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With the upcoming expansion of cargo and aviation activity linked to the Noida International Airport, the Noida Authority has initiated a citywide survey exercise aimed at developing a comprehensive City Logistics Plan (CLP) for the region.
Officials said survey teams have begun collecting data from industrial corridors, transportation routes, logistics facilities and warehousing zones across the city. The findings will form the basis of a long-term strategy intended to improve freight movement, reduce congestion, and support sustainable urban logistics growth.
The City Logistics Plan is being prepared under the framework of the National Logistics Policy (NLP), a flagship initiative of the central government focused on improving supply chain efficiency and reducing logistics costs across India. Noida is among the selected cities identified for implementing the programme.
According to officials, the survey exercise is expected to continue for about a week. Once completed, the collected data will be analysed and compiled into a report that will help shape future logistics infrastructure planning.
Vaibhav Gupta, Senior Manager in the Noida Authority’s Planning Department, said the study will assess existing freight movement patterns and identify opportunities to improve delivery efficiency while lowering transportation-related emissions. He added that the initiative is expected to support smoother cargo operations as economic activity around the upcoming airport gathers momentum.
The project is being coordinated by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Consulting firm Ernst & Young (EY) has been appointed to assist with the planning and execution of the study.
As part of the assessment, officials will examine truck traffic volumes, freight corridors, warehousing infrastructure, logistics hubs and parking facilities. The study will also evaluate measures aimed at reducing bottlenecks, improving vehicle movement and encouraging environmentally sustainable freight practices. Feedback from industry representatives, transport operators and other stakeholders will be incorporated into the planning process.
Noida remains one of northern India’s most significant industrial and manufacturing centres, hosting more than 10,000 industrial units across multiple sectors. The city has developed strong clusters in electronics, mobile phone manufacturing, engineering products, electrical equipment, automotive components, garments, packaging materials and IT hardware.
Industry leaders have welcomed the move, saying the city’s logistics ecosystem requires a more coordinated approach. Business representatives believe a structured logistics framework can help improve operational efficiency, lower transportation costs and strengthen industrial competitiveness.
Entrepreneurs have also highlighted persistent challenges related to truck parking. The absence of dedicated parking zones often forces commercial vehicles carrying raw materials to stop along roadsides, contributing to traffic congestion and operational delays.
Another issue raised by industry groups concerns restrictions on truck entry into Delhi during peak hours. These regulations frequently lead to vehicle queues near the Delhi-Noida border, affecting cargo movement toward neighbouring states such as Haryana and Rajasthan. Stakeholders have suggested that authorities explore dedicated freight routes or alternative traffic-management measures to facilitate smoother movement of goods.
The proposed City Logistics Plan is expected to provide a roadmap for addressing these challenges while preparing Noida for future growth as a major logistics and cargo hub in the National Capital Region.
Hellmann Worldwide Logistics has expanded its presence in the United States with three new branches in Indianapolis, the Columbus metropolitan area and the San Francisco Bay Area, taking its nationwide network to 12 locations. The expansion aims to strengthen customer proximity, deepen industry-specific expertise and support the company's long-term growth strategy in one of the world's largest logistics markets. The move forms part of Hellmann's Forward2030 strategy, which focuses on high-potential markets and selected industries. Established in the US in 1988, the company is strengthening its capabilities across international air freight, sea freight and domestic road transport to meet the evolving requirements of businesses and supply chains. The new locations have been planned around the needs of specific industry segments. The Indianapolis branch, which is already operational, will cater to the automotive supply chain, particularly Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers. Its services will include international air and sea freight alongside domestic road transport, supporting the movement of components and other automotive shipments. The Columbus office in Ohio will focus on the fashion and retail sectors, while the new branch near San Francisco International Airport will serve customers in technology, semiconductors, electronics, cloud infrastructure and renewable energy. These locations are expected to strengthen Hellmann's ability to deliver integrated, industry-focused logistics solutions across key US growth markets. The expansion comes amid substantial demand for logistics services in the US. According to Hellmann, business logistics costs in the country reached approximately US$2.4 trillion in 2025, equivalent to around 7.8% of gross domestic product (GDP). Rising trade volumes are also increasing the need for dependable international transportation, customs expertise and integrated supply chain solutions. Commenting on the expansion, Mario Stecher, Managing Director, US, Hellmann Worldwide Logistics, said the new locations would bring the company closer to customers while strengthening its industry expertise. Peter Hüwel, Regional CEO, Americas, highlighted the company's US Accelerator Programme as a framework for translating market opportunities into regional growth by combining global network capabilities with local market knowledge. With the additional branches, Hellmann aims to reinforce its competitive position in the US and build a stronger foundation for long-term growth through specialised logistics services and closer customer engagement. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 CARGOCONNECT 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬!
