The Maharashtra government has approved the Logistics Policy 2024,aimed at revolutionizing the state’s logistics infrastructure and generating approximately 500,000 job opportunities. The policy includes the development of over 200 logistics parks, complexes, and truck terminals equipped with advanced facilities. Infrastructure Development involves Establishment of more than 10,000 acres of dedicated logistics infrastructure. Plans to Create 25 district logistics nodes, five regional logistics hubs, five state logistics hubs, one national logistics hub, and one international logistics hubs. Plans to Promote high-tech logistics through Artificial Intelligence (AI), Blockchain technology, robotics, automation, IoT, digitization, drones, and fintech to create tech-savvy. To be developed in the Navi Mumbai-Pune region on 2,000 acres, linked to the new international airport at Panvel, with a budget of ₹1,500 crore. National Mega Logistics Hub: Located in the Nagpur-Wardha area on 1,500 acres, connected to the Mumbai-Nagpur Expressway, with an allocation of ₹1,500 crore. State Logistics Hubs: Five hubs covering 500 acres each in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar-Jalna, Thane-Bhiwandi, Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg, Pune-Purandar, and Palghar-Wadhawan, with ₹2,500 crore allocated. Regional Logistics Hubs: Five hubs covering 300 acres each in Nanded-Degloor, Amravati-Badnera, Kolhapur-Ichalkaranji, Nashik-Sinnar, and Dhule-Shirpur, with a budget of ₹1,500 crore.

LP Logiscience, the contract logistics and warehousing arm of the esteemed Liladhar Pasoo Group, expands its warehousing capabilities to Coimbatore, with a state-of-the-art Grade A warehouse. Strategically situated near Madukkarai in Coimbatore, the proposed warehouse spans an impressive 1.3 lakh sq. ft., offering a storage capacity of over 15,000 pallet positions. Situated just 1 km from the NH544 Bypass, this meticulously crafted location is strategically designed to cater to diverse industries, providing them with reliable, streamlined, and eco-friendly storage and logistics solutions. Coimbatore is rapidly emerging as a smart city and a major industrial and manufacturing hub, particularly in the automobile sector. The city is renowned for its robust infrastructure, skilled workforce, and business-friendly environment, attracting numerous national and international companies. As part of India’s Smart Cities Mission, Coimbatore is undergoing significant urban development and technological upgrades, making it an attractive destination for industrial growth. In line with these developments, LP Logiscience’s new facility is equipped to meet the growing demands of the smart city.  JLL India is the transaction partner for the e-warehousethat will be developed by NDR Space Pvt. Varun Gada, Director of LP Logiscience, stated, “We are thrilled to expand our presence in one of the most promising Tier 2 smart cities of the country. Strategically situated near Madukkarai in Coimbatore, this Grade A warehouse, with a capacity of 15,000 pallet positions, marks a significant milestone in our growth journey. This new facility exemplifies our commitment to integrating cutting-edge technology and sustainable operations in tier 2 towns, aligning perfectly with our business goals for the year. By establishing state-of-the-art warehouses like this, we aim to enhance our ability to provide top-notch warehousing solutions and logistics support to our …

Aeroprime Group, awarded as India’s leading new-age GSSA, is thrilled to announce its appointment as the exclusive Cargo General Sales and Service Agent (GSSA) in Delhi, India for Thai Airways, effective September 1, 2024. This strategic partnership marks a significant milestone for Aeroprime Group, reinforcing its position as the market leader in the cargo sector and enhancing Thai Airways’ cargo operations in India. Thai Airways operates a diverse fleet of over 77 aircrafts, including Airbus A320, A350, A330, and Boeing B787, B777, among others. The airline services numerous destinations across Thailand, the Asia-Pacific region, and Europe. Currently, it operates three daily flights and increase to 4 flights every Saturday between Delhi and Bangkok, offering direct connectivity between India, Thailand, and beyond. Aeroprime Group, renowned for its innovative solutions and customer-centric approach, will manage and oversee Thai Airways’ cargo sales, marketing, and operations. This partnership aims to bolster exports from India, leveraging Thai Airways’ superior logistical operations and facilities to manage all types of cargo, including DG goods, perishables, and temperature-controlled pharmaceuticals etc. With access to Thai Airways’ extensive network and superior operational excellence, this partnership will further help the Indian businesses and exporters to tap the Asia Pacific market with confidence. This collaboration aims to further streamline and optimize the airline’s cargo services, ensuring efficient, reliable, and seamless logistics solutions. Commenting on the announcement,  Abhishek Goyal, Executive Director of Aeroprime Group, said, “We are honored to be appointed as the exclusive Cargo GSSA for one of the largest and most prestigious airlines in South-East Asia, Thai Airways. At Aeroprime, we are keen to grow our business and maintain our market leadership position in the air cargo sector. This partnership further solidifies our …

  Tej Contractor, Director, Mayur C. Contractor Logistics, MCC Container Lines and Transcargo India is a quintessential visionary industry leader, known for his forward-thinking approach and innovative mindset. He was felicitated with Gold Award under the category, ‘DDP Game Changer’, at the recently held India Cargo Awards 2024, the country’s topmost awards which helps create a platform to recognise and honor heroes of logistics and air cargo industry. Chief Guest Unmesh Sharad Wagh, Chairman, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) and Guest of Honour P K Rout, Deputy Director General, MoS, GoI presented the award. He has over two decades of experience in the logistics industry, his academic background includes a Bachelor of Commerce from H.R College of Commerce and Economics and an MBA from the S.P Jain Institute of Management and Research. In his professional journey, he has embraced various roles, including being a dedicated trainer with Bombay University’s Garware Institute, JBS Academy in Ahmedabad, and the Indian Institute of Freight Forwarders. My skills span across information technology, a continuous quest for learning, and a passion for networking and meeting new people.

