw 11.6% year-on-year demand growth for air cargo in November. Capacity increased 6.4% year-on-year. African airlines saw a 0.7% year-on-year decrease in demand for air cargo in November, the slowest among regions. Capacity increased by 0.4% year-on-year. Trade Lane Growth: International routes experienced exceptional traffic levels for the 16th consecutive month with a 9.5% year-on-year increase in November. Airlines are benefiting from rising e-commerce demand in the US and Europe amid ongoing capacity limits in ocean shipping.
Challenge Group unveiled its newest Boeing 747-400 production freighter registered under its Belgian AOC. With this acquisition, Challenge Group’s fleet now consists of 10 state-of-the-art aircraft, including six Boeing 747-400F and four Boeing 767-300F freighters, trebling its fleet in less than three years. This expansion positions the company to meet increasing customer demand with greater efficiency and flexibility. The new aircraft will significantly enhance Challenge Group’s capacity and frequency, addressing rising demand for perishable transportation out of Africa, e-commerce shipments from China, and transatlantic trade. Predominantly serving the e-commerce sector from China, the Boeing 747-400F will also support diverse industries and verticals with its versatile cargo capabilities. “The addition of the Boeing 747-400F is a pivotal step in Challenge Group’s fleet strategy,” said Or Zak, Chief Commercial Officer at Challenge Group. “It reinforces our ability to respond to the evolving demands of the air freight capacity while expanding our capability to serve new markets. This aircraft exemplifies our commitment to operational flexibility and providing additional solutions for our customers.” This expansion aligns with Challenge Group’s long-term strategy to grow its fleet and increase its market reach. By incorporating advanced freighters like the Boeing 747-400 production freighter, the company is well-positioned to deploy additional capacity as needed and strengthen its global network.
The Italian ministry for business cleared the acquisition process of Piaggio Aerospace and its subsidiary, Aviation, by a Turkish aerospace manufacturer called Baykar Technologies, concluding a chaotic tenure for the already beleaguered Italian aviation company. Piaggio Aerospace was under extraordinary administration from December 2018. In June 2023, a report from the government-commissioned commissioners stated that 18 EOIs have been submitted to acquire. After scrutinising several propositions, the commissioners found that Baykar's proposal stood out to be the best for the company's stakeholders, creditors, and potential future prospects. “The re-launch of the company is assured, supported by a clear and ambitious industrial vision," declared Senator Adolfo Urso, Minister of Enterprise and Made in Italy. The Ministry confirmed Baykar's commitment to preserving and developing Piaggio's production capacity, protecting its workforce, and maintaining its strategic importance for Italy. Despite financial pressure, Piaggio Aerospace managed to deliver a sizeable portfolio of orders worth €556 million ($610 million) by 2023 and held a total order backlog with 17 examples of the advanced P.180 Avanti EVO aircraft in the books. The company also continued to innovate with the twin-turboprop P.1HH HammerHead drone currently being used by the UAE Air Force. Under the leadership of Baykar, Piaggio is poised to leverage its advancements in aviation while gaining from Baykar’s expertise, thereby ensuring a sustainable and innovative future for the esteemed Italian manufacturer.
ECS Group’s subsidiary, Globe Air Cargo India, has been appointed as the GSSA for Thai Airways in Bangalore and Cochin. This partnership, effective since September 1, 2024, aims to strengthen Thai Airways’ operational capacity and connectivity in India, facilitating access to key markets in the Far East, Europe, and Australia. Under the new contract, Globe Air Cargo India oversees daily A350-900 flights from Bangalore, each providing a cargo capacity of 15 tons. Initially operating 3 weekly flights, Cochin has now expanded to daily operations, contributing an additional 2.5 tons per flight approximately. This strategic move significantly bolsters Thai Airways’ cargo network within India, with Globe Air Cargo India now managing four of the airline’s eight major stations nationwide, and handling over 40% of its total exports. The primary commodities expected to benefit from this agreement include pharmaceuticals, perishables, garments, spices, and automotive parts, supported by improved logistics and streamlined connections. Jean Ceccaldi, CEO of ECS Group, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration: “Our partnership with Thai Airways underscores the trust in our expertise and operational excellence. Expanding our footprint in India through this contract enables us to support Thai Airways in optimising its reach and enhancing trade flows between India and international markets.” Girish Kunder, Managing Director of Globe Air Cargo India, echoed these sentiments: “This partnership marks an exciting chapter for Globe Air Cargo India as we join forces with Thai Airways to boost cargo capacity and connectivity across key routes. Leveraging our resources and experience, we are dedicated to delivering a seamless experience for our customers and positively impacting the air cargo industry in India.” Veera-Anong Pookgaman, Team lead of Cargo and Mail Sales at Thai Airways also emphasised the importance of the collaboration: “Partnering with Globe Air Cargo India aligns perfectly with our strategy to strengthen our presence in the Indian market. Their extensive experience and commitment to service excellence assure us that this collaboration will enhance the reliability and efficiency of our cargo services, meeting the diverse needs of our clients.” This contract marks a significant milestone for ECS Group as Globe Air Cargo India assumes a pivotal role in supporting Thai Airways’ expansion and operational success in India’s dynamic cargo sector.
