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Avito Global has appointed Sushil Rathi as its Managing Director, marking a significant leadership addition as the company strengthens its position in the global supply chain and logistics sector. A seasoned industry professional with over four decades of experience across supply chain management, logistics, manufacturing, consulting, and business transformation, Rathi brings extensive leadership expertise to his new role. His appointment is expected to support Avito Global's strategic growth plans, operational excellence initiatives, and customer-centric expansion across domestic and international markets. Prior to joining Avito Global, Rathi served as Director at Allcargo Supply Chain Solutions Pvt. Ltd., where he contributed to the company's strategic direction and operational capabilities. Before that, he was Chief Executive Officer of LORDS Freight (India) Pvt. Ltd., leading the organization through business transformation and growth initiatives. Rathi is widely recognized for his long and impactful tenure at Mahindra Logistics Limited, where he spent over 12 years in leadership positions, including Chief Operating Officer, Senior Vice President (Supply Chain Management), and Vice President (SCM). During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in scaling integrated supply chain solutions, driving operational efficiency, and strengthening customer relationships across diverse industry verticals. Earlier in his career, he was a founding partner at Anantara Solutions Pvt. Ltd., where he focused on strategic consulting, process transformation, IT consulting, and manufacturing and retail solutions. He also held senior leadership positions at Satyam Computer Services, managing large consulting practices and enterprise transformation initiatives. Rathi began his professional journey with FIAT India, where he spent 15 years in progressive leadership roles, building a strong foundation in manufacturing and operations. In addition to his executive responsibilities, Rathi currently serves as an Independent Director on the boards of Welspun One Logistics Parks and Welspun One Logistics Parks Development Management Private Limited, reflecting his continued contribution to governance and strategic leadership within India's logistics ecosystem. His appointment as Managing Director of Avito Global underscores the company's commitment to strengthening leadership capabilities and accelerating innovation in supply chain management, contract logistics, warehousing, multimodal transportation, and integrated logistics solutions. With his deep industry expertise and proven track record of business transformation, Rathi is well positioned to lead Avito Global through its next phase of sustainable growth and value creation. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 CARGOCONNECT 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬!
Flipkart has expanded the scope of its logistics business by opening its supply chain arm, Ekart, to external businesses, allowing micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands, manufacturers and large enterprises to use its nationwide logistics infrastructure. The move marks a broader push by the e-commerce company to grow its business-to-business logistics operations beyond servicing its own marketplace. Under the new model, businesses can access Ekart's transportation, warehousing and fulfilment services without being part of the Flipkart ecosystem. The company has also introduced a franchise-based logistics network that currently operates through more than 300 outlets across cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Surat. Flipkart plans to expand this network to over 1,000 outlets by the end of 2026. The expansion is aimed at enabling smaller businesses to leverage an established national logistics network instead of investing in their own distribution infrastructure. In addition to freight movement and last-mile delivery, participating businesses will gain access to Ekart's warehousing facilities and technology platform to manage inventory, fulfilment and shipment tracking. The development reflects the increasing trend of e-commerce companies commercialising their in-house logistics capabilities as standalone service offerings. India's growing D2C ecosystem, coupled with rising demand for integrated supply chain solutions, has created new opportunities for logistics providers offering nationwide fulfilment, transportation and warehouse management services. Ekart has gradually expanded its third-party logistics portfolio in recent years through services such as warehousing, business-to-business transportation and integration with digital commerce platforms. The latest initiative further broadens its addressable customer base by making its end-to-end logistics network available to businesses across sectors. The company said the expanded network is designed to support businesses of varying sizes by providing access to nationwide logistics infrastructure, allowing them to focus on product development and market expansion while outsourcing supply chain operations. Follow CARGOCONNECT for more such updates.
Broekman Logistics has appointed Suresh Kumar Kannappan as the Managing Director for the Indian Subcontinent, reinforcing its commitment to expanding its presence in one of the world's fastest-growing logistics markets. The strategic leadership appointment comes as the company aims to accelerate regional growth, strengthen customer relationships and enhance its service capabilities across India and neighbouring markets. Kannappan brings extensive experience spanning contract logistics, freight forwarding, commercial strategy, business development and integrated supply chain management. Over the course of his career, he has held senior leadership positions with leading global organisations, successfully driving business transformation, operational excellence and customer-centric growth initiatives. Before joining Broekman Logistics, Kannappan served as Vice President – New Product Development at SATS, Singapore, where he led product innovation and strategic collaborations across the aviation and logistics sectors. His experience in developing innovative logistics solutions and building strategic partnerships is expected to play a key role in supporting Broekman Logistics' long-term growth ambitions in the region. In his new role, Kannappan will work closely with the company's leadership team in India to strengthen Broekman Logistics' market position while delivering enhanced value to customers and business partners. His priorities will include expanding the company's regional footprint, driving sustainable business growth and further improving operational efficiency across its supply chain solutions portfolio. The appointment reflects Broekman Logistics' continued focus on the Indian subcontinent, a market witnessing rapid expansion in manufacturing, infrastructure development, cross-border trade and multimodal logistics. As businesses increasingly seek resilient, technology-enabled and integrated supply chain solutions, the company is positioning itself to capitalise on emerging opportunities through experienced leadership and customer-focused services. Welcoming Kannappan to the organisation, Broekman Logistics expressed confidence that his industry expertise and strategic vision would support the company's next phase of regional growth. The company also highlighted the strength of its local teams, noting that their combined capabilities would help deliver innovative logistics solutions while strengthening long-term customer partnerships. Headquartered in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, Broekman Logistics provides end-to-end logistics services, including freight forwarding, contract logistics, transportation, warehousing, distribution and breakbulk terminal operations. With operations across Europe and Asia, the company serves customers in sectors such as industrials, machinery and chemicals. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 CARGOCONNECT 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬!
