“It is our dream to see Madhya Pradesh becoming cargo hub in the coming years,” said Mohan Yadav, Chief Minister, Madhya Pradesh, who was invited as a Chief Guest at ACFI Annual Conclave held in New Delhi. He added, “We have seven airports at present and we have plans to increase the number. We have started work on our ambitious project – ‘Future-Ready MP’ under which we are working on improving multimodal connectivity, developing National Highways, linking MP with Delhi-Mumbai freight corridors, we have inter-state air services started already and we have single window system too. We want the industry to come to Madhya Pradesh and consider it as a manufacturing and cargo hub as there’s lot of potential.” ACFI conclave titled, Unlocking Potential: Paving way for a developed India witnessed participation of industry experts from all across the country and even internationally. Guest of Honour included: Dr Surendra Ahirwar, Joint Secretary, DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and Piyush Srivastava, Senior Economic Adviser, MoCA.

In FY 2023-24, Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (KIAB/BLR Airport) continues to serve as the No. 1 Airport in India for exporting perishables for the fourth consecutive year. During this fiscal year, BLR Airport recorded a total perishable cargo tonnage of 63,188 metric tons (MT), marking an impressive 18% growth compared to the previous fiscal year. This achievement highlights BLR Airport’s significant contribution to India’s perishable exports, handling 28% of the country’s total perishable cargo. BLR Airport also processed 44% of the south India’s total perishable cargo and 28% of the national share for FY 2023-24. While BLR Airport excels in exporting a variety of perishable goods throughout the year, it secured the number one position for poultry product exports in FY 2023-24, shipping an impressive 47,041 metric tons. Additionally, the airport exported 2,050 metric tons of flowers. Overall, poultry, fresh vegetables, fresh fruits, and flowers emerged as the leading perishable cargo categories. Satyaki Raghunath, Chief Operating Officer at Bangalore International Airport Limited, added, “We are immensely proud of our consistent and continued growth and leadership in perishable exports in FY 2023-24. This milestone reflects our commitment to excellence in an unbroken cold chain and the trust placed in us by our partners and customers. We have accounted for 44% of the total perishable cargo export share in the South India region, transforming BLR Airport into the premier gateway to South and Central India. Our focus remains on enhancing infrastructure and services to support the growing demand for perishable goods and further solidify our position as a key player in global trade.” As an important gateway, BLR Airport significantly enhances connectivity, linking Indian producers with key international markets. The airport’s extensive network …

The Nanded Division of South Central Railway (SCR) is all set to develop Gati Shakti Multi-Modal Cargo Terminal (GCT) at Hingoli Railway Station to enhance freight revenue, and decongest rail networks. According to reports, the facility is expected to increase revenue,  help in processing freight commodities for transportation by rail and also provide enhanced safety and security during transportation. Rajesh Shinde, the public relations officer (PRO) of the Nanded Division, confirmed the news in versions reports and said that the terminal at Hingoli will be developed on the railway land. The open yard opposite the station building has been chosen as the construction site for the terminal.

Turkish Airlines Cargo is planning to expand its freighter capacity with the addition of Boeing 777 freighters for global operations, says reports. The carrier announced the order of four Boeing 777 Freighters to be added to its existing fleet of 8 aircraft. Turkish Airlines chief cargo officer Ali Türk said in a statement, “This new investment in expanding our cargo fleet underscores our commitment to meeting the growing global demand for airfreight services. The addition of these Boeing 777 Freighters will not only enhance our operational capabilities, but also serve as another step in our strategic vision to reach the top of air cargo sector worldwide while maintaining our leading position with our unparalleled service and efficiency for our customers across the globe.”

“As India grows, and produces more goods, I feel there is going to be a terrific market to take Indian goods outside of India and bring goods into India. Of course, we need to look at the regulatory issues there,” says Ajay Singh, CEO, SpiceJet. “With the increase in the demand for quick transport of goods with overnight deliveries of consumer items, etc., I think that there is going to be a significant market. At SpiceJet, we have separated the cargo into a new company. And we are intending to expand that, fund it separately, expand that space separately. And that’s part of the current restructuring that we are following. By next year and we will have much more to say to cargo,” he adds.    

Allcargo Gati Limited successfully raised Rs. 169.28 crores by way of issue of equity shares through a QIP (Qualified Institutional Placement) in accordance with the SEBI ICDR Regulations. In respect of the Issue, the Fund Raise Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company at its meeting held on June 28, 2024, has approved the issue and allotment to successful qualified institutional buyers at the issue price of Rs 101 per Equity Share. QIP saw participation from various investors raising a total amount of Rs 169.28 crores. Pirojshaw (Phil) Sarkari, MD & CEO, Gati Express and Supply Chain Pvt. Limited (GESCPL) said, “We are pleased with the response to our QIP, which underscores investor confidence in our business strategy and market position. The funds raised will strengthen our financial position and support our growth initiatives across key segments. The proceeds from the QIP will be invested towards technology, infrastructure and deleveraging the balance sheet, paving way for strong growth of the company. Allcargo Gati is entering a new growth phase with a sharp focus on superior customer experience through digital innovation. As part of the Allcargo Group, we are steadfast in our commitment to delivering value to our stakeholders and fostering sustainable growth within the logistics sector. Leveraging the Group’s established legacy and leadership, we are well-positioned to achieve sustained long-term growth.”  

