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India’s express logistics sector is witnessing a major shift as surface transportation networks continue gaining prominence over air cargo for domestic deliveries. Improved road infrastructure, faster transit times, and cost advantages are encouraging logistics companies to strengthen their road-based operations across the country.
According to an Aviral Consulting report, surface transport currently handles nearly 75–80% of domestic express cargo volumes, while air cargo accounts for a much smaller share. The report highlights that improved highways and better connectivity have significantly reduced delivery timelines, allowing road freight to compete more effectively with air transportation.
Average truck speeds have increased considerably over the years, enabling faster movement of cargo across major trade corridors. This has made surface logistics more reliable and economically attractive for businesses handling large shipment volumes.
The rapid growth of e-commerce and business-to-consumer deliveries is also accelerating demand for efficient road-based logistics. Companies are increasingly focusing on affordability, scale, and network optimisation, leading to higher investments in trucking fleets, automated sorting centres, and hub-and-spoke distribution models.
Major logistics players such as Delhivery, TCI Express, Allcargo Gati, and XpressBees are expanding their surface logistics capabilities to handle rising shipment volumes and improve operational efficiency. Investments in automation and digital route planning are also helping companies streamline delivery operations.
Despite the growing dominance of road transport, air cargo continues to play an important role in transporting high-value and time-sensitive shipments, including pharmaceuticals, electronics, and urgent industrial cargo.
India’s express logistics market, currently valued at around $9–10 billion, is projected to nearly double by 2030, driven by infrastructure development, rising e-commerce activity, and expanding trade volumes. However, challenges such as last-mile delivery costs, urban congestion, and pricing pressures remain key concerns for the industry.
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The Union Cabinet has approved the construction of a new coastal highway linking Rameshwar and Paradip in Odisha, a project expected to improve freight movement, reduce transit times and strengthen connectivity across key economic centres along the state's coastline. The project carries an estimated investment of ₹8,300 crore and will be developed under the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM). Approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), the 160.18-km corridor will pass through the districts of Khurda, Puri, Kendrapada and Jagatsinghpur. The new route is designed to address capacity and operational constraints on existing road links that currently handle a mix of local and long-distance traffic. The project will be executed in two phases. The first package includes a four-lane access-controlled highway between Rameshwar and Konark, while the second package involves the development of a two-lane road with paved shoulders from Konark to Paradip. Both sections have been designed for vehicle speeds of up to 100 kmph. From a logistics perspective, the highway is expected to improve access to major economic and transport assets across the region. Government estimates indicate that the corridor will connect nine economic nodes and five logistics hubs, including ports, rail infrastructure and industrial clusters. The project aligns with the PM GatiShakti framework, which focuses on integrated multimodal infrastructure development. Officials said the existing road network, particularly stretches connecting Puri, Satapada and Konark, faces operational challenges due to heavy local traffic and roadside development. The new corridor is intended to provide a more efficient route for both passenger and cargo transportation while reducing congestion on existing highways. Upon completion, travel time between Rameshwar and Paradip is expected to be reduced by approximately two and a half hours. The government also expects the project to lower vehicle operating costs, improve fuel efficiency and support more reliable freight movement along Odisha's coast. The corridor is expected to support industries including fisheries, food processing, manufacturing and export-oriented businesses by providing improved access to ports and logistics infrastructure. It is also projected to generate substantial employment during the construction phase through both direct and indirect jobs. Follow CARGOCONNECT for more such updates.
India’s cold chain logistics sector is witnessing a major shift toward sustainable transportation as electric commercial vehicles gain momentum across the country. In response to rising demand for energy-efficient and temperature-controlled delivery solutions, SWITCH Mobility has launched the SWITCH IeV4 Reefer, an electric refrigerated vehicle designed for cold chain operations across urban and regional markets. The launch comes at a time when logistics companies are increasingly looking for solutions that reduce operational costs, improve fleet efficiency, and support environmental goals. With industries such as pharmaceuticals, dairy, frozen foods, and FMCG relying heavily on temperature-sensitive transportation, the need for reliable electric refrigerated vehicles has become more significant. Built on the company’s next-generation IeV electric vehicle platform, the IeV4 Reefer combines electric mobility technology with advanced refrigeration capabilities. The vehicle operates on a 300V EV architecture and is equipped with a 32.2 kWh lithium-ion battery. It is powered by a permanent magnet synchronous motor capable of producing 60 kW peak power and 230 Nm torque, enabling efficient performance across varied logistics conditions. The refrigerated vehicle supports temperature ranges between -25°C and +25°C, allowing it to cater to frozen, chilled, and fresh cargo transportation requirements. The vehicle is expected to support applications including pharmaceutical distribution, milk and dairy transportation, bakery logistics, frozen foods, fresh produce, and meat delivery. To ensure consistent temperature retention, the reefer body uses insulated sandwich panel construction with 100 mm thick insulation across all panels. The vehicle also includes standby and pre-cooling functionality, enabling the refrigeration unit to operate using external grid power while the vehicle is charging or during loading and unloading operations. This feature helps reduce battery consumption and improve driving efficiency during delivery cycles. The IeV4 Reefer offers a gross vehicle weight of 3,490 kg and a payload capacity of 1,200 kg, making it suitable for mid-mile and last-mile cold chain operations. SWITCH Mobility stated that the vehicle has already seen adoption across western, northern, and southern regions of India for various refrigerated transport applications. The electric refrigerated vehicle is equipped with CCS2 AC and DC charging capability, with fast charging technology allowing the battery to charge from 10% to 80% in nearly 55 minutes. Additional features such as 22% gradeability and a top speed of 80 kmph are aimed at supporting dependable performance across diverse operating conditions. Driver comfort and ease of operation have also been prioritised in the vehicle’s design. The IeV4 Reefer comes with electric power steering, D+2 seating configuration, and suspension systems designed to improve stability and manoeuvrability during daily logistics operations. With the introduction of the IeV4 Reefer, SWITCH Mobility is strengthening its position in India’s growing electric commercial vehicle market while contributing to the expansion of sustainable cold chain transportation infrastructure. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 https://cargoconnect.co.in/ 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬!
Ritco Logistics Ltd has strengthened its cement and infrastructure logistics capabilities with the induction of 85 newly modernised fleet vehicles aimed at supporting rising construction demand across Western India. The specialised fleet has been designed to enhance load optimisation, operational safety and transportation efficiency, enabling faster and more reliable movement of cement to high-growth infrastructure and industrial markets. Strategically deployed across Gujarat, Rajasthan and Maharashtra, the expansion aligns with India’s National Logistics Policy and the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, supporting improved regional connectivity and higher logistics efficiency across key industrial corridors. Commenting on the development, Manmohan Pal Singh Chadha Chairman, Ritco Logistics said, “The induction of this specialized fleet marks a significant step in strengthening our capabilities in the cement logistics segment." "With infrastructure demand rising across the country, especially in key states like Gujarat, it is crucial to ensure timely and efficient transportation. This investment reflects our commitment to providing reliable, safe, and optimized logistics solutions tailored to industry needs,” he added. The move is expected to enhance transportation capacity, reduce transit timelines and support the uninterrupted flow of high-volume cement supplies required for ongoing industrial and infrastructure expansion across the region.
