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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.
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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!
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!
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.
