According to Savills India’s latest report, leasing of logistics and industrial spaces rose 18.5 per cent in January-March this year to 160 lakh square feet across 24 cities on better demand. The leasing of industrial and logistics spaces stood at 135 lakh square feet in the year-ago period across 24 tier I-II-III cities. Real estate consultant Savills India data showed that Tier-I cities accounted for 79 per cent of the leasing activities, while Tier-II and Tier-III cities contributed 21 per cent. Tier- I cities include Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai, Delhi-NCR, and Pune. Tier- II and Tier-III cities include Guwahati, Bhubaneshwar, Patna, Hosur, Coimbatore, Rajpura, Lucknow, Jaipur, Nagpur, Surat, Indore, Kochi, Hubli, Vizag, Belgaum and Anantapur. Savills noted that manufacturing segment accounted for 30 per cent of the total absorption of industrial and logistics spaces in January-March 2025, followed by the 3PL (third-party logistics) players at 26 per cent, retail segment 12 per cent, e-commerce segment 10 per cent and FMCG & FMCD segment at 9 per cent. Moreover, the new supply of industrial & logistics spaces rose 23 per cent to 159 lakh square feet in January-March 2025 from 129 lakh square feet in the corresponding period of the preceding year. In the new supply, the data showed that Tier-I cities contributed a substantial 12.4 million square feet (78 per cent and Tier-II and Tier-III cities added 3.6 million sq ft (22 per cent).

DHL Group has announced a strategic investment of €2 billion over the next five years to enhance its logistics capabilities in the life sciences and healthcare sector. This investment supports the Group’s ‘Strategy 2030’ and reinforces DHL’s commitment to helping healthcare customers grow, innovate, and serve patients more effectively worldwide. With 25 per cent of the investment allocated to the Asia Pacific, 50 per cent to Americas, and 25 per cent to the EMEA region, DHL is expanding its global footprint to deliver integrated, faster, more reliable, and patient-centric logistics solutions wherever healthcare companies operate. The investment will focus on enhancing high-quality infrastructure and technology across all logistics touchpoints – from storage, order fulfillment, and distribution to global shipping and last-mile delivery – creating even more resilient, scalable, and responsive supply chains for customers. A significant part of the investment will be allocated to establishing new cross-divisional GPD-certified Pharma Hubs for multi-temperature shipments lanes, expanding cold chain capacity in existing facilities, commissioning new temperature-controlled vehicles, and enhancing both passive and active packaging solutions to ensure sustainable delivery.  As the demand grows in critical areas such as clinical trials, biopharma, and cell and gene therapies, DHL is also investing in high-quality, specialized cooling infrastructure to accommodate low and ultra-low temperature ranges. Additionally, the Group will implement cutting-edge IT systems that provide end-to-end visibility, ensuring product integrity, regulatory compliance, and confidence for healthcare providers and their patients. With its new sector brand DHL Health Logistics, the Group consolidates its life sciences and healthcare expertise under one unified umbrella. This creates a seamless, end-to-end experience for customers, simplifying the management of complex, cross-border supply chains with confidence, agility and high-quality service. The approach …

Federal Express Corporation (FedEx) is enhancing sustainable logistics in India by deploying additional electric vehicles (EVs) in Mumbai for last-mile delivery. The recent addition of 13 TATA Ace EVs in Mumbai brings the total number of electric vehicles in operation across key Indian cities, including Delhi and Bengaluru, to 59. These efforts align with the FedEx goal to achieve carbon neutral operations globally bu 2040. “FedEx was the first global delivery company to introduce hybrid-electric vehicles back in 2003, and our journey with battery-powered vehicles began even earlier in 1994,” said Suvendu Choudhury, vice president operations and planning and engineering, India, FedEx. “Building on this legacy, we’re proud to do our part in reducing emissions and advancing sustainable logistics in India. Our phased, pragmatic approach to fleet electrification ensures we continue to deliver for our customers while minimizing our carbon footprint.” In a move that combines sustainability with brand synergy, FedEx has unveiled FedEx-CSK co-branded EVs in Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru, reinforcing its commitment to delivering goods responsibly. As an Official Sponsor of the Chennai Super Kings, this initiative represents a powerful connection between two brands built on speed, precision, and excellence. These co-branded vehicles amplify the company’s presence in India, reinforcing its ongoing investment in the market. Electric vehicles are revolutionizing logistics by providing a smart, clean, and efficient solution for last-mile deliveries. Beyond reducing carbon emissions and air pollution, they align with the growing consumer preference for sustainable business practices. Consumer expectations for sustainability are rising, with research commissioned by FedEx revealing that 90% of Indian consumers prefer businesses that prioritize sustainable practices—making EV adoption a strategic advantage. By continuing to expand its EV fleet, FedEx is advancing …