Aramex has appointed Veena Bhogaonkar as its new Managing Director for India, reinforcing the company's long-term commitment to one of the world's fastest-growing logistics markets. The leadership appointment comes as Aramex accelerates its growth strategy in India, focusing on operational excellence, customer-centric services, and technology-led supply chain solutions. Bhogaonkar brings more than a decade of leadership experience spanning logistics, supply chain management and business transformation. Before joining Aramex, she held senior leadership positions at UPS and IBM, where she led initiatives in operational excellence, network optimisation and digital transformation. Her experience in driving business growth and managing complex supply chain operations is expected to play a key role in strengthening Aramex's presence across India. An MBA graduate from California State University, Los Angeles, Bhogaonkar is recognised for her strategic vision, customer-first approach and people-centric leadership. In her new role, she will oversee Aramex's India operations while spearheading business expansion, enhancing service capabilities and broadening the company's multi-product supply chain offerings to meet the evolving needs of customers across industries. Commenting on her appointment, Bhogaonkar said that India represents one of the most dynamic logistics markets globally, offering significant opportunities as customer expectations continue to evolve. She expressed confidence in working closely with Aramex's teams to strengthen operations, enhance customer experience and support the company's next phase of sustainable growth in the country. The appointment also reflects Aramex's continued focus on fostering leadership diversity and promoting women into senior executive roles. As India's logistics ecosystem undergoes rapid transformation through digitalisation, e-commerce growth and increasing demand for integrated supply chain solutions, experienced leadership will be critical in helping organisations adapt to changing market dynamics. Aramex has been steadily expanding its investments in India by strengthening its logistics network, technology capabilities and workforce. The company aims to help businesses navigate increasingly complex supply chains through faster, smarter and more efficient logistics solutions. Headquartered in the UAE, Aramex operates in more than 600 cities across over 70 countries with a workforce exceeding 16,000 employees, offering integrated express, freight forwarding, logistics and supply chain services worldwide. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 CARGOCONNECT 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬!
FedEx has unveiled FedEx Life Sciences, a dedicated organization designed to address the growing complexity of global healthcare logistics and reinforce its position in one of the fastest-growing supply chain segments. The new business unit will provide specialized end-to-end logistics solutions for pharmaceuticals, biologics, medical devices, clinical trials, and other time- and temperature-sensitive healthcare shipments. The launch reflects the company's strategic focus on the rapidly evolving life sciences sector, where increasing demand for precision logistics, regulatory compliance, and real-time shipment visibility is reshaping supply chain requirements. By bringing together its existing healthcare capabilities under a single specialized organization, FedEx aims to offer customers a more integrated and streamlined logistics experience while supporting the next generation of healthcare delivery. Leading the new organization is Nick Gennari, who has been appointed President of FedEx Life Sciences. The dedicated team will oversee a comprehensive portfolio of healthcare logistics services, including cold chain transportation, inventory management, warehousing, packaging, customs support, and global distribution. The initiative is expected to help pharmaceutical manufacturers, biotechnology companies, hospitals, laboratories, and research organizations navigate increasingly complex global supply chains with greater efficiency and reliability. Healthcare has become a strategic growth area for FedEx as demand continues to rise for specialized transportation of temperature-controlled medicines, cell and gene therapies, vaccines, and clinical trial materials. The company has invested significantly in expanding its Life Science Centers, enhancing cold chain infrastructure, and securing internationally recognized certifications to ensure regulatory compliance across its global network. Today, a substantial share of its healthcare shipments moves through CEIV Pharma-certified facilities, strengthening shipment integrity for highly sensitive products. The new organization also reflects broader industry trends, with healthcare manufacturers increasingly seeking logistics partners capable of managing end-to-end supply chains rather than standalone transportation services. As personalized medicine, biologics, and advanced therapies continue to gain momentum, logistics providers are expected to play a more critical role in ensuring product quality, visibility, and timely delivery throughout the supply chain. By consolidating its healthcare expertise under FedEx Life Sciences, the company is positioning itself to capture greater opportunities in the high-value healthcare logistics market while supporting customers with specialized, technology-enabled solutions. The move further underscores the growing importance of resilient, compliant, and data-driven supply chains in delivering life-saving therapies to patients around the world. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 CARGOCONNECT 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬!