Etihad Cargo, the cargo and logistics arm of Etihad Airways, has introduced significant updates to its IATA CEIV-certified LiveAnimals product, enhancing services to extend journey times and implement specialised provisions for brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds. These changes, effective from 1st November 2024, reflect Etihad Cargo's commitment to animal welfare, aligning with international standards to provide pet owners with flexible, high-standard travel options. The maximum transportation time for cats and dogs has been extended from 17 hours to 24 hours, applicable from acceptance at origin to the scheduled time of arrival (STA) at the final destination, in line with IATA and European Union Commission international regulations. This extension ensures that pets can undertake longer journeys safely and comfortably. Etihad Cargo has also implemented a seasonal policy to permit the transport of brachycephalic cats and dogs from 1st November to 1st March. Known for respiratory sensitivities, these breeds require specialised care during air travel, and the winter period provides safer travel conditions. All brachycephalic breeds will need additional checks, documentation, and approval from Etihad Cargo's Live Animals experts to ensure they are fit to fly safely. Commenting on the enhancements, Thomas Schürmann, Head of Cargo Operations and Delivery, said: "With these enhancements, Etihad Cargo is raising the standard of pet transport by extending the LiveAnimals offering for pets requiring longer journey times and by catering specifically to brachycephalic breeds during winter months. Etihad Cargo is committed to the highest levels of animal welfare, which has driven these improvements to meet the needs of pet owners and shippers globally." Etihad Cargo offers a comprehensive portfolio of specialised products tailored to meet diverse customer needs, including its IATA CEIV-certified LiveAnimals product for live animal shipments, temperature-controlled solutions for pharmaceuticals, and secure handling for high-value cargo. With an expanding global network and innovative logistics solutions, Etihad Cargo provides safe, reliable, and efficient air freight services across key markets worldwide.
Lufthansa Cargo’s subsidiary time:matters GmbH and Shenzhen Airport Group Co., Ltd. have agreed to deepen their relationship with a focus on logistics handling services. Shenzhen Airport, located in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, is a key player in the e-commerce industry, experiencing a significant increase in air transport volume for cross-border e-commerce. Lufthansa Cargo has been operating a scheduled freighter connection between Shenzhen and Frankfurt twice a week since July 2024, integrating the logistics advantages of both international hubs to serve the growing demand in the e-commerce segment, especially to Europe. Furthermore, Lufthansa Cargo and Shenzhen Airport Group Co., Ltd. have been successfully operating the International Cargo Centre Shenzhen (ICCS), officially registered as Shenzhen Airport International Cargo Terminal Co., Ltd. since 2004 as joint shareholders. Last week, time:matters Courier Terminals GmbH, a wholly owned subsidiary of time:matters GmbH, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the International Cargo Centre Shenzhen, marking a significant step towards a successful collaboration in delivering high-performance logistics handling services. The two companies have agreed to build a future-oriented relationship. “With the International Cargo Centre Shenzhen (ICCS) having delivered high-quality cargo handling services for the past 20 years, this collaboration represents a forward-looking partnership in the logistics industry further enabling global business”, stated Ashwin Bhat, CEO of Lufthansa Cargo, who witnessed the ceremonial signing in Frankfurt. Wong Ching Hao Ben, General Manager of Shenzhen Airport International Cargo Terminal Co., Ltd. shared at the MoU signing ceremony, “It’s the highlight of ICCS overall corporate development strategy, which is in line with Shenzhen Airport Group’s strategy and China’s national strategic planning of the Greater Bay Area.” “The handling services and drive for innovation of both time:matters and ICCS complement each other ideally, with time:matters offering fastest freight handling at highest process quality on routes that run via our Courier Terminals in Frankfurt (FRA) and Shanghai (PVG), amongst others”, said Bernhard zur Strassen, CEO of time:matters GmbH. “This collaboration is expected to bring mutual benefits for both parties, and further strengthen our global growth path in the logistics industry.”
