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The Brihanmumbai Custom Brokers’ Association (BCBA), the apex body of the customs-broking fraternity in Mumbai, successfully hosted the second edition of its flagship policy forum, the India Logistics Conclave 2026, on June 17, 2026, at The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai. Building on the massive success of the inaugural 2024 edition, the high-profile, single-day gathering united over 550 industry stakeholders, senior policymakers, and logistics leaders. The landmark event was held under the powerful theme, “One Fraternity, One Vision — Logistics Driving India Towards Viksit Bharat.”
Designed as a coherent dialogue on the transformative forces reshaping India’s trade-and-logistics ecosystem, the conclave focused heavily on digital customs, the strategic "China Plus One" opportunity, Free Trade Agreement (FTA) utilisation, infrastructure delivery policies, and the evolving role of the licensed intermediary. The core discussions reflected the BCBA’s firm conviction that customs brokers and freight forwarders have transitioned from traditional back-office facilitators into front-line, equal growth partners in the nation’s economic story.
Underscoring this vision, the association’s leadership emphasised the sector's crucial contribution to national development. Mr. Sanjeev Harale, President of BCBA, highlighted that with falling logistics costs and maturing policies, the sector now sits at the heart of national growth, requiring stakeholders to actively shape industry changes. Mr. Dushyant Mulani, Immediate Past President, noted that the conclave has evolved from an idea in 2024 into a powerful movement, proving the fraternity's readiness to sit at the high table of national policy. Further reinforcing this stance, Mr. Paresh Thakkar, Senior Vice President, described the customs broker as the vital thread holding the entire EXIM chain together, declaring their commitment to leading, innovating, and helping build the Viksit Bharat of 2047.
The prestigious Inaugural Session brought together an eminent cross-section of leaders from Indian Customs and the country’s premier ports ecosystem. The distinguished dais featured key government and port authority heads, including Shri Yogendra Garg, Member (Customs), CBIC; Shri Gaurav Dayal, IAS, Chairman, JNPA; Dr M Angamuthu, IAS, Chairman, Mumbai Port Authority; and Shri Shyam Jagannathan, IAS, Director General of Shipping. Joining them were industry captains Capt. Deepak Tiwari, Managing Director, MSC India and Chairman, CSLA; Capt. BVJK Sharma, CEO, Navi Mumbai International Airport; and Shri Niraj Ambani, Group President — Supply Chain, Reliance Industries. Additionally, Shri Vivek Chaturvedi, Chairman, CBIC, addressed the massive gathering online, while the session also took the opportunity to felicitate industry veterans for their distinguished, lifelong contributions to the EXIM community.
Throughout the day, panel sessions drew prominent voices from policy, shipping lines, terminals, and academia to deliberate on the long-horizon roadmap for Viksit Bharat 2047. The conclave concluded with a highly impactful Valedictory Session titled “Custom Brokers and Freight Forwarders — Growth Partners.” The concluding keynote address was delivered by Mr. Dhimant Parekh, Founder of The Better India, who emphasised the critical role of brokers as front-line trade-facilitation partners within the CBIC, DGFT, and PGA frameworks.
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Safexpress has inaugurated a new logistics park in Vapi, Gujarat, expanding its warehousing, distribution and transportation capabilities across one of western India’s key industrial regions. Located near National Highway 48 (NH-48) in Valsad district, the 3.5 lakh sq. ft facility is designed to support the growing logistics requirements of manufacturers, exporters and businesses operating across Gujarat and neighbouring markets. The new facility features dedicated transshipment infrastructure and third-party logistics (3PL) capabilities, with cross-dock infrastructure that can accommodate the simultaneous loading and unloading of more than 116 vehicles. The configuration is intended to streamline cargo movement, improve handling efficiency and reduce transit times by facilitating the faster transfer of shipments between incoming and outgoing vehicles. The logistics park also incorporates a column-free span exceeding 105 feet, allowing smoother movement of goods within the facility. Meanwhile, 16-foot-wide cantilever sheds are designed to support loading and unloading operations in different weather conditions, helping maintain operational continuity. Safety and environmental considerations have also been integrated into the facility’s design. The park is equipped with modern firefighting systems and trained emergency response personnel. Its sustainability measures include rainwater harvesting, green spaces and extensive use of natural daylight to help reduce energy consumption. Supporting Gujarat’s Industrial Supply Chains Vapi is an established manufacturing centre with industries spanning chemicals, pharmaceuticals, textiles, packaging, paper, plastics and engineering. Its industrial base generates demand for dependable transportation, warehousing and distribution services to move raw materials, intermediate goods and finished products to domestic and export markets. The new logistics park is expected to help businesses consolidate shipments, improve delivery reliability and strengthen distribution networks. Its location close to NH-48 also provides connectivity to major industrial and commercial markets, supporting freight movement across western India and other parts of the country. Expanding Logistics Footprint in Western India The Vapi facility adds to Safexpress’ presence in Gujarat, following its logistics park in Vadodara. It also forms part of the company’s broader expansion of logistics infrastructure along important highway corridors, including facilities in Vijayawada, Chennai and Hyderabad. The inauguration reflects the growing importance of modern, highway-linked logistics parks in supporting industrial growth and more efficient freight distribution. With dedicated cross-dock capacity, warehousing infrastructure and 3PL services, the Vapi facility is positioned to support regional businesses seeking improved supply chain connectivity and faster cargo movement. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 CARGOCONNECT 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬!