The Ministry of Railways has approved the appointment of Ajit Kumar Panda as the next Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of Container Corporation of India Ltd. (CONCOR). The appointment was cleared by the Competent Authority through an order dated June 29, 2026, and will take effect when Panda assumes office on or after August 1, 2026. According to the company, Panda's tenure will continue until August 31, 2028, the date of his superannuation, or until further government orders, whichever comes earlier. He will serve in the ₹2,00,000–3,70,000 (IDA) pay scale. CONCOR also stated that the remaining statutory formalities under the Companies Act, 2013, and the SEBI Listing Regulations are currently being completed, with the necessary disclosures to be filed with the stock exchanges in due course. Currently serving as Director (Projects & Services) at CONCOR, Panda was recommended for the top position by the Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB) in April 2026 following a competitive selection process involving senior executives from the railways, infrastructure and logistics sectors. Panda brings decades of experience in rail infrastructure, freight transportation and project execution. Before joining CONCOR, he worked as Executive Director (Mechanical Engineering and Project Planning & Development) at Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL). During his career in Indian Railways, he has also held several key positions, including Director (Production Units and Efficiency & Research) at the Railway Board and Chief Workshop Manager at East Coast Railway's Mancheswar Workshop. He has additionally served in multiple leadership roles under South Eastern Railway. His professional experience extends beyond railway operations. Panda has represented the rail sector on the boards of several special purpose vehicle companies, including Haridaspur Paradip Railway Company Limited, Angul Sukinda Railway Limited, Kutch Railway Company Limited, and Krishnapatnam Railway Company Limited, contributing to the development of critical rail connectivity projects. The selection followed a competitive PESB process drawing from senior executives across logistics, railways, infrastructure and government — a reminder of the depth of talent India’s public sector logistics ecosystem has built. The leadership transition comes at a time when CONCOR is navigating a challenging business environment. For the quarter ended March 31, 2026, the company reported a 12.38% year-on-year decline in consolidated net profit to ₹262.65 crore, while revenue from operations slipped 1.1% to ₹2,263.30 crore. Industry observers expect Panda's extensive operational experience in multimodal logistics and rail freight infrastructure to play a significant role in driving the company's next phase of growth and modernization.
RITES Ltd. has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Container Corporation of India Ltd. (CONCOR) to provide comprehensive Project Management Consultancy (PMC) services for the development and modernisation of logistics infrastructure across the country. The agreement marks a strategic collaboration between two Navratna public sector enterprises under the Ministry of Railways and is expected to support the government's vision of building an efficient multimodal logistics network. Under the MoU, RITES will offer end-to-end consultancy services on a project-specific basis, covering the entire lifecycle of infrastructure projects—from concept planning and feasibility studies to detailed engineering, construction supervision, quality assurance and commissioning. The collaboration is designed to enhance the planning and execution of key logistics assets while ensuring timely project delivery and operational efficiency. The partnership will focus on the development and improvement of CONCOR's terminals, inland container depots (ICDs), rail-linked terminals, multimodal logistics parks, warehouses, railway infrastructure, roads, utilities and associated facilities. By leveraging RITES' multidisciplinary engineering expertise and project execution capabilities, the initiative seeks to create modern logistics infrastructure capable of supporting India's growing freight movement and supply chain requirements. As India's logistics sector undergoes rapid transformation through initiatives such as the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan and the National Logistics Policy, infrastructure development has become a key priority. The collaboration between RITES and CONCOR aligns with these national objectives by enabling integrated planning, improved connectivity and enhanced operational efficiencies across freight transportation networks. RITES hold extensive domestic and international project experience in transport infrastructure consultancy, and has executed thousands of assignments across railways, highways, ports, airports and multimodal logistics projects. CONCOR is India’s largest multimodal logistics service provider, and operates an extensive network of container terminals and plays a crucial role in facilitating containerised cargo movement across the country. The strategic partnership will accelerate the execution of logistics infrastructure projects while promoting better coordination between planning and implementation. The MoU is also expected to strengthen CONCOR's infrastructure expansion plans by providing access to RITES' technical expertise, project management capabilities and engineering solutions. With India's freight volumes expected to rise steadily over the coming years, such collaborations are likely to play a vital role in developing world-class logistics infrastructure, improving supply chain efficiency and supporting the country's long-term economic growth ambitions. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 CARGOCONNECT 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬!
India has launched Operation Amistad, a humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) mission to support earthquake-affected Venezuela by deploying medical teams, emergency healthcare infrastructure and more than 35 tonnes of relief supplies through the Indian Air Force (IAF). The relief operation includes two IAF C-17 Globemaster aircraft carrying an Indian Army field hospital unit, two portable BHISHM Cube medical facilities, medicines, medical equipment and other essential supplies aimed at strengthening ongoing emergency response efforts in the South American nation. A 41-member medical contingent from the Indian Army's 60 Para Field Hospital has also been deployed as part of the mission. The team comprises doctors, nursing staff and support personnel who will provide emergency medical care in coordination with Venezuelan authorities. National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel and specialised search-and-rescue equipment have also been dispatched to assist relief operations. The operation was initiated following a series of powerful earthquakes that caused widespread damage to infrastructure, including healthcare facilities, while resulting in significant casualties and displacement. India said the mission reflects its commitment to supporting Venezuela during the humanitarian crisis through rapid deployment of medical capabilities and critical relief material. From a logistics perspective, the mission demonstrates India's capability to rapidly mobilise strategic airlift assets for international disaster response. The use of C-17 transport aircraft enabled the movement of heavy medical infrastructure, trained personnel and relief cargo over long distances within a short timeframe, ensuring critical supplies reached affected areas without delay. Operation Amistad adds to India's growing portfolio of overseas humanitarian missions, highlighting the country's expanding role in delivering time-sensitive disaster relief through coordinated military and civilian logistics networks. Follow CARGOCONNECT for more such updates.