To accommodate the expected eightfold increase in smartphone exports-which is estimated to cross $180 billion by 2030-the Indian mobile phone industry has requested that the government enhance air cargo handling facilities. The plea was issued by the India Cellular and Electronics Association, stressing the need for expansion since existing airports are almost at saturation point. A major hurdle for the electronics industry is the turnaround time at customs, which is delaying the time it takes to process shipments, said ICEA Chairman Pankaj Mohindroo. "The factory-to-export process starts on Day 1 in China, but it doesn't start until Day 2 in India.” Given the enormous disparity in export volumes between the two nations, this gap is very worrisome,” Mohindroo stated, noting that in 2023, China’s electronics exports will amount to $959 billion, more than 30 times India’s $29 billion. India’s air cargo exports are already dominated by electronics, which come in second overall, behind petroleum and technical items. Since present airport infrastructure operates at almost 100% capacity, ICEA highlights the fact that major improvements are needed to achieve the aggressive export plan. According to Mohindroo, building new airports and expanding existing airports are necessary for India to be able to absorb the growth in exports. Mobile phones comprised $15 billion of India's $29.1 billion in electronics exports during the 2023–24 fiscal year. Mohindroo notes that a huge increase in the country's air freight capacity is needed if the electronics industry target of $500 billion is going to be achieved by 2030. Electronics exports would surpass other exports in volume and prove to be a significant player in the air cargo market of India due to its surge. Currently, mobile phone exports, account for 55% of India's exports at the airport in Delhi, with the remaining 30% and 10% at the airports in Madras and Bangalore respectively. But Mohindroo stated that most the airports are lacking room for docking, truck parking, and loading/unloading for integral cargo handling activities, which makes it more complex in the logistics of electronics that are sensitive in both weather and temperature. The ad hoc nature of brokers' customs procedures also worsens delays. ICEA requires clearance timeframes to become faster and processes better organised to deal with these problems. The Indian government's bid to construct 50 new airports over the next five years is an important factor that boosts air cargo capacity. The ministry of trade has recently presented tax breaks, cheaper aircraft fuel costs, and the building of infrastructure to help air cargo. To boost exports, Mohindroo also mentioned the construction of new airports, such as the Noida International Airport and the greenfield airports in Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra. Notably, two of India’s leading exporters of mobile phones are Apple and Samsung, both of which have significant production facilities in Tamil Nadu and Noida. According to ICEA, enhancing infrastructure will help make it easier for exports, with an ambitious plan for Rs 20,000 crore greenfield airport at Parandur, Tamil Nadu. The new airport is envisaged to accommodate 10 crore passengers every year and is supposed to have a cargo terminal too. These infrastructural up-gradations are necessary to ensure growth in the next ten years because India is an emerging global hub for mobile phone exports.
Air India Express has increased operations threefold from Guwahati, Dibrugarh and Silchar-in northeast India, with its winter schedule aimed at improving connectivity based on rising demand. It recently increased its flights from Guwahati to 106 a week, compared with 63 a week in the previous winter, and will operate direct services to eight destinations: Agartala, Bengaluru, Chennai, Coimbatore, Delhi, Kochi, Kolkata, and Pune besides one-stop connectivity to many cities. In Imphal, weekly flights have increased to 34. With Agartala, the number of weekly flights has grown from 14 to 21; all are directly connected to Guwahati and Kolkata. This network is part of Air India Express's enhanced winter services all over the country and internal connectivity in many more regions. Ankur Garg, Chief Commercial Officer of Air India Express stated that the increase in flight operations will ease accessibility and usability to travel into and out of the Northeast. "Guwahati and other airports are turning out to be strong centres on the national network. A fleet size of above 90 aircraft gives us the muscle to push for expected and expected increases in demand coming from the emerging urban centres across India," he said. Source: Devdiscourse
Air India Group recently announced a senior management rejig ahead of the merger of Vistara with Air India. As part of this exercise, Vistara chief executive Vinod Kanan will continue in the role of Chief Integration Officer post-merger, a position he has also held during the process of merging the two entities. Apart from this, he will be a member of the management committee and directly report to Air India CEO Campbell Wilson, a statement said. Full-service carrier Vistara, a 51:49 per cent joint venture between Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines, is all set to merge with Air India on November 12. It added that Deepak Rajawat, Chief Commercial Officer of Vistara will assume the role of Chief Financial Officer at the low-cost arm Air India Express, reporting to its chief executive officer Aloke Singh and also support Air India Group CFO Sanjay Sharma in strategic initiatives and projects. Consequently, Vikas Agarwal, the present CFO of Air India Express, would shift to a new role in Air India, it said. Senior vice president for flight operations at Vistara Hamish Maxwell will take an advisory role to the Air India Express chief executive, Aloke Singh, following the statement, as Pushpinder Singh, Chief Operation Officer of the Air India Express returns to flying. The company said that it will announce a successor to Singh in due course. In addition, Deepa Chadha and Vinod Bhatt, senior vice president HR & Corporate Affairs and Chief Information Officer of Vistara respectively will assume other senior positions in other Tata group companies. The statement further said that Vistara CFO Niyant Maru, who had continued beyond his superannuation date to see through the completion of the merger, would retire at the end of his current term. According to reports, all Air India Group CXO and reporting lines roles remain unaffected. "Over the past two years, the four Tata airlines have worked hard to prepare for and execute one of the most complex mergers in aviation history, consolidating from four airlines to two in the context of dramatic growth and wholesale transformation. As we now approach the end of that process, have formalised a Group leadership comprising colleagues from all four antecedent airlines to drive the next phase of our journey," said Wilson.
