In a move set to enhance Northern India’s export-import connectivity, ICD-Bawal, Sanjvik Terminals has expanded its EXIM operations through two major developments — the commencement of BL Point by ONE (Ocean Network Express) Line and the resumption of EXIM rake connectivity from key seaports. ONE Line, one of the world’s largest shipping lines, has officially commenced its BL Point operations for EXIM business at ICD, Bawal, Sanjvik Terminals, owned by Om Logistics. With a strong customer base in the automobile and white goods sectors, many of which are located within the Korean and Japanese industrial belt, this development provides customers with direct, efficient and reliable EXIM service delivery through ICD Bawal — further enhancing the terminal’s connectivity and operational capabilities. Adding to this momentum, ICD, Bawal has resumed EXIM rail transportation services from major sea ports including Mundra, Pipavav and JNPT, in collaboration with Pristine Logistics & Infraprojects, the rail operator with a fleet of over 80 rakes. The presence of a Gati Shakti terminal within the Bawal catchment area also allows customers to avail double-stack movement benefits, improving cost efficiency and turnaround times. These initiatives position ICD, Bawal as a key logistics hub for increased EXIM volumes and enhanced trade connectivity across Northern India achieving an all-time high in TEUs in September 2025. With these advancements, Sanjvik Terminals continues to reinforce its position as a preferred ICD in the northern region, driven by advanced infrastructure, process-led operations, and a strong customer-first approach. The expansion of partnerships and service routes highlights ICD-Bawal’s growing contribution to India’s EXIM trade and logistics excellence.

Kale Logistics Solutions was presented with the Best Airport Technology Partner for Cargo Community Award at the recent India Cargo Awards in New Delhi. The recognition highlights Kale’s commitment to leveraging technology to streamline airport cargo operations, enhance efficiency, and foster seamless collaboration across the cargo ecosystem. With innovative solutions that integrate stakeholders from airlines, ground handlers, forwarders, and customs authorities, Kale continues to drive digital transformation in India’s cargo sector. The award underscores the firm’s role in enabling faster, transparent, and reliable cargo ops, reinforcing its position as a trusted technology partner for airports and logistics stakeholders nationwide.

The 11th PHDCCI Global Aviation & Air Cargo Conclave–2025 is set to take place on 18–19 November at Dwarka in New Delhi. The event aims to foster dialogue on the evolving dynamics of air transport, infrastructure development, policy frameworks, and the growing role of technology in shaping the sector’s future. It will also explore pathways for enhancing connectivity, improving cargo handling efficiency, and driving sustainable growth. The conclave will bring together the brightest minds and key stakeholders from India’s aviation and air cargo ecosystem. Organised by the PHDCCI in collaboration with leading industry bodies, the conclave will be held under the theme ‘INDIAIRPORT.’ With participation expected from govt officials, airline leaders, airport operators, and logistics experts, the conclave promises to be a platform for charting the next phase of growth in India’s aviation and air cargo landscape.

Ahead of 49th ACAAI Annual Convention in Bali, Indonesia from 6–9 November, Sushant Nigam, Executive Director, ACAAI, said, “The Union government’s aggressive foreign policy and Make in India initiative have started showing results and will keep boosting India’s manufacturing and incentives for exporters, effective industry-friendly policies, infra developments, better FTAs will help in India’s outreach to newer global markets and counter many challenges, such as regional conflicts, higher tariff, among others. The cargo industry has optimally been utilising the government support.

Balagopal Balachandran, National Head – Air Freight, FEI Cargo said, “India is at a turning point. Emerging trade routes like the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) and the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) promise faster, cheaper access to Europe, Central Asia, and beyond by offering a vital alternative to traditional maritime routes. Opportunities are clear: Transit times could drop by 40 per cent and logistics costs by nearly 30 per cent. India’s trade with Central Asia has already grown 3.5 times since 2010, reaching $1.7 billion in 2023, led by pharmaceuticals, machinery, and electrical equipment. The EFTA trade deal could attract $100 billion in FDI over 15 years. Global challenges, however, remain. U.S. tariffs imposed in August 2025 on $48.2 billion of Indian goods have slashed exports by 37.5 per cent, hitting textiles, gems jewellery , pharma etc . These hurdles highlight the need to diversify—Europe, Africa, and Southeast Asia are emerging as key markets. The road ahead isn’t easy. Infrastructure, digital connectivity, geopolitical tensions, and regulatory hurdles all demand careful navigation. Yet, India’s position in Eurasian corridors underscores a simple truth: opportunities favour the prepared ones . By staying resilient, adapting to changing markets, and broadening trade partnerships, India can turn challenges into growth engines by strengthening its global influence and paving the way for sustainable economic progress.”