Indian logistics technology provider Kale Logistics Solutions has agreed to acquire Spanish port community systems specialist Portel, a move that strengthens the company's presence in Europe and broadens its reach across maritime trade and port digitisation markets. The transaction brings together Kale's cargo and logistics technology portfolio with Portel's established position in the European port sector. The acquisition is expected to expand Kale's access to customers across Spain and other European markets while adding expertise in port community systems and trade facilitation platforms. Portel has been active in the maritime technology sector for nearly three decades, providing digital solutions that connect ports, shipping lines, terminal operators, customs authorities and logistics stakeholders. The company has played a role in the digital transformation of Spanish port operations and has developed systems designed to improve information exchange across supply chains. For Kale, the deal represents a further step in its international growth strategy. The company has expanded its presence across airports, ports and logistics hubs in multiple regions and has identified Europe as a key market for future growth. In recent years, Kale has increased investment in international operations and technology platforms supporting cargo visibility, trade documentation and logistics collaboration. Industry observers note that the acquisition reflects broader consolidation trends in logistics technology, as software providers seek to offer integrated digital platforms covering multiple transport modes and supply chain processes. Growing regulatory requirements, cross-border trade complexity and demand for real-time data exchange have increased interest in digital infrastructure serving ports and logistics networks. The combined organisation is expected to focus on expanding digital services for port communities, freight stakeholders and government agencies involved in international trade. The transaction also provides Kale with a stronger operational base in Europe as demand for port and logistics digitalisation continues to grow across the region. Follow CARGOCONNECT for more such updates.
India has launched its first permanent research institution focused exclusively on the economics of transportation, mobility and logistics, marking a new step in the government's efforts to strengthen data-driven infrastructure planning and freight policy. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER) have signed an agreement to establish the NHAI Centre for Economics of Transportation, Mobility and Logistics. The facility will operate from NCAER and serve as an independent platform for research on transport networks, freight movement, mobility systems and logistics efficiency. The centre is expected to support policymakers with economic analysis related to highway development, freight logistics, multimodal transport integration and infrastructure investment. Research findings will be used to inform long-term planning and decision-making across the road transport sector. According to officials, the institution will examine issues including highway economics, tolling frameworks, asset monetisation, road safety, technology adoption and the broader economic impact of transport infrastructure projects. The research agenda will also cover logistics performance and connectivity challenges affecting supply chains. NHAI will provide long-term support for the initiative, while NCAER will lead research activities and engage with academic institutions, industry stakeholders and policy experts. An advisory structure comprising economists, transportation specialists and public policy professionals will guide the centre's work. Beyond academic research, the centre is expected to publish policy papers, industry reports and analytical studies aimed at government agencies and infrastructure planners. It will also host consultations and knowledge-sharing programmes focused on transportation and logistics policy. The launch comes as India continues to expand its national highway network and invest in logistics infrastructure to reduce freight costs, improve supply chain efficiency and support economic growth. Industry observers view the creation of a dedicated transport economics research institution as a move toward more evidence-based policymaking in one of the country's fastest-growing infrastructure sectors. Follow CARGOCONNECT for more such updates.
Allcargo Logistics has strengthened its leadership team with the appointment of Bipin Reghunathan as Chief Business Officer for Consultative Logistics. The move comes as the company seeks to accelerate growth in its consultative logistics segment and enhance its capabilities in delivering integrated supply chain solutions. In his new role, Reghunathan will be responsible for driving the strategic expansion and profitability of Allcargo’s Consultative Logistics business. His mandate includes fostering customer-centric innovation, leveraging technology-driven decision-making, and building organizational capabilities to support the company’s long-term growth objectives. A seasoned industry professional, Reghunathan brings more than 30 years of experience spanning supply chain management, warehousing, logistics operations, business transformation, and network optimization. Over the course of his career, he has led large-scale logistics and warehousing operations, delivering business growth, operational efficiency, and enhanced customer value across multiple sectors. Announcing the appointment, Ketan Kulkarni, Managing Director & CEO, Allcargo Logistics Limited, highlighted the strategic significance of the leadership addition. "Bipin’s appointment marks an important addition to our leadership team as we continue to strengthen and expand our consultative business. He brings extensive industry experience and a deep understanding of customer requirements across sectors. At Allcargo Logistics, we are committed to building leadership depth across our businesses, and Bipin’s addition will help us further enhance our capabilities, deliver greater value to customers and accelerate growth in this segment. We are delighted to welcome him to the Group and look forward to the contributions he will make in the years ahead.” Reghunathan expressed enthusiasm about joining the company at a time when demand for integrated and agile supply chain solutions is increasing across industries. "I am delighted to be part of Allcargo Logistics, which has built a strong foundation in integrated logistics, backed by four decades of experience in the industry. This is an exciting time for the business as customers increasingly seek trusted partners who can support their growth ambitions and evolving supply chain requirements. I look forward to be part of the Allcargo Group and strengthen our Consultative Logistics capabilities and contribute to the continued growth of the business." Before joining Allcargo Logistics, Reghunathan held a leadership role at Rhenus Contract Logistics. He has also served in senior positions at DHL Supply Chain, Mahindra Logistics, Radhakrishna Foodland, and Aditya Birla Retail, where he played a key role in scaling operations, strengthening customer relationships, optimizing supply chain networks, and driving sustainable business performance. His academic credentials include a Master of Data Science from Deakin University, Australia, a Post Graduate Program in Leadership and General Management from INSEAD, France, and a Post Graduate Program in General Management from the Welingkar Institute of Management, Mumbai. Allcargo’s Consultative Logistics division offers integrated warehousing and supply chain solutions designed to improve inventory management, enhance operational efficiency, increase supply chain visibility, and create agile distribution networks. The business serves clients across industries including chemicals, pharmaceuticals, automotive and engineering, and retail, leveraging technology, process excellence, and sector expertise to deliver tailored and scalable logistics solutions. The appointment reflects Allcargo Logistics’ continued focus on strengthening its leadership bench and expanding its consultative logistics capabilities as businesses increasingly seek end-to-end supply chain partners capable of supporting evolving operational and growth requirements. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 CARGOCONNECT 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬!