Octoloop, in collaboration with CargoFlash Infotech, announced a major expansion across India by connecting its logistics platform to 10 more cities: Ahmedabad, Goa, Chennai, Calcutta, Bangalore, Amritsar, Hyderabad, Cochin, and Trivandrum. The above cities join the existing established hubs of Octoloop in Delhi and Mumbai, making a strong network of 12 strategic locations across India. This expansion is beneficial to the customers of Octoloop in these economic centers and enables access to Qatar Airways Cargo's vast global network of over 150 destinations worldwide. The partnership will make cargo logistics easier for local businesses, helping them further their aspirations to scale international markets by streamlining their shipping options, easing the booking process, and using seamless digital integration through the CargoFlash technology platform. There is growing demand for cargo services as a result of India's burgeoning economy, and this demand is even more acute for small and medium-sized enterprises looking for global reach. This expanded network of Octoloop stands ready to fill this demand by ensuring faster shipping and wider access to global markets. This development opens better logistics efficiencies and competitive advantages in global trade to Indian businesses. Our vision has always been to make global logistics accessible and efficient for businesses," said an Octoloop spokesperson. With the reliable reach of Qatar Airways Cargo, customers of Octoloop can now ship high-value, time-sensitive goods with more confidence into key markets in Europe, the Americas, Africa, and Asia. The feature of service, which differentiates the offerings of Octoloop is that it makes businesses trace shipping processes on the web from booking to tracking with an easy digital interface. This digital capability will ease out logistical complexities while allowing streamlining of business in the highly dynamic market today. With this growth of Octoloop, further advancement into India's global cargo ecosystem provides better scope for local businesses and positions the country in a very crucial space for logistics hubbing in international trade.
Menzies Aviation announced an extension of its partnership with Wipro to implement the MACH cargo management system at 28 additional stations globally in 2025. This follows the successful roll-out of MACH in 24 locations across four continents in 2024, with 13 additional airports scheduled to come on-line in the next months. Since the launch in November 2023, MACH, or Menzies Aviation Cargo Handling, has already been launched in key airports such as Auckland (AKL), Dallas Fort Worth (DFW), and O. R. Tambo International (JNB). Since put into service, the system has already handled over 150,000 tonnes of cargo and provided real-time data insights for its users. The system will serve more than 3,000 end-users, and 600 of Menzies' employees have already been trained in using the system. MACH is actually changing cargo management at Menzies through a totally cloud-based, end-to-end solution that offers real-time access across devices. With the 'single source of truth' it runs automatically, populating electronic information to improve data accuracy with a seamless integration with the other systems to simplify and standardise processes. “We are very excited to confirm the second phase of the MACH roll-out, which will see the system implemented at an additional 28 locations across the world. The first phase of the programme will be completed over the coming months, which is testament to the successful offering, and sharing the multiple benefits of this pioneering and cutting-edge system to our airline customers across our global network,” Rory Fidler, SVP Cargo Technology, Menzies Aviation, said. Commenting on the development, Omkar Nisal, UKI Managing Director, Wipro Limited, said, “Leveraging advanced automation, real-time data integration, and streamlined workflows, our solution is helping Menzies handle more shipments with fewer resources, leading to cost savings and faster turnaround times. Through real-time data integration, Menzies is now able to have better visibility into the supply chain, allowing them to identify and resolve issues promptly, thus ensuring timely deliveries and customer satisfaction.”
Lufthansa Cargo enhances its strategic presence in China through major new partnerships, government support, and marks a vital moment in the airline's growing influence within Asia Pacific's logistics landscape. Shanghai Airport Authorities, Air China Cargo, and China Postal Express & Logistics Co., Ltd. signed cooperation agreements that were signed by Ashwin Bhat, CEO Lufthansa Cargo while on a recent visit to China. This speaks to Lufthansa Cargo's strategic commitment to further reinforce its position in the increasingly booming aviation and logistics market of China. Shanghai Airport Authority and Lufthansa Cargo have taken a significant step towards strengthening their partnership with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The MOU aims to establish a framework to further develop cooperation in focused areas, enhancing operational efficiencies, and improving customer experiences through innovative solutions and shared expertise. It also recognizes the strategic goal of jointly developing Shanghai Pudong Airport into the world's most competitive Asia-Pacific core hub and actively exploring ways to deepen the partnership. "The last 25 years of partnership through our joint venture have yielded excellent results for both parties. The MOU marks the beginning of our cooperation journey, and we look forward to even closer collaboration in the years ahead", commented Feng Xin, CEO of Shanghai Airport Authority. Both - the Shanghai Airport Authority and Lufthansa Cargo - are committed to leveraging their strengths and resources to drive the success of this partnership and achieve their shared objectives. “The MOU represents a significant milestone in our collaboration and sets the stage for a deeper and more fruitful partnership in the future.” said Ashwin Bhat, CEO of Lufthansa Cargo. “Shanghai is the biggest freight hub for Lufthansa Cargo next to our hub in Frankfurt and the MOU gives us the confidence and commitment to further contribute to business excellence in this strategically important market." The Shanghai Municipal Government supports Lufthansa Cargo Ashwin Bhat, CEO of Lufthansa Cargo also met Shanghai Vice Mayor Hua Yuan together with delegation of Lufthansa Cargo to report on the industry status and strategic direction of Lufthansa Cargo in Shanghai and China. They discussed the sustainability and digital development of the aviation logistics, the development of cross-border e-commerce and the strengthening of further cooperation with local enterprises. During the meeting, the Shanghai government expressed very positive and supportive signals for the cooperation with Lufthansa Cargo. “Shanghai actively develops the sector of aviation logistics and attaches great importance to the development of cross-border e-commerce business. The Shanghai Municipal Government is willing to work together to promote Lufthansa Cargo's deeper participation in the development of Shanghai, including closer cooperation between the Company and the Airports Group, facilitating cooperation among the enterprises and top e-commerce platforms, and jointly boosting the digital integration of China and Germany's customs”, commented Vice Mayor Hua Yuan. “Lufthansa Cargo is encouraged to further increase investment and business layout in Shanghai, deepen transformation and cooperation with Chinese related enterprises in the fields of aviation digitization, intelligence and greening, and make contributions to promoting the development of Shanghai's overseas logistics transportation and promoting Sino-German economic and trade exchanges.”
