Loading...
Kerala’s Vizhinjam International Seaport is set to commence full export-import (EXIM) operations from August 18. The transition marks the port’s evolution from a dedicated transshipment hub into a comprehensive international cargo gateway capable of handling both transshipment and gateway cargo, strengthening India’s position in global shipping and supply chains. Since commercial operations began, Vizhinjam has primarily focused on transshipment cargo, enabling containers to be transferred between mother vessels and feeder services. The introduction of full EXIM operations will now allow exporters and importers to move cargo directly through the port, reducing dependence on overseas hubs such as Colombo, Singapore and Dubai for gateway shipments. This is expected to improve transit efficiency, lower logistics costs and shorten cargo movement timelines for businesses across southern India. The commencement of EXIM services is expected to provide a major boost to Kerala’s export ecosystem, while also benefiting neighbouring manufacturing and industrial centres. Direct handling of import and export cargo is likely to enhance supply chain reliability, create new business opportunities for logistics service providers, freight forwarders, customs brokers and transport operators, and improve multimodal connectivity in the region. Developed under a public-private partnership between the Government of Kerala and Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ), Vizhinjam is India’s first dedicated deep-water transshipment port. Its strategic location, just a short distance from one of the world’s busiest east-west international shipping routes, enables ultra-large container vessels to berth without significant deviation from their sailing path. The port’s natural deep draft and modern automated infrastructure further strengthen its competitiveness as a global maritime gateway. The launch of full EXIM operations will coincide with the state government’s ‘Mission Samudra’ initiative, aimed at attracting investments across shipping, logistics, warehousing, port-led industries and allied infrastructure. Industry stakeholders expect the initiative to accelerate industrial growth, generate employment and reinforce Kerala’s role as an emerging logistics hub on India’s western coast. For India’s logistics sector, the development represents another step towards enhancing domestic port infrastructure, reducing cargo diversion to foreign ports and strengthening the country’s ambition of becoming a leading maritime and global supply chain hub. As gateway cargo operations commence, Vizhinjam is expected to play a pivotal role in improving trade competitiveness and supporting India’s long-term vision of expanding its maritime economy. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 CARGOCONNECT 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬!
Container Corporation of India Ltd. (CONCOR) has flagged off a direct EXIM container train connecting Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port (SMP), Kolkata, with Nepal Container Yard (NCY), Biratnagar, via Inland Container Depot (ICD) Jogbani. The new rail service is expected to streamline cargo movement between India and Nepal while enhancing supply chain efficiency for exporters and importers in both countries. The inaugural train marks an important milestone in India-Nepal trade connectivity by providing a seamless rail-based logistics solution from Kolkata Port, one of India's key maritime gateways, to Nepal's industrial hub at Biratnagar. The service is designed to reduce transit time, improve cargo reliability, and lower logistics costs for EXIM trade. The direct rail link eliminates multiple handling points and minimizes operational complexities, offering a more efficient alternative for transporting containerized cargo. Industry stakeholders believe the dedicated service will facilitate smoother movement of export and import consignments, particularly for industries dependent on regular cross-border trade. The train will operate via ICD Jogbani, an important gateway for India-Nepal cargo movement, strengthening multimodal connectivity between the port, rail network, and inland logistics infrastructure. The initiative also reinforces CONCOR's commitment to expanding integrated logistics solutions that support growing regional trade and economic cooperation. Officials from CONCOR and Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port highlighted that the service reflects continued collaboration among Indian Railways, port authorities, customs officials, and logistics stakeholders to improve cross-border freight transportation. The initiative aligns with the Government of India's broader vision of promoting multimodal logistics, reducing transportation costs, and improving the ease of doing business through efficient freight corridors. For Nepalese importers and exporters, the direct train is expected to provide greater predictability in cargo movement while improving access to global markets through Kolkata Port. Indian exporters, particularly from eastern and northern regions, are also likely to benefit from faster and more reliable connectivity to Nepal, one of India's key trading partners. The launch comes at a time when both India and Nepal are working to strengthen bilateral trade infrastructure and modernize cross-border logistics. With growing demand for efficient containerized transportation, the new EXIM train service is expected to enhance supply chain resilience, promote sustainable rail-based freight movement, and further deepen economic ties between the two neighbouring nations. The initiative underscores CONCOR's strategic focus on expanding rail-led multimodal logistics while supporting regional trade growth through reliable, cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable transportation solutions. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 CARGOCONNECT 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬!
Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd. (APSEZ) has secured a 10-year marine services contract for Argentina's first liquefied natural gas (LNG) export project, marking the company's entry into South America and strengthening its presence in the global energy logistics sector. The contract was awarded to an APSEZ-led consortium comprising its subsidiary Adani Harbour International FZCO and Argentina-based Meridian Group following an international tender process conducted by Southern Energy SA. The project carries an estimated investment commitment of US$70 million. Under the agreement, the consortium will provide a range of marine services for the Southern Energy floating LNG (FLNG) project, including tug operations for LNG carriers, offshore logistics support and crew transportation. Operations will be supported by four tugboats, an anchor-handling tug supply vessel and a crew boat. The award represents a significant international expansion for APSEZ, which has been increasing its presence in marine services linked to ports, energy terminals and offshore infrastructure. The Argentina project will give the company a foothold in a new geography while diversifying its revenue streams beyond traditional port operations. Located in the San Matías Gulf in Río Negro Province, the Southern Energy project is expected to become Argentina's first operational LNG export facility. The development will liquefy natural gas transported through the General San Martín pipeline using a floating LNG vessel. . For APSEZ, the contract highlights the growing role of logistics and marine service providers in supporting global energy supply chains. The company is expected to play a key role in vessel handling and offshore operations critical to the project's export activities. The deal also reflects increasing commercial links between India and Argentina in the energy sector, with LNG emerging as a strategic component of long-term trade and supply chain cooperation between the two countries. Follow CARGOCONNECT for more such updates.