In a move aimed at deepening research-driven policymaking in the infrastructure sector, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has announced the establishment of a specialised research centre focused on transportation, mobility, and logistics economics. The facility will be housed at the National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER) in New Delhi. The initiative marks the first dedicated and permanent institutional effort in India to study the economic dimensions of the transport and logistics sector through a structured research framework. To formalise the collaboration, NHAI and NCAER have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). While NHAI will provide financial support for the project, NCAER will work with academic institutions, industry stakeholders and research partners to build a robust knowledge ecosystem around the centre. According to officials from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), the initiative reflects the growing importance of data-backed planning in managing and expanding India's rapidly evolving highway infrastructure network. The centre's research agenda will cover a broad spectrum of subjects, including freight movement, highway economics, multimodal transport integration, regional development impacts, tolling strategies, road asset monetisation, safety-related interventions and the use of emerging technologies in highway operations and maintenance. By generating policy-focused studies and analytical insights, the institution is expected to support government departments in designing more efficient, sustainable and user-centric transportation systems. The findings could also contribute to improving investment planning and infrastructure management practices across the sector. Apart from conducting research, the centre will function as a national knowledge platform. It will disseminate findings through reports, policy briefs, working papers, stakeholder consultations, workshops and academic collaborations, while also helping build expertise in transportation economics among professionals and researchers. Governance of the centre will be overseen by an Advisory Committee comprising economists, public policy experts, transportation specialists and academicians. NHAI's Member (Finance) and NCAER's Director General will also be part of the panel. In addition, a separate Steering Committee established by NHAI will monitor research priorities and review outcomes. NHAI has committed support for the centre over the next decade, underlining its long-term commitment to strengthening institutional capacity and evidence-based decision-making in the transport sector. Commenting on the partnership, NHAI Chairman Santosh Kumar Yadav said the authority has consistently focused on improving connectivity and logistics efficiency across the country. He noted that the collaboration would provide a dedicated platform for high-quality research and policy analysis, enabling more informed decisions on infrastructure planning, investment and asset management in the years ahead.
C.H. Robinson has announced the acquisition of DeSpir Logistics, a North America-based specialist in secure transportation and cargo escort services, marking a strategic move to strengthen its presence in the high-value and mission-critical freight segment. The deal, valued at approximately $75 million in cash is expected to enhance the company’s ability to serve customers requiring advanced security, compliance, and operational precision across complex supply chains. The acquisition comes at a time when cargo theft, supply chain disruptions, and increasing regulatory requirements are driving demand for specialized logistics solutions. DeSpir Logistics has built a strong reputation for transporting high-value, temperature-sensitive, and time-critical shipments across North America, serving industries such as healthcare, life sciences, aerospace, data centers, and premium retail. By integrating DeSpir’s expertise into its operations, C.H. Robinson aims to expand its portfolio of premium logistics services. The acquisition will provide access to a highly vetted carrier network focused on security-sensitive freight movements, supported by specialized driver certifications, stringent compliance protocols, and continuous monitoring systems. These capabilities are increasingly important for customers shipping pharmaceuticals, critical infrastructure equipment, and other high-risk cargo. A key advantage of the transaction is the addition of DeSpir’s advanced shipment monitoring technologies. The company’s platform offers enhanced visibility into freight movements, including real-time tracking of temperature conditions and cargo integrity. Combined with C.H. Robinson’s growing investment in AI-driven supply chain solutions, the acquisition is expected to deliver greater operational control, predictive insights, and risk mitigation for customers handling sensitive freight. Industry analysts view the deal as part of C.H. Robinson’s broader strategy to pursue targeted acquisitions that strengthen specialized service offerings while creating long-term value for customers and shareholders. DeSpir generated approximately $62 million in revenue during fiscal year 2025, and the acquisition is expected to be modestly accretive to C.H. Robinson’s earnings in 2026. The transaction has been financed through existing cash reserves and has already been completed. As supply chains become increasingly complex and security risks continue to evolve, the integration of DeSpir’s high-security logistics expertise positions C.H. Robinson to capitalize on growing demand for specialized transportation services. The move reinforces the company’s commitment to delivering secure, technology-enabled logistics solutions for some of the most critical freight movements in North America. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 CARGOCONNECT 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬!
