The 26th International Engineering and Technology Fair officially kicked off on 20th February with a ribbon-cutting ceremony during the inaugural session at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The theme of the event is “Building the future of innovative India, with discussions on technology and sustainability. The event will bring together industry leaders, experts, companies, and government officials as they showcase innovative products, exchange ideas, and explore cutting-edge advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Capital Machinery, Digital Gaming, Fluid Power, Industrial Automation, Robotics & Electronics, Modern Logistics Solutions, Metal and Metallurgy, Water & Waste Management, Net Zero Products & Solutions, and Consumer Durables & Electronics.

CCI Group has announced an investment of approximately ₹640 crore in the development of a Grade-A logistics park spanning 20 lakh square feet in Phase 2, Polivakkam, Chennai. The company has earlier made investments of ₹250 crore in Phase 1, which takes the overall investments by CCI Group towards the Polivakkam logistics hub to ₹890 crore. This expansion is strategically structured into two segments, Phase 2A, a standard requirement facility set to be operational by mid-2025, and Phase 2B, dedicated to build-to-suit (BTS) solutions tailored to industry-specific needs. Naresh Sharma, Managing Director, CCI Group said, “Polivakkam is a key hub in CCI’s long-term expansion plans. The region is steadily becoming a logistics hotspot due to its proximity to the Sriperumbudur-Oragadam industrial cluster. By establishing this new facility, CCI Group wants to attract industries reliant on high-quality storage facilities and strengthen the economy in the region.”  

CargoAi has announced a strategic partnership with Fits Cargo aiming to expand global network. The collaboration further strengthens CargoAi’s robust portfolio of airline partners. Through this new collaboration, freight forwarders can now access Fits Cargo’s latest schedules and competitive rate sheets via CargoAi’s digital platform. By enabling efficient quote and booking requests, the partnership provides a streamlined process tailored specifically for general cargo shipments — helping forwarders quickly secure capacity and optimize their supply chain operations. Matthieu Petot, CEO, CargoAi, said, “Partnering with Fits Cargo represents an important step forward in expanding our global network. This collaboration not only offers our users access to specialized general cargo solutions across high-growth markets but also reinforces our commitment to driving digital transformation in the airfreight industry.”

Allcargo Terminals has expanded its Over-Dimensional Cargo (ODC) handling capabilities at its Chennai Container Freight Station (CFS) in Tamil Nadu. This strategic enhancement aims to cater to the growing demand from key industrial hubs across the state. Spread across 23 acres, the Chennai CFS features has dedicated yard for storing a wide variety of over-dimensional cargo (ODC), including flat racks, open-top containers, rolling bearings, machinery, and more. The facility is equipped with advanced handling equipment ensuring smooth, efficient, and hassle-free operations. Additionally, a fleet of standard flatbed, low bed, ensures safe and efficient transportation of oversized cargo. A dedicated gate for ODC entry and exit further streamlines movement within the facility. Subash Babu Dharmalingam, Chennai Facility Head, Allcargo Terminals said, “ODC handling is a highly specialized process, and we take pride in our state-of-the-art infrastructure and extensive expertise that ensure safe, efficient, and timely deliveries. Our team meticulously plans and executes each project, overcoming size constraints with precision. Users trust us not only for our technical capabilities but also for our commitment to cargo safety. Coupled with our proximity to Chennai Port, these strengths give us a clear market advantage edge. As demand for ODC movement rises, we are scaling our operations to handle larger volumes, aligning with the government’s focus on manufacturing growth.”

India’s total warehousing stock surpassed the 533 Mn sq.ft mark in 2024, according to a report from real estate services firm, JLL. The annual growth was majorly driven by the leasing of warehousing spaces in Tier II and Tier cities, which have emerged as key warehousing hubs in 2024. Tier II and Tier III cities contributed 100 million sq. ft (approx.) to the total warehousing stock (18.7 per cent of the total stock), the report added. Since 2017, the warehousing stock for the Tier II and Tier III cities has surged four-fold, which has resulted in the record numbers.

Shadowfax has unveiled SF Shield, a technology solution designed to revolutionize logistics security and operational efficiency. SF Shield serves as a multi-layered security framework that combines two major innovations – Track & Trace Solution and SF Eye to enhance visibility, security, and control across logistics operations. It integrates stream-based geospatial algorithms and neural network-based AI for video and image processing, enabling real-time detection of anomalous patterns. SF Shield provides a robust tracking mechanism that minimizes discrepancies and enhances operational transparency. “With the rapid growth of digital commerce, ensuring secure and seamless deliveries has become more critical than ever. SF Shield leverages AI-driven surveillance and real-time tracking to enhance transparency and minimize risks in logistics. By integrating these advanced technologies, Shadowfax is strengthening supply chain reliability and improving the overall delivery experience for businesses and users,” Nitesh Lohiya, Chief Product Officer, Shadowfax.    

