Pradeep Panicker, CEO, GMR Hyderabad International Airport shares, “Government has been promoting trade through initiatives like the recent G20 Middle East Europe Economic Corridor, which promotes EXIM trade. Additionally, the National Logistics Policy, Unified Logistics Interface Platform and Gati Shakthi are initiatives aimed at transforming the domestic logistics market, ensuring multi-modal connectivity, enhancing inter-stakeholder coordination and improving the ease of doing business in India. On the airports front, the government is in the process of developing a concept paper to promote hub airports in India. This initiative aims to position India as a hub for both passenger and cargo traffic, further enhancing its role in international trade and logistics.”    

  Ecom Express has done advancements in sustainability with the inauguration of an extensive solar panel installation at their Jaipur warehouse. Additionally, the company has initiated an exclusive shift at the warehouse for female workers—a pioneering move in their history. Unveiled on August 5, 2024, these initiatives underscore the company’s unwavering commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, reinforcing its leadership in sustainability within the logistics industry. Vishwachetan Nadamani, Chief Operating Officer of Ecom Express, stated “At Ecom Express, our dedication to sustainability is not just a commitment; it is integral to our vision for the future. The launch of solar panel installations at our Jaipur warehouse is a significant leap toward minimizing our carbon footprint and leading the logistics industry by example. This initiative is a cornerstone of our comprehensive ESG strategy, underscoring our commitment to environmental stewardship. Likewise, by introducing a second shift and enhancing employment opportunities for women, we are actively promoting social governance and diversity within our workforce. This multifaceted approach ensures that our growth remains responsible and inclusive aligning with our core values of respect, equality, and environmental responsibility. We are not merely adapting to the future; we are shaping it, ensuring sustainability and inclusivity for the generations to come.”

CargoAi has added a new tool to its booking portal that allows forwarders to create real-time quotations for customers, says release. The Shipper Quotation Module will “significantly” reduce “the back-and-forth routine between procurement and sales teams” the software firm claimed. It works by enabling forwarders to generate quotes in retail time in response to customer enquiries through the CargoMART booking portal. The quotations can be managed independently without needing to rely on intermediaries. “The Shipper Quotation Module offers the flexibility to modify and cancel quotations directly from the CargoMART account,” CargoAi said. “Users can adjust their quotes to reflect changing market conditions and customer requirements, ensuring that they remain competitive and responsive to their clients’ needs.”

Chennai-based Kaushalya Logistics announced the launch of a new vertical in freight forwarding under full truck-load services besides boosting logistics with a new depot in Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra, said reports. The launch of the new cement depot on August 1 enhances the company’s logistics services for Adani cement, including rake point operations, depot management and secondary transportation, the statement Kaushalya Logistics said. The new depot is designed to handle approximately 120,000 metric tons of cement annually, supporting ACC and Ambuja Cement brands, thereby significantly broadening KLL’s service capabilities, it said. It also said that this depot facility will oversee the complete logistics chain, from rail movement to depot operations and transportation to secondary distribution points adding that this all-encompassing approach is set to streamline the supply chain and boost efficiency.

TVS Supply Chain Solutions has secured a new business contract from JCB in India for managing their in-plant warehousing and logistics operations at their facility in Vadodara, Gujarat for three years. JCB has been TVS SCS’ one of the first few clients for more than two decades, with TVS SCS offering aftermarket warehouse services in Bhaproda, Haryana for Parts distribution. K. Sukumar, CEO, TVS Supply Chain Solutions India said, “JCB has been a pivotal partner in our growth journey, and we are thrilled to continue this collaboration. Securing this contract underscores our commitment to delivering process excellence and innovative, value-driven solutions. With this new deal, we are excited to offer an extensive suite of in-plant warehousing services along with cutting edge technology solutions to further drive business transformation for JCB in India.”

Cargo traffic at 12 major ports in the country grew 5.92% to 70.08 million tonnes (MT) in July from 66.17 MT handled in the year-ago period, according to the data released by major ports’ apex body Indian Ports Association. The data also showed that 10 of these major ports logged positive growth in cargo traffic handling, while the remaining two saw a negative growth, as per the IPA. The 12 major ports are Deendayal (Kandla), Mumbai, Mormugao, New Mangalore, Cochin, Chennai, Ennore (Kamarajar), Tuticorin (VO Chidambaranar), Visakhapatnam, Paradip and Kolkata (including Haldia) and Jawaharlal Nehru Port.

The political crisis in Bangladesh has posed significant concerns for the Indian exporters and importers, and especially for those who were operating or had their factories in the neighbouring country. As per experts, the ongoing disruption will have great impact on the global supply chains and will affect production schedules and delivery timelines of the Indian firms. Commenting on the crisis, C K Govil, President Air Cargo Agents Association of India (ACAAI) and CMD, Activair Airfreight says, “The ongoing political crisis in Bangladesh has significantly disrupted Indian export cargo transshipments. This turmoil is causing delays and increasing logistical costs particularly affecting sectors like agriculture and textiles. Internet disruption and security concerns at borders are further complicating trade operations.”  

Modern Logistics is all set to start the first phase of its international expansion strategy later this month and has further plans to expand its fleet, said release. “The initial phase of the expansion strategy will begin on August 15 and expand Modern’s service to Colombia, Ecuador, Chile, Argentina and Uruguay. The second phase will target Mexico and the US within six to twelve months. Cristiano Koga, Chief executive said, “We will start with at least two weekly frequencies [for each route]. We are still defining the days of the week. In terms of capacity, it is 20 to 22 tons per leg. These expansion plans are being supported by Modern Logistics’ acquisition of two 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighters (BCFs).”

IndiGo CarGo has commenced freighter flights between Kolkata in India and Ezhou in China as it continues to expand its network. The freighter flights between Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU) and Ezhou Huahu Airport (EHU) in central China’s Hubei Province will operate three times a week, said Mark Sutch, chief commercial officer cargo, said reports. “A great pleasure to officiate at the opening of IndiGo CarGo’s latest phase of its international freighter strategy,” stated Mark Sutch, CCO-Cargo, IndiGo in a LinkedIn post. “This week we opened a new 3 times weekly freighter service between Kolkata in India and Ezhou in China’s Hubei Province. For our customers the airport’s central China location offer very extensive reach via road feed service to multiple China metros,” he added.