Kerala is positioning itself to become a major maritime and logistics gateway for India by accelerating investments in ports, coastal shipping, fisheries, logistics infrastructure and other ocean-linked industries under its blue economy strategy. The state government believes its extensive coastline, port network and maritime assets can support long-term economic growth while creating new opportunities in trade, transportation and employment. Kerala has nearly 600 kilometres of coastline, one major port at Kochi and 17 non-major ports, providing a foundation for expanding maritime activity across the state. A key focus of the strategy is strengthening port-led development through the modernization of existing facilities and the operationalisation of smaller ports, including Kollam, Beypore and Azhikkal. Authorities are also working to improve customs and cargo-handling capabilities to facilitate export-import (EXIM) trade and enhance coastal shipping connectivity. The initiative extends beyond ports and shipping. The state has identified sectors such as fisheries, aquaculture, seafood processing, marine research, shipbuilding, cold-chain logistics and coastal tourism as growth areas capable of attracting investment and generating employment. Recent efforts to attract international participation have also supported the state's maritime ambitions. The Kerala-European Union Blue Economy Conclave attracted investment proposals worth ₹7,288 crore from 28 European investors through expressions of interest, reflecting growing interest in Kerala's ocean-based industries and maritime infrastructure projects. Industry observers view the development of coastal shipping and integrated port infrastructure as critical to reducing logistics costs, improving cargo movement efficiency and strengthening Kerala's role in regional and international maritime trade. With continued investment in maritime infrastructure and ocean-based industries, Kerala is seeking to transform its coastline into a key driver of economic growth and establish itself as a strategic gateway for India's expanding blue economy. Follow CARGOCONNECT for more such updates.
The first export shipment of GI-tagged Tezpur litchi from Assam to Dubai marks a significant development for India's fresh produce supply chain, demonstrating the growing capability of the country's cold-chain and export logistics networks to connect regional agricultural products with international markets. The one-tonne consignment was dispatched on June 7 with support from the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), opening a new export route for one of Assam's most recognised horticultural products. The shipment represents an important step in integrating farmers from India's Northeast into global agri-food supply chains. Moving highly perishable fruit such as litchi to overseas destinations requires close coordination across harvesting, grading, packaging, temperature-controlled storage, transportation and international distribution. The successful delivery to the UAE highlights improvements in export infrastructure and supply chain management for fresh agricultural products originating from remote production regions. According to APEDA, the export marks "a significant milestone in expanding international market access for agricultural products from thr North Eastern Region" The export also underscores the increasing importance of cold-chain logistics in India's agricultural trade. Demand for premium fresh produce in Gulf markets has created opportunities for exporters capable of maintaining product quality throughout transit, making reliable handling and transportation a critical component of supply chain performance. The shipment forms part of broader efforts to expand agricultural exports from India's Northeast through improved logistics connectivity, supply chain integration and market access initiatives. As export demand grows, investments in cold storage, cargo handling facilities and air-freight capacity are expected to play an increasingly important role in supporting the movement of high-value perishables from production centres to overseas consumers. For the logistics sector, the export serves as an example of how coordinated supply chain infrastructure can help regional agricultural products reach international markets, creating new trade opportunities while strengthening India's position in global fresh produce exports. Follow CARGOCONNECT for more such updates.
India’s engineering goods exports climbed to a record $122.43 billion in the 2025-26 financial year, reinforcing the sector’s position as the country’s largest contributor to merchandise exports and highlighting growing demand for Indian-manufactured products in global markets. The engineering sector accounted for nearly one-fourth of India’s total merchandise exports during the fiscal year, supported by strong overseas demand across key product categories, including industrial machinery, transport equipment, electrical goods, iron and steel products, and auto components. Export growth was driven by increased shipments to major markets such as the United States, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom and several European countries. Industry data indicated that engineering exports maintained momentum despite ongoing geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions and uncertain economic conditions in some regions. The strong performance comes as manufacturers continue to expand production capabilities and diversify export destinations. Improved market access, government-led trade initiatives and a gradual recovery in industrial activity across several economies also contributed to higher outbound shipments. Industry stakeholders said the engineering sector has become increasingly competitive in global markets, benefiting from investments in technology, manufacturing efficiency and product quality. Rising exports of capital goods, machinery and transport-related equipment have further strengthened the sector’s international presence. The record export figures are expected to support cargo volumes across ports, container terminals and multimodal logistics networks, given the engineering industry's heavy reliance on international transportation and supply chain infrastructure. Growth in engineering exports also creates additional demand for freight forwarding, warehousing and customs clearance services. Looking ahead, exporters remain cautiously optimistic about sustaining growth, although challenges such as fluctuating freight rates, trade policy changes and global economic uncertainty could influence demand in the coming months. The latest export performance underscores the increasing role of India’s manufacturing sector in global supply chains and its expanding footprint in international engineering and industrial goods markets. Follow CARGOCONNECT for more such updates.
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 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.
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.
