Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ) announced that it had handled a total of 37.9 MMT cargo in October 2024, keeping the company in the glide path for the guided yearly volume. On a year-to-date (YTD) basis, the Port handled 257.7 MMT of total cargo, recording a growth of 8 per cent on-year. In a regulatory filing, the company said that the growth was supported by containers which posted a growth of 19 per cent YoY, followed by liquids & gas, which went up by 9 per cent YoY.

Octoloop powered by CargoFlash, now connects its platform from 10 new main cities – Ahmedabad, Goa, Chennai, Calcutta, Bangalore, Chennai, Amritsar, Hyderabad, Cochin, and Trivandrum, apart from existing stations, Delhi and Mumbai, empowering businesses in these cities to access Qatar Airways Cargo’s extensive global network. This partnership marks a significant milestone in our mission to simplify cargo logistics and empower businesses in India with more efficient global reach. By expanding to these 12 key cities, we’re making it easier than ever for businesses to connect with the world, leveraging our intuitive platform and Qatar Airways Cargo’s trusted network helps airlines to expand their reach and network across India.

DP World launches new fleet of prime movers, equipped with advanced Electronic Stability Control (ESC). This cutting-edge technology provides enhanced stability, ensuring that drivers remain safe and in control, even in difficult road and climatic conditions. Additionally, the new fleet also comes equipped with a Tail Guarding System, which prevents reverse collisions by eliminating blind spots, using proximity sensors to stop the vehicle when necessary. Through the implementation of these state-of-the-art advanced safety features, DP World is ensuring a safer, more efficient working environment for its drivers, reinforcing its dedication to operational excellence and the welfare of its team. Ravinder Johal, Chief Operating Officer, Ports & Terminals, Operations & Commercial, Middle East, North Africa & Subcontinent, DP World, said, “The safety and security of our cargo and truckers are our top priorities. By incorporating advanced technology in our new fleet of trucks, we are proud to support the government’s vision for enhanced road safety. We are committed to continuously improving our safety standards, ensuring our drivers are protected, and reducing the potential impact of accidents. We believe this approach will inspire broader adoption of safety practices across the industry.” The introduction of Prime Movers equipped with Electronic Stability Control (ESC), combined with an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), enhances vehicle safety and performance, while providing safety to truckers and all its operational staff. This advanced safety system will ensure superior stability, particularly when transporting high-risk cargo at high speeds. ESC automatically corrects sideways drift during overtaking, adjusts engine torque, and applies selective braking to maintain stability during turns. It is especially beneficial in challenging weather conditions, providing optimal control and safety on slippery roads.

  Softlink Global expands its office space in Chennai as part of Softlink’s growth strategy, designed to enhance service efficiency by providing closer proximity to clients, reducing response times, and tapping into the local talent pool. Proximity with Softlink’s Mumbai HQ will also contribute significantly for collaboration and meeting the specific needs of South India. Amit Maheshwari, Founder and CEO of Softlink Global, emphasized the significance of the new office, stating, “The opening of our larger Chennai office represents our vision to bring superior technology solutions closer to our customers in South India. Coordinating closely with our headquarters in Mumbai, the Chennai team will drive efficiency and productivity in the region while working in tandem with our other offices to ensure a cohesive approach to achieving our strategic objectives.” “Our vision for the future of logistics goes beyond merely expanding office spaces. We are committed to advancing logistics technology through ongoing product innovation and skill development via Softlink Academy. With a three-decade legacy of progress, our focus remains on preparing ourselves and our partners for the future,” added Amit. Notable personalities attended the inauguration ceremony, including R. Srinivasa Naik, Principal Commissioner of Customs, Airport Chennai, G. Raghushankar, Executive Director of International Clearing & Shipping Agency (India), CMR Ananth Sairam, PRO CCBA and Partner at M/s Chettinad Sairam Logistics, RN Sekar, President of CCBA and Proprietor of Trident International, S. Nataraja, Secretary of CCBA and Proprietor of Paramount Forwarders and Divakaran Nair, Vice President of CCBA and Director of Transpower Maritime India along with partners, employees, and industry representatives. Demonstrating the importance of the occasion, Softlink Global’s Founder & CEO Amit Maheshwari, Chief Growth Officer Kunal Maheshwari and Director Arun Ashan …

Kirby Building Systems India inaugurated its 50,000 MT capacity facility at Halol, Gujarat, doubling the business’ Halol Pre-Engineered Steel Building (PEB) capacity to 100,000 MT per annum within a span of 15 months since the inauguration of this facility in February 2023. This milestone enables Kirby India to reach a total installed capacity of 300,000 MT per annum when paired with the two facilities at Hyderabad and Haridwar, each having 100,000 MT installed capacity. The three state-of-the-art facilities are strategically located at south, north and west with the newest plant at Halol having advanced fabrication technologies such as CNC Laser Cutting Machine, CNC Plasma Cutting Machine, CNC Drilling Machine, CNC Controlled Laser Guided Welding Machine and other equipment. These advanced machineries provide high quality products to all our customers, with faster deliveries that consistently deliver projects on schedule. Mahmoud Samara, CEO – inaugurated the expansion along with Hashim Gillani, President – Industrial Group, Yogesh Kumar, Vice President Finance – Retail & Industrial, and other members of senior management from Alghanim Industries and Kirby India. This strategic expansion further cements Kirby India’s position as the leader in the PEB space thereby enabling the business to provide cost-effective, high-quality PEB solutions that meet global standards. As the market leader in the PEB industry for over 25 years, Kirby India’s impact on the construction landscape is undeniable. Serving over 10,000 customers focusing on innovation and sustainability, Kirby’s advanced facilities and proprietary technologies deliver precision-engineered steel structures that meet the growing demands of India’s infrastructure boom. This Halol facility is the first PEB plant in the world to achieve Platinum Rated Green Building Certification which is a testament to our commitment to green building …