CEVA Logistics and BYD have strengthened their long-standing collaboration by signing a new three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), aimed at enhancing global automotive logistics operations and supporting the electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer’s accelerating international expansion. The agreement marks a significant step forward in the strategic relationship between the two companies and underscores the growing importance of resilient, sustainable, and integrated supply chains in the automotive sector. Signed in Marseille, France, the new MOU broadens the scope of cooperation between CEVA Logistics and BYD, building on an existing partnership that has supported the automaker’s global growth ambitions. The agreement will focus on delivering end-to-end logistics solutions across multiple regions, leveraging CEVA’s extensive logistics network and operational expertise alongside BYD’s expanding footprint in more than 100 countries across six continents. Under the expanded partnership, the companies will collaborate on key logistics functions, including route planning, capacity management, warehousing and distribution, customs coordination, localized operations, and comprehensive delivery management. The agreement also places a strong emphasis on developing low-carbon logistics solutions, reflecting both companies’ commitment to sustainability and supply chain decarbonization. The enhanced partnership comes at a time when BYD is rapidly scaling its global manufacturing and distribution capabilities to meet rising demand for electric vehicles. As automotive supply chains become increasingly complex, logistics providers are expected to play a critical role in ensuring operational continuity, inventory visibility, and efficient cross-border movement of vehicles and components. The collaboration is designed to address these challenges through greater supply chain integration and localized logistics support. In recognition of CEVA’s performance and service reliability, BYD also presented the logistics provider with its “Best Carrier of the Year 2026” award during the signing ceremony. The recognition highlights CEVA’s contribution to supporting BYD’s automotive logistics requirements and its ability to deliver agile, customer-focused logistics solutions in a rapidly evolving market. The latest agreement further reinforces the growing collaboration between logistics providers and EV manufacturers as the industry seeks scalable, sustainable, and resilient supply chain models. With global EV demand continuing to rise, partnerships such as the one between CEVA Logistics and BYD are expected to play a pivotal role in enabling efficient vehicle distribution and supporting international market expansion. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 CARGOCONNECT 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬!
The West Bengal government has earmarked ₹200 crore in its 2026-27 state budget to develop Siliguri into a major logistics and trade hub, strengthening the city's role as a strategic gateway connecting Northeast India with neighbouring countries. The investment forms part of a broader infrastructure push aimed at improving regional supply chains and boosting cross-border commerce. Presenting the state budget, Finance Minister Swapan Dasgupta said Siliguri's geographical position offers significant advantages due to its connectivity with Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh, alongside its role as the primary land corridor linking the Northeast with the rest of India. The government plans to leverage this location by expanding logistics infrastructure and multimodal transport facilities. The proposed development includes integrated logistics parks, modern warehousing, cold chain infrastructure, and improvements to road, rail and air connectivity. The government expects these investments to reduce logistics costs, improve supply chain efficiency and support both domestic and international trade. In addition to the logistics initiative, the budget allocates ₹26 crore for the expansion of Siliguri's IT infrastructure through the development of an IT park with approximately 50,000 square feet of built-up space. The project is intended to support the city's growing technology ecosystem alongside its logistics ambitions. The state has also increased overall funding for North Bengal's development to ₹1,821.52 crore, nearly doubling the allocation made in the interim budget earlier this year. Other regional initiatives announced include airport development in Balurghat and Malda, expansion of Cooch Behar Airport, feasibility studies for metro rail connectivity, investments in sports infrastructure, spring rejuvenation projects in the Darjeeling hills, horticulture and spice cultivation, and support for the Rajbanshi language and cultural initiatives. Industry representatives welcomed the logistics-focused allocation, noting that improved multimodal infrastructure and warehousing capacity could strengthen Siliguri's position as a key distribution centre for eastern and northeastern India while facilitating greater regional trade. Follow CARGOCONNECT for more such updates.
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.
DP World and Germany-based Wilo Group have agreed to broaden their long-standing relationship through a new strategic partnership focused on sustainability, digital innovation and next-generation logistics solutions. Formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), the collaboration will explore opportunities to integrate advanced water technologies, artificial intelligence applications and smart supply chain solutions across global operations. The agreement was signed at Wilo's headquarters in Dortmund by Oliver Hermes, President and Global CEO of Wilo Group, and Abdulla Al Hashmi, Global Chief Operating Officer for Parks and Economic Zones at DP World. The expanded partnership reflects a shared ambition to develop more efficient industrial ecosystems while supporting sustainable infrastructure projects in key international markets. According to Hermes, combining Wilo's expertise in intelligent water management with DP World's logistics and infrastructure capabilities creates new possibilities for large-scale projects. He noted that the growing role of artificial intelligence will help both organisations deliver solutions with long-term environmental and operational benefits across industries ranging from water management to logistics. For DP World, the agreement builds upon a relationship that has developed over many years through the Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza). Abdulla Al Hashmi said the collaboration brings together complementary strengths, with Wilo contributing engineering and technology expertise while DP World provides an integrated logistics platform capable of supporting global industrial growth. Beyond technology deployment, the partnership also places emphasis on knowledge sharing, workforce development and innovation-led industrial expansion. Both organisations see talent development as a critical factor in supporting future manufacturing and infrastructure requirements. The collaboration draws on Wilo's established presence in the UAE, particularly its Green Fab manufacturing facility in Dubai, which operates within Jafza and recently underwent a major expansion to support growing regional demand. Under the terms of the agreement, the companies will assess opportunities to deploy Wilo's AI-enabled solutions across DP World's ports, logistics parks and economic zones. They will also work on improving supply chain efficiencies and explore potential cooperation through the Wilo Global WATER AI Academy programme, which focuses on innovation, digital skills and sustainable water management technologies. The move highlights the increasing convergence of advanced manufacturing, smart logistics and sustainability initiatives as businesses seek more resilient and technology-driven supply chains.