AeroNet has launched its innovative ETSO C90d Certified Air Cargo Pallet, featuring a Removable Seat Track, set to transform unit load device (ULD) maintenance and significantly cut costs and repair times for users and maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) operations. Drawing on 20 years of experience in MRO, AeroNet has developed this solution to tackle the persistent issues of time-consuming and expensive repairs associated with air cargo pallets. For airlines and ULD lessors, ensuring an aircraft's operational readiness is critical. AeroNet's Removable Seat Track simplifies repairs by enabling operators to replace only the damaged section, thereby eliminating the need for costly full base extrusion replacements. This innovation translates to reduced downtime and costs, ensuring that ULDs are available promptly for operations. The new design allows for rapid repairs; operators can fix a damaged Seat Track by removing just three rivets, retaining the existing base extrusion. This process cuts repair time from 45 minutes to just five, enhancing turnaround times (TAT) and productivity while minimising operational disruptions. Additionally, replacing corner parts is now streamlined, requiring only one screw instead of multiple rivets, which simplifies maintenance tasks even further. The compact design of the Removable Seat Track, measuring 13 inches (330 mm), also leads to reductions in shipping and storage costs, as it occupies less space compared to full base extrusions. Built with robust materials to withstand demanding conditions, AeroNet’s Certified Air Cargo Pallet promises long-term reliability, making it a wise investment. With this ground-breaking solution, AeroNet is poised to redefine efficiency, safety, and cost savings in the ULD sector.
The Port of Klaipėda has taken a major step toward sustainable logistics by signing a contract with “MT Group” to establish Lithuania's first green hydrogen production and public refuelling station. This initiative is set to revolutionise the port's energy infrastructure, offering a cleaner alternative for powering ships, vehicles, and industrial operations. Under the contract, “MT Group” will provide the necessary equipment for producing green hydrogen through electrolysis using a polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) electrolyser. The project is expected to generate around 500 kilograms of hydrogen per day, with a total annual capacity of up to 127 tonnes. The hydrogen will primarily support port operations, including powering a vessel designed to collect waste from ships. Additional hydrogen will be available for refuelling public transport, ships, and land-based vehicles, marking a significant step towards decarbonising logistics. The project, which is expected to be fully operational by 2026, reflects Klaipėda Port’s commitment to environmental sustainability. The production facility will operate with a power demand of up to 3 MW and utilise approximately 11 cubic meters of water per day, making it more water-efficient compared to other industrial processes like car washes. The initiative is partly funded by the European Union Investment Programme 2021-2027 and the “New Generation Lithuania” Economic Recovery and Resilience Plan, with a total project cost of EUR 10.5 million. Klaipėda Port’s green hydrogen project sets a new standard for green energy integration in the Baltic region, aligning with global efforts to reduce carbon emissions and embrace renewable energy in the logistics sector.