Blue Dart Express Limited has announced a planned leadership transition, with R.S. Subramanian set to take over as Managing Director from 30 November 2026, subject to requisite approvals. He will succeed Balfour Manuel, who will step down from the role on 29 November after a 43-year association with the express logistics company. As part of the succession plan, Manuel will continue with Blue Dart as Senior Strategic Advisor until 15 May 2027, supporting continuity across the company’s strategic priorities during the transition. The company’s Board approved Subramanian’s appointment for the period from 30 November 2026 to 25 May 2030, subject to shareholder and other statutory approvals. Manuel joined Blue Dart in 1983 as one of its earliest employees and has played a significant role in the company’s development, including its customer-centric culture, market position, network expansion and operational capabilities. He became Managing Director in 2019. Reflecting on the leadership transition, Balfour Manuel said, “Blue Dart has been the defining journey of my professional life. After careful consideration, I believe this is the right time to implement a structured succession plan that serves the company’s long-term interests. I have every confidence in R.S. Subramanian, who understands our business, respects our culture and shares our ambition. As Senior Strategic Advisor, I look forward to working closely with him and the Board to ensure continuity throughout the transition.” Subramanian brings more than three decades of experience across product-led and service businesses, with expertise spanning business strategy, customer experience, organisational transformation and profitable growth. He currently serves as Senior Vice President, DHL Express South Asia, and Managing Director, DHL Express India, and is a member of the DHL Express Asia Pacific Management Board. Associated with DHL Express since 2004, Subramanian has held leadership responsibilities across South Asia and has overseen operations in markets including India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, the Maldives and Bhutan. He has also been a Director on the Blue Dart Express Board since 2019, giving him familiarity with the company’s operations and strategic priorities. Commenting on his appointment, R.S. Subramanian said, “It is a privilege to lead Blue Dart, an institution that has played a defining role in the development of India's express logistics industry. Having served on the Blue Dart Board over the past seven years, I have had the opportunity to gain a firsthand appreciation of the company’s strong customer focus, operational excellence and the culture that the team has built. My focus will be on building on Blue Dart’s strong foundation, advancing its market leadership and delivering sustainable, profitable growth, while continuing to create value for customers, employees and shareholders alike.” The leadership transition comes as Blue Dart continues to expand its express logistics network and capabilities. The company reported revenue of ₹6,141 crore for FY2025-26 and serves more than 56,400 locations in India, according to its latest fact sheet. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 CARGOCONNECT 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬!
Crown Worldwide Group has expanded exXtra, its valet storage service, to six major Indian cities: Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai and Pune, as changing urban lifestyles and space requirements drive demand for more flexible storage solutions. The expansion extends exXtra’s reach across markets characterised by growing urban populations and evolving residential and business space needs, while leveraging Crown Worldwide Group’s more than three decades of experience in India across logistics, relocation, warehousing and related services. Moving beyond storage associated solely with relocation, exXtra is positioned to address a broader range of everyday requirements, from storing seasonal clothing, books, sports equipment, bicycles and documents to accommodating belongings during home renovations, downsizing or changing residential spaces for work and other purposes. Praveen Joseph, Assistant Vice President, South Asia, Crown Worldwide Group said, “With our understanding of moving, handling and storing belongings, we can offer customers a solution that gives them greater freedom over the space they have, without requiring them to make decisions about what to keep or let go.” The service combines doorstep pickup, secure storage and on-demand return, allowing customers to retain belongings without dedicating valuable space to items they do not need regularly. Customers can schedule pickups, track their inventory and manage payments through an online portal, adding greater convenience and visibility to the storage experience. The expansion draws on Crown’s established capabilities in handling, moving and storing belongings, with the company positioning exXtra around the changing ways in which households and businesses manage their available space. Crown Worldwide Group said exXtra will continue to explore further expansion across India through phased launches, with future growth guided by customer demand and opportunities in emerging markets where the Group already maintains a presence.