Brihanmumbai Custom Brokers Association (BCBA) recently organized its Annual Conclave 2024 in Mumbai with the theme – Logistics in Amritkaal-Vision 2047, Unleashing new opportunities for transformation under National Logistics Policy (NLP). The inaugural session was graced by Pramod Kumar Agrawal, Principal Chief Commissioner of Customs, Mumbai Zone – I, Rajesh Pandey, Chief Commissioner of Customs, JNCH, Nhava Sheva, Shyam Jagannathan; Unmesh Sharad Wagh (IRS), Chairman JNPT; Capt. Binesh Kumar Tyagi, Chairman & Managing Director, Shipping Corporation of India; GS Rana Dy. Managing Director, State Bank of India; and Piyush Kumar Shah – Chief Officer & Head of Customs Compliance at Reliance Industries.  They underscored the pivotal role which the customs brokers play as an extension of the Customs Department – a testament to their importance is that through brokers 90% of trade clears goods in India. Wagh focused on the infrastructure buildup and the ambitious Amritkaal vision 2047 – including the construction of Vadhwan port and the exponential growth we expect for India. Rana highlighted the golden opportunities that SBI provides to businesses in the EXIM space. BCBA also signed an MOU to unlock all the services that SBI provides to SME’s through BCBA members. Shah rounded off the session by shedding his experience on the enhanced facilitation, and the opportunities available in India. “The Logistics Conclave 2024 marks a significant milestone in our relentless pursuit of our vision and mission. We extend a heartfelt invitation to all stakeholders to join us in this transformative journey towards a developed India, epitomizing ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ and patronizing ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat,’ thereby achieving resilience in logistics,” said Dushyant Mulani, President, BCBA. As torchbearers of the EXIM industry, BCBA remains steadfast in its commitment …

The Kolkata Container Freight Station (CFS) of Balmer Lawrie & Co witnessed the maiden journey of the ‘Port Link Express’ export train, from its premises to Haldia port. The ‘Port Link Express’ is a cost-effective and eco-friendly land bridge initiative that will enhance trade logistics in the Eastern Region. The export train was flagged off by senior officials of Balmer Lawrie & Co. Ltd., Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, MSC Line, Hind Terminals Pvt. Ltd., Electrosteel Castings Ltd. and Asst. Commissioner of Customs. The debut export train, operated by Hind Terminals carried 90 export TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units) of the MSC Line, marking a milestone in logistics in the Haldia-Kolkata-Haldia sector.  The ‘Port Link Express’ is expected to significantly boost trade efficiency by enabling 2 to 3 trains per week to move between Haldia port and Balmer Lawrie CFS – Kolkata. This initiative, poised to become a vital component of the Eastern Region’s trade infrastructure, will not only reduce logistics costs but will also lessen the carbon footprint, thereby promoting environment friendly and sustainable trade practices. Besides improving logistics operations, this project underscores the importance of regulatory support from customs authorities in facilitating smoother trade. The import leg of the ‘Port Link Express’ was previously flagged off at Haldia port on 23rd June 2024. Balmer Lawrie’s CFS – Kolkata was set up in 1994 and was the first CFS to operate in the Eastern Region. Balmer Lawrie has similar facilities operational in Mumbai, Chennai and Visakhapatnam.

  Multi-modal logistics platform Zipaworld announced the expansion of its warehouse facilities with the setting up of a new facility near Indira Gandhi International Airport in the National Capital. The new facility will service clients from segments such as auto and spare parts, industrial machinery, FMCG, pharmaceuticals, perishables, agricultural products, and FMCG among others, Zipaworld said. This strategic expansion not only aims to address the current limitations posed by the existing infrastructure but also positions the company for substantial future growth going forward, Zipaworld said. “Our current facility has served us well, but as we grow, our needs evolve. The new warehouse, strategically positioned and thoughtfully designed, will allow us to serve our customers more efficiently and expand our market reach,” said Ambrish Kumar, Founder and CEO of Zipaworld. Located near key airports and industrial hubs, the new warehouse facility is set to transform the logistics landscape by offering increased storage capacity, faster shipment processing times, and reduced operational costs, the company said. Spread over an area of 6,500 sq ft, the round-the-clock facility with increased storage capacity will allow Zipaworld handle increased volumes and broaden its product offerings, thereby supporting the company’s rapid growth trajectory, it stated.. With the presence of on-site sales representatives and faster processing capabilities, customer interactions and satisfaction are expected to see significant improvements, the company said. Besides provisions for night clearance to enhance overall efficiency by enabling faster processing and reducing delays, the latest warehousing facility is also equipped with advanced tracking systems, to provide customers with real-time updates on their shipments, improving transparency. By streamlining workflows and integrating seamlessly with airport operations, the new facility will cut down shipment processing times and handling expenses, …