On October 24, Pune International Airport (PIA), managed by AAI Cargo Logistics and Allied Services (AAICLAS), made history by becoming the first non-metro airport in the AAICLAS network to handle over 100 metric tons (MT) of cargo in a single day. This significant milestone underscores the airport’s growing role in India’s air logistics sector. The main commodities contributing to this achievement include perishables (30%), automotive parts (20%), e-commerce (20%), general cargo (20%), and pharmaceuticals (10%). These figures reflect Pune’s diverse industrial base, with its manufacturing and pharmaceutical sectors playing key roles. Santosh Dhoke, Airport Director, expressed pride in this accomplishment, stating, "This is a proud moment for Pune airport, as it reflects the growing cargo potential of the region and our commitment to operational excellence. We are grateful to our partners and customers for their trust and look forward to continuing this momentum." He attributed the surge in cargo movement to increased demand from local industries for timely deliveries to both domestic and international markets. The airport’s infrastructure improvements and AAICLAS’s strategic initiatives have positioned Pune as a cargo hub in western India. Moving forward, PIA plans to expand its cargo-handling capacity by upgrading infrastructure and introducing new management solutions to accommodate rising demand. These efforts will not only enhance logistics services but also support the region’s economic growth. Dhoke added that this achievement aligns with the Indian government’s broader goals of improving logistics efficiency nationwide. Pune airport’s cargo success is expected to continue bolstering various industries across India and beyond, paving the way for further growth. Source: The Indian Express
Worldwide Flight Services (WFS), part of the SATS Group, is set to achieve an impressive 80% reduction in carbon emissions from its ground support equipment (GSE) at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) through the adoption of biofuels. Beginning this month, WFS will transition its GSE— which includes tow trucks, self-propelled aircraft stairs, ground power units, loaders, aircraft pushback vehicles, baggage belt loaders, cargo transporters, and air start units— to biofuel. This fleet supports over 2,850 flights annually at the airport, highlighting the significance of this initiative. WFS plans to consume more than 400,000 liters of HVO 100 biofuel from Campus, a member of the Avia Group, to meet 82% of its yearly GSE energy requirements. HVO 100 is a renewable diesel sourced from waste materials such as animal fat, industrial waste, and wastewater, making it an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional fossil fuels. Laurent Bernard, Country Manager for France at WFS, emphasised that this biofuel deployment represents a significant step towards meeting SATS’ environmental, social, and governance (ESG) priorities. “The use of biofuel is a plug-and-play solution, allowing us to responsibly source sustainable fuel without the need to modify our GSE fleet,” he stated. This initiative follows WFS's successful trial of HVO biofuels at London Heathrow in July, in alignment with the airport's goal of transitioning all vehicles to zero-emission or biofuel sources by 2030. WFS's commitment to sustainability not only benefits its operations at Paris CDG but also contributes to broader efforts in the aviation industry to reduce carbon footprints.
Cathay Pacific has unveiled its traffic figures for September 2024, showcasing significant growth in both passenger and cargo operations. Over the first nine months of 2024, Cathay Pacific and its subsidiary HK Express collectively surpassed the 20 million mark for passengers carried, reaching a remarkable total of over 21 million during this period. In September alone, Cathay Pacific transported 1,816,908 passengers, marking an impressive increase of 17.8% compared to September 2023. The airline's revenue passenger kilometres (RPKs) rose by 18.4% year on year, underscoring robust travel demand. However, the passenger load factor experienced a slight decline, decreasing by 2.3 percentage points to 81.4%. Available seat kilometres (ASKs) rose significantly, increasing by 21.7% compared to the previous year, reflecting the airline's expansion in capacity to meet the growing travel demand. In terms of cargo operations, Cathay Pacific carried 133,079 tonnes in September 2024, a notable increase of 10.9% compared to the same month last year. The cargo revenue tonne kilometres (RFTKs) also saw a rise of 4.9% year on year. Despite these gains, the cargo load factor fell by 2.4 percentage points to 58.7%, with available cargo tonne kilometres (AFTKs) increasing by 9.3%. For the first nine months of 2024, cargo tonnage rose by 9.9%, totalling 1,103,576 tonnes, with AFTKs increasing by 8.9% and RFTKs by 3.4%. Cathay Pacific noted a strengthened demand for cargo as it entered the traditional peak season, with September tonnage reflecting a 7% increase from August and an 11% rise compared to September 2023. Notably, there was an uptick in shipments of Cathay Fresh products from regions such as the South West Pacific and Southeast Asia into Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland, particularly driven by the Mid-Autumn Festival. The demand for time-sensitive shipments to the Americas and Europe also boosted the use of Cathay Priority solutions. Looking forward, Cathay Pacific is set to expand its operations with the addition of more flights and destinations to meet increasing travel demand, particularly during the Christmas season, which is projected to see higher bookings than in previous years. The airline recently announced a new non-stop service between Hong Kong and Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, scheduled to launch in April 2025, further enhancing its North American connectivity. In an effort to elevate the customer experience, Cathay Pacific has introduced its new Business Class, the Aria Suite, along with upgraded Premium Economy and refreshed Economy cabins on its Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. Moreover, improvements at Hong Kong International Airport, including the upcoming reopening of Cathay Pacific’s The Bridge lounge, are anticipated to enhance the travel experience for passengers. As Cathay Pacific continues to adapt to the changing landscape of air travel, these strategic expansions and enhancements are likely to reinforce its position as a leading airline in the Asia-Pacific region.