Mahindra Logistics has culminated its incubator program “Catapult 4.0”, aimed to empower Indian startups by co-creating innovative logistics solutions. This initiative is a part of Mahindra Logistics tech vision to promote the growth of Indian startup ecosystem, catalysing advanced solutions and driving operational excellence in the logistics industry. The startups are members of Catapult, Mahindra Logistics incubator program. In its 4th edition, eight pioneering startups of Catapult, have engaged with Mahindra Logistics for mentorship and development of solutions in real-world business scenarios to improve product-market fit. The startups designed applications across drones, smart warehousing, efficient MHEs, computer vision, and sustainability to serve customers with disruptive innovative solution. “The future of logistics is being rewritten by technology with organizations increasingly embracing digital transformation in supply chain management. With the global software market projected to reach $24.19 billion by 2028, we stand at the forefront of an era defined by intelligence, agility, and precision. Innovation is the foundation of next-generation logistics and as we conclude CATAPULT 4.0, we reinforce our commitment to integrating future-ready, tech-powered solutions into the logistics landscape. Congratulations to the winners—we are excited to collaborate and drive transformative change together,” Rampraveen Swaminathan, Managing Director & CEO, Mahindra Logistics, said.

Amit Tandon, Managing Director & CEO, Asia Shipping India says,“By embracing advancements like AI, IoT, and blockchain, businesses can build more resilient, adaptable, and efficient supply chain algorithms. AI-powered predictive analytics can identify potential disruptions before they happen, enabling proactive responses. IoT devices provide real-time tracking of shipments and inventory, ensuring quick reactions to delays or shortages. Automation streamlines operations, reducing human error and improving punctuality and productivity, while cloud computing offers the flexibility to scale quickly in response to changing conditions. With these technologies, companies can better diversify and augment their supply chains, enhance disaster management and recovery, and ensure smoother operations, even in the face of unexpected challenges and hazards.”

Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, inaugurated the Inland Waterways Terminal (IWT) at Jogighopa. The terminal is located at 91 km from Gelephu in Bhutan, 108 km from Bangladesh and 147 km from Guwahati. The strategic location of the terminal will play a pivotal role in solidifying India’s bilateral trade ties with Bangladesh and Bhutan. The Jogighopa terminal is also one of the declared Ports of call under PIWT&T between India and Bangladesh. By the year 2027, this terminal is expected to handle a cargo of 1.1 million tonnes per annum. “Today marks a historic day for the waterways transportation sector in the country as we dedicate the IWT Terminal at Jogighopa to the people and to the nation. Under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, the waterways transportation has been undergoing a tremendous transformation propelling India’s logistics growth, propelling us towards Modi ji’s vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’. The IWT terminal at Jogighopa is set to transform the connectivity in the region and bolster our trilateral trade with Bhutan and Bangladesh. Its strategic position allows it to play the role of an economic multiplier for the region, a testament to PM Narendra Modi’s doctrine of ‘Neighbourhood First,” Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, said.

Crown Worldwide Group has launched exXtra, a valet storage service in India. The facility offers secure, climate-controlled storage with 24 to 48-hour retrieval times, ensuring quick and hassle-free access to stored belongings. The service provides a seamless doorstep pickup and delivery model, eliminating the inconvenience of traditional self-storage and making storage effortless and accessible. With exXtra, customers can schedule pickups, track their belongings, and manage payments via a user-friendly web-based portal. Items are stored in durable, lockable plastic bins or racks (23 kg and 3456 kg respectively) and housed in state-of-the-art warehouses equipped with 24/7 security and fire suppression systems. This innovative service is designed to cater to modern lifestyles, offering a secure, flexible, and technology-driven solution for household and business storage needs. “exXtra is more than just a storage service, it’s a game-changer in how people manage their space. It redefines traditional storage by combining convenience, technology, and trust. With our expertise in global logistics and warehousing, we are committed to providing a world-class experience that gives customers not just extra space, but also complete peace of mind,” Praveen Joseph, Assistant Vice President – South Asia, Crown Worldwide Group, said.