Kamesh Peri, CEO, Celebi Delhi Cargo Terminal Management India says, “The initiatives like PM Gati Shakti and the National Logistics Policy (NLP) have clear goals and are poised to transform India’s cold chain sector. The PM Gati Shakti-National Master Plan aims to enhance multi-modal connectivity, addressing critical gaps in infrastructure such as underdeveloped roads and inefficient ports. This initiative, along with the NLP’s focus on reducing logistics costs from 13-14% of GDP to 8%, will drive the growth of the cold chain market, potentially increasing its value from Rs 2 lakh crore in 2023 to Rs 5 lakh crore by 2032. Granting infrastructure status to warehousing and cold chains ensures better credit flow, further supporting this growth. Moreover, digital initiatives like the Unified Logistics Interface Platform (ULIP) offer real-time tracking and transparency across the supply chain. This enhances efficiency and reliability, essential for temperature-sensitive cargo. Innovations such as active and passive cold chain solutions, ice batteries and cube packaging improve temperature control and product preservation, crucial for reducing spoilage and maintaining quality. These comprehensive measures collectively strengthen the cold chain infrastructure, ensuring a more resilient and efficient logistics network in India.”

  Chandranath Dey, India Head – Operations & Business Development, Logistics & Industrial, India, JLL says, “PM Gati Shakti Master Plan aims to break departmental silos and institutionalise holistic planning for stakeholders across major infrastructure projects. This integrated approach is likely to reduce implementation delays and cost overruns, further enhancing the efficiency of the logistics sector. Overall, these policies are expected to create a more efficient, standardised, and technologically advanced logistics ecosystem in India, which should significantly boost the country’s competitiveness in global trade and manufacturing.”

Akash Singh, Partner, Kearney says, “India ranks 38th in the Logistics Performance Index, much lower than USA (17th) and China (19th) due to lagging logistics infrastructure and services. The average speed on India’s NHs is 30-35 kmph compared to ~90 kmph in USA, service levels in Railways are low and multi-modal infrastructure is limited. To achieve the target of USD 30 trillion GDP by 2047, the logistics sector will need to support 4x+ growth in freight movement. Under PM GatiShakti, plans of infrastructure ministries are being integrated using GIS-technology. Ministries have laid out plans to increase access-controlled highways to 50,000 km (12x), port capacity to 10,000 MTPA (4x), develop 21 greenfield airports, energy/ mineral/ cement railway corridors and 35 multi-modal logistics parks for providing connectivity to industrial nodes. Capex by the central government has grown to Rs. 11.1 Lakh Cr. (5x in 11 years). To leapfrog the leading economies, infrastructure will need to precede the freight growth and develop by 2037 supported by government capex and private investment. National Logistics Policy focuses on improving efficiency in processes, digital systems, and regulatory framework. Unified Logistics Interface Platform has democratized access to government datasets for logistics and LEADS is pushing the States. Sustained initiatives across logistics infrastructure and services by all stakeholders will help achieve the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’.” —

  Vinet K Chadha, MD, Combined Logistics Solutions says, “PM Gati Shakti Master Plan is a very important initiative for developing country like India. It is targeting the ideal and the perfect sectors which will boost manufacturing like electronics, renewable energy , pharmaceuticals etc . At its core, the plan focuses on enhancing our infrastructure and logistics. By improving transportation networks—such as roads, railways, and ports—we can significantly reduce logistics costs and delivery times, making our manufacturing sector much more competitive. This will also make an attractive proposition for businesses to set up their warehouse in India, ultimately positioning India as a global manufacturing hub.”     National logistics policy – One of the most notable impacts will be the reduction of logistics costs, which currently account for a substantial percentage of GDP. Another key impact is the integration of technology and digital solutions into logistics operations. Incorporating sustainability , will make India green in the logistics sector well and will also keep India up to date with the world trends.       The world is moving towards “Smart logistics” and now so will India. Both of these initiative’s impact will be seen long-term. Despite being the 5th largest economy in the world , India is still a developing nation – Its journey towards a developed country will definitely be fast forwarded through these master plans.    

Mahendra Shah, CMD, V Trans Group says, “We segregate the needs of transporting hazardous goods and ensure that required safety measures are taken as per the instructions received from the client. This includes that our vehicles are equipped with comprehensive spill response kits and PPE, ensuring that drivers are fully prepared with clear protocols for any incident. Additionally, we plane the routes to avoid crowded areas, and our drivers undergo rigorous training in handling dangerous goods and emergency response, empowering them to act decisively in critical situations. Real-time GPS tracking allows for immediate intervention during emergencies or route deviations. Training programs at our CHEMSTORE are very important and effective. These programs are specially designed for handling dangerous goods. Our rigorous, hands-on approach ensures employees retain critical safety protocols with thorough assessments and real-world application. Frequent emergency drills validate rapid, effective responses to incidents such as spills and fires. High employee confidence in managing hazardous materials, coupled with the consistent and proper use of PPE, highlights the program’s excellence in cultivating a robust safety culture and ensuring strict regulatory compliance.”