The Federation of Freight Forwarders’ Associations in India (FFFAI) held its 6th EC Meeting for the term 2021-23 on May 27 and 28 in Bengaluru. The meeting was attended by the Office Bearers and 28 Member Association representative of FFFAI from across the country, there were many issues discussed and updates provided concerning customs, CBLR, EDI, Service Tax/GST, logistics, air cargo, sea cargo, skill development,importance of social media which FFFAI has expanded recently, technology developments, etc. The special focus of the 6th EC meeting was the updates on forthcoming 24th Biennial Convention of FFFAI to be held from August 12 to 14, 2022 in Chennai with the theme LOGISTICS RESHAPE, EMBRACE AND SURGE IN THE DIGITAL ERA. At this EC meeting, FFFAI also implemented Digital Learning platform for members and next generation for e-learning. It has been decided that FFFAI would initiate FIATA eFBL here in India to benefit the trade, which empowers customs brokers, freight forwarders and logistics service providers. In addition, updates on the recently held FIATA HQ Meet was also provided by the concerned members of FFFAI. FFFAI members present at this EC meeting stressed upon enhancing productivity on ICEGATE for trade facilitation and Ease of Doing Business. The FFFAI members also urged for creating a dedicated portal for LSP integration. As regard to skill development initiatives, IIFF’s (training arm of FFFAI) past and forthcoming training programmes (both online and classroom/physical) for the entire logistics industry were presented at the EC meeting. In addition, FFFAI’s various initiatives on capacity building through technology/IT also discussed withadequate importance. Recent activities of FFFAI Women’s Wing including organising interactive meetings with Government of India officials and industry experts were highlighted at this meeting which drew huge appreciation from the members. The members committed to expand the activities of the Women’s Wing in all the 28 member association locations to empower/encourage the women logistics practitioners. At this EC meeting FFFAI has signed an MoU with the National Institute of Industrial Engineering (NITIE) with an objective of skilling the aspiring candidates looking for opportunities in the logistics sector. Notably, a special session was organised at this 6th EC Meeting where N Sivasailam, former Special Secretary (Logistics), Ministry of Commerce, Government of India was present to address the FFFAI members and highlight the recent initiatives of the government in strengthening the logistics infrastructure, thereby leading in increase of international trade through multimodal connectivity and faster cargo clearance. He projected the ambitious growth potential of the logistics industry in India with a strong collaboration between government and industry people. Also speaking on the occasion was Bani Bhattacharya, IRS, who interacted with members of FFFAI on various initiatives of CBIC for the trade facilitation without human intervention. FFFAI Chairman Shankar Shinde thanked all the 28 associations for their support and appreciated the contribution of CBIC/DG systems trade facilitation measures. FFFAI Member Associations are: 1. Ahmedabad Custom Brokers' Association2. Aurangabad Customs House Agents Association3. Association of Custom House Agents Thiruvanthapuram4. Bangalore Custom House Agents Association5. Brihnamumbai Custom Brokers Association6. Calcutta Customs House Agents Association7. Chennai Customs House Agents Association8. Cochin Customs Brokers' Association9. Coimbatore Customs House and Steamer Agents Association10. Custom Brokers Association Hyderabad11. Delhi Customs Brokers Association12. Goa Custom Brokers Association13.Indore Customs House Agents Association14. The Kakinada Customs Brokers Association15. Kandla Custom Brokers Association16. Kanpur Customs Brokers Association17. Ludhiana Customs House Agents Association18. Mangalore Customs House Agents Association19. Mundra Customs Brokers Association20. Nagpur Customs House Agents Association21. Nashik Customs House Agents Association22. Nadia Custom Brokers Association23. Pipavav Custom Brokers Association24. Pune Customs House Agents Association25. Rajasthan Customs House Agents Association26.Tuticorin Custom Brokers Association27.Visakhapatnam Cusotms Brokers' Association28.West Bengal Custom House Agents Society FFFAI welcomes Women in Logistics/Youth in Logistics to participate on FFFAI forums and also invites membership application form logistics service providers in industry as this is a big national and international forum to network.
Ecom Express Limited, India’s sole pure-play B2C e-commerce logistics provider as of the Financial Year 2024, has introduced a new brand identity, underscoring its commitment to customer-centricity. This rebranding reflects a focus on addressing specific customer needs, prioritising customer-facing metrics, and integrating innovative technology across its nationwide express logistics network. The goal is to enhance speed, agility, and network reach, ensuring a customer-focused approach. The rebranding includes a dynamic logo and a refreshed visual identity, symbolising Ecom Express’s pursuit of excellence. The new logo features a forward-moving arrow within a square, representing the company’s dedication to delivery. The letter "E" in the logo stands for Expression, Innovation, and Progress, while the bold magenta colour signifies bravery, self-expression, and strength. This vibrant magenta reintroduction reflects Ecom Express's renewed commitment to customers, partners, and team members, as the company aims to simplify and democratise logistics for all. Ajay Chitkara, CEO and MD of Ecom Express, elaborated on the transformation, stating, “Our refreshed brand identity reaffirms our customer-first approach as we continue to integrate technology and innovation to provide reliable, high-speed services with the widest network reach. This transformation also underscores our commitment to our employees and delivery partners, who are essential to our business.” The new logo embodies Ecom Express’s dedication to its core values, focusing on customer welfare and fostering a diverse, inclusive environment. This rebranding signifies a promise to redefine logistics through advanced technology, making life easier for all types of customers.