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has stepped up its focus on cold chain compliance, directing food business operators (FBOs) to maintain prescribed temperature conditions while handling, storing and transporting perishable food products, including khoa, paneer, meat and fish. The advisory, dated October 15, 2026, aims to strengthen food safety and protect public health by addressing gaps in temperature-controlled supply chains. The directive covers the entire supply chain, from procurement and sourcing to manufacturing, packing, storage, transportation, distribution and delivery to consumers. FSSAI has reiterated that maintaining appropriate temperatures throughout these stages is essential to prevent microbial growth, product deterioration and food contamination. Temperature Control and Hygiene Under Scrutiny According to the regulator, certain perishable food commodities are not consistently handled, stored or transported under suitable temperature conditions. Such lapses can accelerate spoilage and increase the risk of foodborne illness, making effective cold chain management a critical requirement for food businesses. Under the conditions of licence specified in Schedule 4 of the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011, operators must comply with prescribed temperature and hygiene requirements across the supply chain. The latest advisory reinforces these existing obligations rather than introducing an entirely new regulatory framework. FSSAI has also directed businesses to use clean, covered and hygienic vehicles suitable for transporting food products. Appropriate food-grade packaging and secondary packaging materials must be used, while products must be protected from dust, moisture, pests, physical damage and cross-contamination during storage, loading, unloading and transit. Gunny bags and unsuitable non-food-grade coverings must be avoided. Traceability and Enforcement Measures The advisory emphasises the importance of maintaining records and ensuring consignment traceability. Food business operators must keep relevant documentation, including invoices and other supporting records, and produce them before the competent authority whenever required. These measures are intended to improve accountability and help officials identify potential breaches in the handling and movement of perishable goods. FSSAI has called on food safety authorities across states and Union Territories to maintain strict vigilance through inspections and transportation checks. The regulator has warned that violations may invite appropriate enforcement action, including the seizure and destruction of non-compliant food products under applicable provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and associated regulations. Implications for Food Supply Chains The advisory places renewed emphasis on reliable refrigeration, hygienic transport infrastructure and consistent temperature monitoring across India's food distribution network. Dairy processors, meat and fish suppliers, distributors, retailers, cold storage operators and logistics providers will need to ensure that their handling practices and transport arrangements meet the prescribed requirements. For the logistics sector, the directive reinforces the importance of strengthening refrigerated transport, improving storage practices and maintaining end-to-end visibility of temperature-sensitive consignments. These capabilities are particularly important during periods of heightened demand, when increased shipment volumes and multiple handling points can raise the risk of temperature deviations. By reinforcing existing compliance requirements, FSSAI aims to reduce spoilage risks and improve food safety from source to consumer. Effective implementation will depend on consistent monitoring, appropriate infrastructure and accountability among all participants in the perishable food supply chain. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 CARGOCONNECT 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬!
Blue Dart Express has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with India Post to further extend its delivery reach. Building on Blue Dart’s extensive national network, the collaboration will strengthen last-mile connectivity for businesses and customers across Tier III and Tier IV towns and remote locations. The expanded coverage will be introduced in a phased manner. The collaboration brings together Blue Dart’s express logistics capabilities and India Post’s extensive postal network to provide customers with access to a wider range of markets. Shipments to these additional locations will be delivered through India Post’s network, complementing Blue Dart’s infrastructure. The partnership creates a scalable model for extending market coverage through the complementary strengths of both organisations and the efficient use of existing infrastructure. Commenting on the partnership, Sh. Harpreet Singh, Member (Operations), Department of Posts, “On World Post Day, this partnership bodes well for both organisations. The Department of Posts is committed to this partnership and looks forward to it. The Department has strong last-mile connectivity, and we will offer all possible support to make this partnership stronger. We look forward to a much broader and constantly evolving partnership ahead.” Highlighting the strategic significance of the collaboration, Balfour Manuel, Managing Director, Blue Dart, said: “With a legacy spanning over 42 years, Blue Dart has grown alongside Indian businesses, building a trusted national network that supports the country’s commerce. As the economy expands and customer expectations evolve, this strategic partnership has an important role to play in strengthening parcel delivery. Our collaboration with India Post builds on this foundation, combining the strengths of two established institutions to support businesses in reaching more customers across smaller towns and remote locations across the country.” Speaking on the opportunities for customers, Dipanjan Banerjee, Chief Commercial Officer, Blue Dart, said: “For SMEs, e-commerce sellers and enterprises, reaching customers beyond established markets is an increasingly important driver of growth. Across Bharat’s smaller towns, demand for greater product choice creates opportunities that businesses need dependable logistics to realise. Our collaboration with India Post strengthens our delivery reach across Tier III and Tier IV towns, enabling customers to enter new markets, deepen their presence and serve locations that were previously harder to reach.” Therefore, this MoU builds on the longstanding relationship between the two organisations and their shared focus on customer service. The expanded coverage will offer greater delivery accessibility and convenience, supporting the growing participation of smaller towns and remote communities in India’s commerce. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 CARGOCONNECT 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬!