Industry veteran H. K. Vithalani, the Founder Chairman of Global Aviation Services, was felicitated with Gold Award under the category, ‘Gallery of Legends’, at the recently held India Cargo Awards 2024, the country’s topmost awards which helps create a platform to recognise and honor heroes of logistics and air cargo industry. Chief Guest Unmesh Sharad Wagh, Chairman, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) and Guest of Honour P K Rout, Deputy DG Shipping, Ministry of Shipping, GoI presented the award. Vithalani, boasts a celebrated career spanning nearly five decades in the aviation industry. Renowned for his innovative and visionary leadership, he has established The Global Group as a beacon of excellence in the Indian air cargo sector, garnering international acclaim. In 1975, he founded The Global Group with the first Airline GSSA, establishing its first office in Bangalore, laying the groundwork for a dominant presence in Indian air cargo. Throughout his illustrious career, Vithalani has consistently set the highest standards of service, creating a community founded on ethics, goodwill, and relationships. His commitment to nurturing a robust network has ensured the company’s growth and success, demonstrating his belief in the power of people and enduring connections.

Seasoned professional Dushyant Mulani, President, Brihanmumbai Custom Broker Association (BCBA) and Chairman, Federation of Freight Forwarders in India (FFFAI) who has been an inspiration for many was felicitated with Gold Award under the category, ‘DDP Trailblazer’, at the recently held India Cargo Awards 2024, the country’s topmost awards which helps create a platform to recognise and honor heroes of logistics and air cargo industry. Chief Guest Unmesh Sharad Wagh, Chairman, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) and Guest of Honour P K Rout, Deputy DG Shipping, MoS, GoI presented the award. Mulani is a director of Khimji Poonja Group which is in existence for more than 100 years. He has worked actively pursuing the measures of Ease of Doing Business with CBIC, DGFT, DPIT and Ministry of Civil Aviation, Ministry of Shipping, etc. He has worked proactively with Customs for effective rolling out various Trade Facilitation Measures, digitalization, integration of various stakeholder in the process of custom clearance and logistics movement of import and export cargo. He has been member of Board of Trade set up by DGFT, Special Interest Group (SIG) set up under Secretary (Logistics), Ministry

  To celebrate and honour those who never stop striving, “India Cargo Awards 2024, known as the ‘Oscars of the Cargo Industry,’ were held in Mumbai on 12 August. The awards acknowledged and appreciated the hard work of the Cargo and Logistics Heroes, who are the driving force behind the success of the Indian air cargo and logistics sectors. Hosted by Cargo Talk (DDP Group Publication) served as an all-India platform created with a vision to recognise excellence in the Cargo-Freight-Logistics Industry across various domains, including Rail, Road, Air, Sea, Allied Services, Warehousing, Technology, 3rd Party Logistics, and more. Unmesh Sharad Wagh, Chairman, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) graced the event as a Chief Guest, P K Rout, Director DG Shipping, MoS, GoI was invited as the Guest of Honour.   The India Cargo Awards hold a significant position within the sector. In these challenging times, the cargo and logistics industry has proven its paramount importance to the world. The India Cargo Awards serves as an all-India platform with a vision to acknowledge and honour those who have contributed to the success of the Cargo and Logistics Industry. These awards are unique as they are the first internet voting-based awards, ensuring fairness and impartiality. We are proud to have CargoTV.news, CargoTalk, and Cargo Breaking News as our premier media partners, who will provide extensive coverage of the event.  

Ayesha Katgara, Head – Corporate Strategy, Jeena & Company was conferred with DDP Face of the Future Gold Award at the recently concluded India Cargo Awards 2024 in Mumbai on Monday night. Chief Guest Unmesh Sharad Wagh, Chairman, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) and Guest of Honour P K Rout, Deputy Director General of Shipping, MoS, GoI presented the award. With a rich background in marketing and corporate strategy, Ayesha has a remarkable ability to drive business success. Her proficiency stems from her hands-on experience within her family’s 124-year-old business, renowned for its expertise in logistics and supply chain management. Passionate about all marketing facets, her focus lies in crafting robust business strategies that fuel revenue growth and market expansion. Ayesha’s leadership philosophy is rooted in inclusivity and collaboration. She leads by example, taking her colleagues with her towards shared goals, striving for excellence, and driving impactful change.

  Afzal Malbarwala, MD, Galaxy Freight, “The ongoing crisis in Bangladesh, including political unrest and economic instability, has significantly impacted India’s EXIM (Export-Import) trade. Exports to Bangladesh, India’s largest trading partner in South Asia, have declined due to reduced demand and disrupted supply chains. Majority of suppliers to various buyers have their factory in Bangladesh and many fabric suppliers also. Additionally, India’s imports from Bangladesh, such as readymade garments and seafood, have also been affected. The crisis has resulted in increased trade costs, delayed shipments, and reduced revenue for Indian exporters and importers. This has had a ripple effect on overall trade balance and economic growth, highlighting the need for a stable and secure trading environment. Many forwarders who have contract with airlines for transshipment cargo via airports in india also suffered.”

Prediman Koul, CEO, Jeena and Company says, “The ongoing situation in Bangladesh is causing significant concerns within the industry, given the strong trade ties between the two nations. With India’s exports spanning a diverse range of sectors such as agriculture, textiles, machinery, and more, any disruption poses a substantial risk. The current challenges, particularly the shortage of foreign exchange in Bangladesh, are already affecting export operations. The situation is further complicated by difficulties in the timely transport of perishable goods across the border. As the crisis continues, there is apprehension about potential border closures or increased security measures that could further impact bilateral trade. Despite these challenges, there remains a cautious optimism that normalcy will be restored, ensuring the continuity of trade relations.”