CargoAi is proud to announce the launch of CargoMART Interline, a groundbreaking solution that streamlines and enhances interline cargo bookings. Now live with multiple airlines, including Emirates SkyCargo, this innovative tool digitises and automates interline capacity checks and e-bookings, unlocking new revenue opportunities and setting a new industry standard. For decades, the air cargo industry relied on manual interline booking methods, communicated through emails and phone calls, and fragmented systems to finalise interline bookings. This led to operational bottlenecks, missed revenue, and limited scalability. CargoMART Interline will transform this approach. With CargoMART Interline, airlines can now: ✅ Instantly check and book interline capacity – No more emails or phone confirmations. ✅ Optimize revenue with seamless interline partnerships – Unlock additional capacity with minimal effort. ✅ Scale efficiently using existing APIs – No heavy IT investment required, easy onboarding. ✅ Prepare for the next step: direct interline booking for freight forwarders – Expanding airline reach on pre-approved lanes. CargoMART Interline was developed and rigorously tested with Emirates SkyCargo, a key partner in shaping this game-changing solution. However, the platform is not exclusive—it is designed for rapid adoption by any airline with API connectivity (107 currently available with CargoAi), ensuring quick implementation with minimal technical effort.

Welspun One has secured Rs 2,300 crore construction financing from the National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development (NaBFID) for its flagship logistics park project at Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA). The JNPA logistics park, spanning 55 acres, is its largest logistics development in India, it said. The funding by NaBFID is a 22-year term loan project. “While we have financed other warehousing projects, this project is unique as it comes up in a SEZ and is being built to international standards,” said Samuel Joseph, DMD, NaBFID. Located within the JNPA Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Navi Mumbai, with a total development potential of over 3.6 million square feet, the industrial and warehousing facility will cater to e-commerce, 3PL, FMCG, and manufacturing sectors. Securing this funding ensures the timely execution of the JNPA project, reinforcing Welspun One’s commitment to large-scale infrastructure development, the company said in its statement. “This park will set new benchmarks in efficiency and scalability, supporting India’s growing demand for high-quality warehousing solutions. With NaBFID’s support, we are positioned to accelerate execution, while continuing to drive long-term value for our stakeholders,” said Anshul Singhal, Co-Founder and Managing Director, Welspun One.  Comments

With large acquisitions and developments, Dachser grew significantly in 2024, with sales growth of 13 per cent lifting revenue above the 8 billion mark to EUR 8.027 billion. The family-owned company also recorded significant year-over-year increase in other key figures such as headcount (+3,300), locations (+56), and pallet spaces in its warehouses (+720,000). This growth is largely due to the acquisitions of DACHSER & FERCAM Italia, Frigoscandia, and Brummer, which will appear on the balance sheet for the first time in 2024. In purely organic terms, i.e., excluding acquisitions, Dachser grew by 4.7 percent compared to the previous year. This was driven by resilience in its European groupage network and rate increases in air and sea freight. Transported volumes rose by 7.6 percent to approximately 83.2 million shipments, while tonnage increased by 10.2 percent to some 44.1 million. Business development would have been more dynamic, but there was a lack of growth impetus from Germany and Europe: “High costs, weak industrial production, and a decline in personal consumption have also had an impact on our business. Moreover, the many crises we face around the world today have been a constant stress test for our customers, and hence also for us,” says Burkhard Eling, Dachser CEO.

  Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (BLR Airport) has achieved significant milestones in cargo operations for the financial year 2024-25 (FY’25). The airport surpassed 500,000 metric tonnes (MT) of cargo, underscoring its growing importance as a key aviation gateway for both passengers and cargo in the region. The airport handled a total of 502,480 MT of cargo in the financial year 2024-25 (FY’25). This achievement marks a notable 14% year-on-year growth, reinforcing the Airport’s position as a key logistics hub for both India and global trade. Cargo growth was driven by a 21% rise in international cargo, totalling 321,418 MT, while domestic cargo grew 4%, reaching 181,062 MT. For the fourth consecutive year, BLR Airport retains its position as India’s No.1 Airport for perishable exports, reinforcing its role in strengthening the country’s agricultural supply chain. The Airport continues to lead in mango and coriander exports, with cargo demand further driven by ready-made garments, pharmaceuticals, and machinery parts.With 12 dedicated freighter airlines, BLR Airport ensures efficient global connectivity, linking major export hubs like Singapore, London, Frankfurt, Chicago, and Muscat, while key imports flow in from Shenzhen, Singapore, Shanghai, Hong Kong, and Frankfurt. Satyaki Raghunath, Chief Operating Officer, Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), added, ““We are excited about the growth of aviation in Bengaluru and India. We believe that BLR Airport is very well placed to serve as the preferred gateway to South and Central India, and our investment in expanding airside, landside, and terminal capacity positions us perfectly for growth over the next few years. With an investment of over 17,000 crores over the next five years, we are well-prepared to support the rising demands of passenger and cargo traffic in the …

In a major development, Delhivery has signed a definitive agreement to acquire a controlling stake in Ecom Express for a cash consideration of Rs. 1,400 Cr from its shareholders. Sahil Barua, MD and CEO, Delhivery said, “The Indian economy requires continuous improvements in cost efficiency, speed and reach of logistics. We believe this acquisition will enable us to service customers of both companies better, through continued bold investments in infrastructure, technology, network and people. The founders and management of Ecom Express have established a high quality network and team, creating a strong foundation to integrate into Delhivery’s operations.” K. Satyanarayana, founder – Ecom Express said, “Delhivery is among India’s leading fully-integrated logistics service providers with significant scale advantages and will be the ideal shareholder for Ecom Express’ next phase of growth. With this acquisition and its inherent synergies, businesses across India as well as the logistics industry itself will benefit immensely through the combination of two like-minded players.” The completion of the transaction is subject to approval from the Competition Commission of India, and customary closing conditions. Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co. acted as the legal advisor and Ernst & Young acted as the financial and tax diligence advisor to Delhivery on this transaction.

Reshma Zaheer, CEO, TT Logistics and Cargo, “Trump’s proposed 26% tariff on Indian exports adds pressure on key air cargo sectors like pharma, textiles, and gems. While this poses short-term challenges, it may accelerate market diversification and strengthen India’s trade resilience. With active FTA negotiations underway, in my view and as we have demonstrated in the past, India’s air export sector has the agility to adapt and sustain growth despite shifting geopolitical winds.”

Mohit Kapoor, Chair- Projects and Events Committee, Warehousing Association of India said, “Higher tariffs disrupt predictability for third-party logistics (3PL) players and freight forwarders. As clients recalibrate their US-focused strategies, Indian logistics operators face uncertainty in volumes and scheduling. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs), often dependent on US trade corridors, bear the brunt of warehousing rent pressures, longer storage periods, and altered fulfillment cycles. The pushback on Indian exports also affects Free Trade Warehousing Zones (FTWZs), which are designed to facilitate global trade. Lower US-bound traffic threatens the viability of these FTWZs, making it imperative to diversify toward alternate geographies or value-added services. Despite these challenges, a notable silver lining emerges when viewed in a broader Asian context. Countries like Vietnam, Indonesia, and even China have been subjected to steeper and more sweeping US tariffs—sometimes nearly double the rates imposed on Indian goods. This offers India a relative competitive advantage in certain key sectors where US buyers are seeking reliable alternative sourcing options.”