Sunil Kohli, MD, Rahat Cargo said, “The Eurasian trade routes will benefit India by reducing logistics cost and transit time while expanding global market access thereby creating new opportunities for Indian exporters specially the MSMEs. An economic and accelerated penetration into European and Eurasian markets are expected to improve the competitiveness of Indian products such as pharmaceuticals, engineering goods and textiles. The project like India-Middle East Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) will attract considerable FDIs into India’s transportations, logistics and industrial sectors. The advantages may also include by developing ports and logistics centres along new routes which will enhance local economic activities by creating industrial parks and spur job creation in construction and related industries. Therefore, the proposed new routes may lead to achieving an overall benefit for the cargo trade.”

Kamal Jain, Director, Cargomen Logistics said, “India’s focus on building new trade routes across Europe and Asia is a smart step in today’s uncertain world. It helps India expand its trade, improve energy security, and connect better with growing Eurasian economies. Though there are challenges like political tensions and global trade ups and downs, India aims to use these routes to grow steadily, reduce reliance on old partners, and reach new markets. However, this positive approach needs careful handling of global politics and quick adaptation to changes. India’s efforts in signing trade agreements and investing in infrastructure show its strong commitment to making the most of the Eurasian route despite the risks.”  

C K Govil, CMD, Activair Airfreight says, “As global trade faces rising protectionism, logistics costs and supply chain volatility, India’s push to diversify its trade routes is both timely and strategic. The Eurasian Corridor — linking South Asia, Central Asia, and Europe offers an alternative to traditional maritime routes through the Suez Canal, cutting transit times to Europe by up to 40 per cent and expanding access to new markets. Through initiatives such as the International North–South Transport Corridor (INSTC) and the Chabahar Port project, India is deepening regional integration across sea, rail, and road networks. Air cargo and digital trade systems will be critical in bridging infrastructure gaps and ensuring reliability. Yet, geopolitical risks, regulatory inconsistencies, and limited experience among smaller exporters remain key challenges. Success will depend on coordinated policy, infrastructure investment, and industry collaboration. If executed well, the Eurasian Route could become a cornerstone of India’s trade resilience, complementing traditional sea and air corridors while positioning India at the center of a more connected Eurasian marketplace.

Central Airlines has strengthened its international cargo capabilities with the addition of a Boeing 777 Freighter. The China-based carrier, headquartered at Haikou Meilan International Airport in Hainan, received the leased aircraft this month as part of its ongoing fleet expansion strategy. With this latest addition, Central Airlines’ fleet now includes two Boeing 737-300 passenger-to-freighter (P2F) aircraft, four 737-800P2Fs, and six 777Fs. Tie Gong, Head of Network and Planning at Central Airlines, highlighted the aircraft’s significance in a recent LinkedIn post, “The Boeing 777F brings modern efficiency, extended range, and proven reliability — qualities that perfectly align with KTW’s role as a 24/7 cargo hub at the heart of Europe.” The move underscores Central Airlines’ commitment to expanding its long-haul cargo operations and strengthening its presence in the global air freight market.

Samir J Shah, President, ACAAI said, ” ACAAI is an old association with a wonderful legacy of serving its members, the airlines, and other stakeholders, while actively participating in policy discussions with the Government of India. There is so much happening in logistics—especially in air cargo—with new airports coming up, emerging challenges, and evolving regulations. ACAAI will strengthen its outreach with all stakeholders, particularly the government, airlines, and custodians. I am fortunate to have a wonderful team of Managing Committee members, a highly capable secretariat, and very experienced advisors to support me on this journey. We will increase our interaction with the Government and other stakeholders, as continual dialogue will benefit the entire industry. We also plan to release a few white papers on topics of current relevance and work towards setting up our own training institute to equip member personnel with necessary skills across all related areas, including DG regulations.”