ESR India, the largest APAC focused industrial and logistics real estate platform, has inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Tamil Nadu for a potential investment of INR 550 crores. The MOU is signed for the launch of two industrial parks in Kancheepuram and Krishnagiri districts of the state over the next five years. Once fully operational, the two projects have the potential to create over 4,400 jobs in the facility, that shall boost the overall socio-economic growth in the region. The MoU was signed at the Investment Conclave 2021 conference held today. It will facilitate ESR India’s proposed investment at Kancheepuram and Krishnagiri industrial parks by helping in streamlining land acquisition, approvals, clearances, and administrative processes as per existing policies, rules, and regulations of the Government of Tamil Nadu. The policy and regulatory reforms unveiled in recent times has accentuated the entry of international institutional players and has set new benchmarks for industrial developments in the country. Commenting on the development, Abhijit Malkani, CEO and Country Head, ESR India said, “We are delighted to announce our affiliation with the state government. The Government of Tamil Nadu has been very supportive in encouraging industrial developments in the state by creating a favourable business climate for industrial players. The MoU will see ESR invest INR 550 crores to develop industrial parks in Tamil Nadu, offering 1,800 direct and 2,600 indirect job opportunities in the facility.” “Our goals are aligned with the vision of the Tamil Nadu government, to create avenues to increase business and trade inclusion opportunities and employment towards garnering better economic growth in the region,” he further stated. ESR India is currently present across 9 cities and 15 locations with a total GFA of 18 mn sq ft. These state-of-the-art facilities will be developed upholding the best practices for ESG and sustainability.
Mahindra World City Jaipur (MWC Jaipur), a joint venture between Mahindra Lifespace Developers Ltd (MLDL) and Rajasthan State Industrial Development and Investment Corporation (RIICO) announced it concluded 26 new lease agreements between April 2021 and June 2022. The new signings included both new customers and expansion of facilities by existing clients, together leasing about 137 acres of land. In the same period, MWC Jaipur and its constituent units' aggregated investments crossed Rs 721 crores, and cumulative exports by MWC Jaipur exceeded Rs 15,930 crores, of which Rs 3,321 crores were in the last 15 months. Over these fifteen months, a total of 69 companies have completed their facility buildout at MWC Jaipur and become operational. The new entrants to MWC Jaipur represent a variety of sectors, like Logistics and Warehousing, IT & ITeS, Engineering, Furniture Manufacturing, Solar Energy, Gems and Jewelry manufacturing. The newly added roster of clients at MWC Jaipur includes Wipro Hydraulics, Shakti Hormann, Renew Photovoltaics, Kerakoll India, Normet, Gulmohar Lane Lifestyle, Manor & Mews, J Atelier Pink City, Kamal Coach Works, Maxop Engineering, amongst others. Rajaram Pai, Chief Business Officer – Industrial, Mahindra Lifespaces said, “MWC Jaipur today is home to prestigious domestic and international manufacturing companies from across the world, who have established a manufacturing base in India for the first time. Enabling business acceleration for customers has always been our focus. We continue to deliver the highest urbanisation standards by leveraging innovation, thoughtful design, and a deep commitment to sustainability. MWC Jaipur contributes towards generating incremental employment and income for the state while creating world-class infrastructure which would serve the nation for many years to come. We are glad to be the enablers of Make-in-India and Make-for-India.” Becoming a preferred destination of choice for over 121 global and domestic companies, MWC Jaipur is enabling business growth for customers by crafting a conducive environment, with robust infrastructure and facilities that propagate ease of doing business. Mahindra World City Jaipur is the first project in Asia to receive Climate Positive Development Stage 2 Certification from the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group (C40), a global network of large cities taking action to address climate change. With a focus on climate-positive development, MWC Jaipur is continuing its efforts on integrating sustainability within the city. Green, integrated developments is continuously being upgraded to mitigate the impact of business operations on the environment. As of March 31, 2022, a total of 59,955 trees have been planted in government-approved forest areas and rural areas under the Mahindra Group’s flagship program – Hariyali. Around 11,100 trees have been planted within the industrial park.
The Uttar Pradesh government is set to develop a multi-modal logistics hub (MMLH) in Greater Noida’s Dadri, investing Rs 7,064 crore to support its $1 trillion economy goal. This hub will cover 823 acres, with a core development area spanning 455 acres. Key developments include commercial and administrative facilities over 17.5 acres, a rail yard, and other projects across 350 acres. Under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s directives, a detailed action plan has been designed to expedite these initiatives. The Dadri MMLH aims to become a world-class freight handling facility, functioning as a dry port to ensure the swift transit of goods and raw materials. This project is poised to be India's largest logistics hub. Located on the eastern and western dedicated freight corridors, it will serve as a central hub for container handling, warehousing, cold storage, processing, de-stuffing, stuffing, and value-added packing. Providing seamless rail connectivity, the hub will feature rail platforms, customs clearance facilities, cargo segregation areas, truck parking zones, and extensive green spaces. The project is being developed under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, supervised by the Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority and adhering to the guidelines of the National Industrial Corridor Development and Implementation Trust (NICDIT). The Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority has prepared the Master Detailed Project Report (DPR) for constructing the approach track and Rail Over Rail (ROR) bridge from New Dadri station to the MMLH boundary. The Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India (DFCCIL) has approved the DPR for railway tracks and terminal stations within the MMLH. Additionally, the tender documentation for land acquisition and signaling processes for the approach track has been finalized. Concurrently, the development of trunk infrastructure, including boundary work, roads, canals, bridges, utility relocation, and water and power supply, is progressing through various phases.