AD Ports Group has taken another step in expanding its digital logistics presence in Jordan with the launch of a new joint venture formed in partnership with Aqaba Development Corporation (ADC). The initiative, named Noatum Ports – Maqta Ayla Digital Solutions, is aimed at modernising port and logistics operations across the country through advanced digital platforms. The company, operating under AD Ports Group's Noatum Ports business, will oversee the development and management of a Port Community System (PCS) for Aqaba. Designed to bring multiple stakeholders onto a unified digital platform, the system will enable smoother coordination among port operators, government agencies, terminal operators, logistics providers, and cargo owners. Alongside the PCS rollout, the venture has successfully delivered the first phase of a truck management solution at Aqaba's ports. The platform acts as a centralised gateway for logistics-related procedures, helping reduce administrative bottlenecks, optimise truck movements, shorten turnaround times, and enhance cargo-handling efficiency. The launch event brought together senior representatives from the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA), Aqaba Development Corporation, and AD Ports Group, underscoring the strategic importance of the project for Jordan's logistics sector. According to Shadi Al Majali, Chief Commissioner of ASEZA, the initiative aligns with Aqaba's long-term vision of evolving into a digitally enabled logistics and trade gateway on the Red Sea. He noted that the truck management platform is expected to contribute to smoother traffic management and more efficient port operations. Hussein Al Safadi, Chief Executive Officer of Aqaba Development Corporation, highlighted that the collaboration combines ADC's development ambitions with AD Ports Group's international experience in port management and infrastructure development. Mohamed Al Tamimi, CEO of Noatum Ports at AD Ports Group, said the venture reflects the group's continued commitment to supporting Jordan's logistics ecosystem through technology-driven solutions that improve supply chain performance and operational visibility. The latest development further broadens AD Ports Group's activities in Jordan. The company already operates the Aqaba Multipurpose Port, manages digital customs services at the Al Madouneh Customs Centre, developed the Aqaba Cruise Terminal, and is involved in the large-scale Marsa Zayed waterfront project.
Delhivery has introduced a new geospatial technology platform, Delhivery Maps, marking its entry into the commercial mapping and navigation solutions space. The logistics company announced that the AI-driven suite of mapping APIs, previously developed and deployed exclusively for its own operations, will now be available to enterprises, developers, and gig-economy businesses. The launch reflects Delhivery’s broader effort to commercialise technology built in-house over years of operating one of India's largest logistics networks. The company originally created the mapping infrastructure to reduce dependence on external map providers while improving efficiency across its express parcel, freight, and supply chain businesses. According to the company, Delhivery Maps offers a comprehensive range of geospatial services, including address auto-completion, geocoding, reverse geocoding, navigation, route optimisation, distance matrix calculations, map tiles, and vehicle-aware routing. Unlike conventional mapping platforms, the solution has been designed specifically for logistics and commercial transportation requirements. The platform incorporates operational considerations such as heavy-vehicle movement patterns, road restrictions, commercial routing rules, and landmark-based navigation to improve route planning and delivery execution. Delhivery said the system has been trained and refined using operational data accumulated over years of deliveries across the country. The accuracy of the platform is backed by historical information generated from more than 200 crore shipments and over one billion daily GPS signals collected from a fleet exceeding one lakh vehicles. This extensive dataset enables the platform to better understand India's complex addressing ecosystem and transportation network. At the core of the offering is Naksha LLM, Delhivery’s proprietary geospatial reasoning model. Built to process unstructured and incomplete address information, the model uses advanced reasoning capabilities to interpret location data more effectively. Naksha LLM is also available through the Delhivery Maps MCP ecosystem. The company believes the platform can address a variety of use cases across sectors such as ecommerce, quick commerce, ride-hailing, and on-demand services. Businesses can leverage the APIs for tasks including address validation, dispatch optimisation, route planning, and more accurate delivery time predictions. Commenting on the launch, Delhivery Chief Technology Officer Kapil Bharati said the solution was born out of operational necessity, helping the company manage commercial routing complexities and unstructured addresses at scale while running India's largest logistics network. The launch comes as Delhivery continues to diversify its business portfolio. In recent months, the company established Delhivery Financial Services, a wholly-owned subsidiary focused on financial products for truck drivers, fleet operators, riders, and MSMEs. The offerings are expected to include credit-linked services, fuel cards, and insurance solutions. The company has also been strengthening newer business verticals such as Delhivery Direct and Rapid. While Delhivery Direct caters to hyperlocal, on-demand deliveries through two-wheelers as well as larger vehicles, Rapid supports quick-commerce fulfilment by managing dark-store operations for brands, retailers, and direct-to-consumer businesses. Financially, Delhivery maintained stable profitability during the March quarter, posting a consolidated net profit of ₹72.4 crore. Revenue from operations climbed 30 per cent year-on-year to ₹2,850 crore. For FY26, the company reported a net profit of ₹321 crore, up 8 per cent from the previous year, while service revenue increased 17 per cent to ₹10,486 crore. For more such news and updates, visit CARGOCONNECT.
Tata Motors has received fresh orders for more than 3,400 electric commercial vehicles (eCVs), reinforcing the growing acceptance of electric mobility across India's freight transportation and passenger mobility sectors. The latest bookings span a broad spectrum of applications, ranging from urban deliveries and logistics operations to heavy-duty industrial transportation and public transport services. According to the company, the order pipeline includes nearly 2,000 electric small commercial vehicles and pick-ups, around 900 electric trucks, and approximately 500 electric buses. These vehicles are expected to be deployed across sectors such as e-commerce, FMCG and FMCD distribution, logistics, construction materials transportation, mining operations, and city as well as intercity passenger movement. The development reflects a notable shift in how commercial fleet operators are approaching electrification. While electric vehicles were initially introduced through pilot projects and limited deployments, businesses are now increasingly integrating them into day-to-day operations at scale. Industry observers note that this transition is being driven by improvements in vehicle performance, lower operating costs, and expanding charging infrastructure. To address varying operational requirements, Tata Motors has steadily broadened its electric commercial vehicle portfolio over the past year. In the last-mile and intra-city delivery segment, models such as the Ace Pro EV, Ace EV, and Intra EV are designed to cater to urban logistics and distribution needs. These vehicles have found increasing relevance among e-commerce companies and logistics providers seeking cleaner and more cost-efficient transportation solutions. Beyond the light commercial segment, the company has expanded its offerings into medium and heavy-duty categories. The Ultra EV range, available in the 7-12 tonne segment, serves diverse freight applications, while the Prima EV 55T tractor and Prima EV 28T tipper cater to heavier industrial and infrastructure-related operations. For passenger transport, Tata Motors continues to strengthen its presence through the Starbus EV and Ultra EV bus platforms, which are being deployed for both city and inter-city travel. One of the key factors supporting wider adoption is the company's existing experience in electric mobility. Tata Motors currently has more than 3,800 electric buses operating across several Indian cities. Collectively, these buses have covered over 550 million kilometres, generating valuable operational insights across different climatic, geographic, and traffic conditions. Additionally, over 17,000 Tata electric small commercial vehicles are already active on Indian roads. Such large-scale deployments provide important data on vehicle reliability, battery performance, maintenance requirements, and overall fleet economics. For commercial operators, these factors often carry greater weight than the initial acquisition cost, as purchasing decisions are increasingly based on uptime, efficiency, and total cost of ownership. Industry experts also point out that vehicle availability alone will not determine the pace of commercial EV adoption. Recognising this, Tata Motors has focused on developing a supporting ecosystem around its electric vehicle portfolio. The company has partnered with more than 14 charging point operators, established financing arrangements through banks and NBFCs, and introduced digital fleet-management solutions through its Fleet Edge platform. It also offers uptime assurance programmes aimed at minimising operational disruptions. The latest order win strengthens Tata Motors' position in India's evolving electric commercial vehicle market. The diversity of the orders—covering small commercial vehicles, trucks, and buses—highlights the expanding relevance of electric mobility across multiple transportation segments. As businesses continue to pursue sustainability goals while seeking greater cost efficiencies, electric commercial vehicles are expected to play an increasingly significant role in fleet operations. For Tata Motors, these deployments not only contribute to market expansion but also create opportunities for further product refinement, stronger service networks, and deeper customer engagement in the years ahead.
Furniture and lifestyle rental company Furlenco is scaling up its electric mobility journey by extending its logistics partnership with Green Drive Mobility to Delhi and Hyderabad, following the successful implementation of an EV-led delivery model in Bengaluru. The move forms part of Furlenco's broader strategy to make its logistics operations more sustainable while maintaining service efficiency across its growing footprint. The company currently handles a vast network of deliveries, installations, product returns, warehouse transfers, refurbishment movements, and customer fulfilment activities across multiple cities, making transportation a critical component of its business operations. What began as a pilot initiative in Bengaluru has now evolved into a multi-city deployment. Under the ongoing roadmap, nearly 150 conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles are expected to be gradually replaced with electric vehicles in the coming phases, helping reduce emissions while improving long-term operational efficiency. Green Drive Mobility has been entrusted with managing the transition from end to end. Its responsibilities include vehicle deployment, driver onboarding, fleet monitoring, utilisation management, maintenance support, and local operational execution. The company believes that enterprise-led fleet electrification is gaining momentum as businesses increasingly look for predictable operating costs and cleaner transportation alternatives. According to Ala Harikrishna, Founder of Green Drive Mobility, the partnership has expanded steadily because both organisations remained focused on operational execution rather than treating electrification as a standalone sustainability initiative. He noted that the success of the Bengaluru deployment demonstrated that EVs are capable of supporting demanding logistics operations, paving the way for expansion into additional metropolitan markets. Harikrishna further observed that sustainability is becoming an integral part of business operations rather than an isolated corporate objective. He added that the planned migration of a large number of conventional vehicles to EVs illustrates how enterprises can simultaneously lower their environmental footprint and strengthen operational performance. For Furlenco, the transition is part of a longer-term vision that dates back several years. Ajay Agarwal, Chief Operating Officer of Furlenco, said the company began investing in sustainable mobility solutions as early as 2023, at a time when EVs had yet to gain widespread acceptance as a dependable logistics option. He emphasised that as Furlenco expands across India, it remains focused on building a distribution network that is scalable, cost-efficient, and aligned with its environmental commitments. Agarwal also acknowledged Green Drive Mobility's role in helping the company adopt cleaner transportation solutions while maintaining service standards and customer experience. Industry observers note that the collaboration reflects a wider transformation taking place across India's logistics sector. Electric vehicles are increasingly moving beyond pilot programmes and experimental projects to become a mainstream component of commercial fleet operations. By expanding their partnership across multiple cities, Furlenco and Green Drive Mobility are contributing to this shift and demonstrating how sustainability and business growth can progress together. As urban centres continue to tighten emission regulations and companies seek greener supply-chain solutions, such collaborations are expected to play an increasingly important role in shaping the future of logistics and last-mile transportation in India.
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.
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.
