‘Increased capital allocation for air cargo infra will boost connectivity’

Vipin Vohra, Chairman, Continental Carriers says, “The Union Budget 2025-26 charts an ambitious course for growth while maintaining fiscal responsibility, with a strong focus on the logistics, air cargo, and supply chain sectors. Increased capital allocation for air cargo infrastructure in emerging industrial regions will strengthen connectivity with global trade routes, while upgraded warehousing and streamlined customs protocols will enhance cargo handling, particularly for high-value perishable goods. To equip the workforce for the future, five National Centres of Excellence will be established for skill development. Support for domestic manufacturing will be reinforced through facilitation groups comprising industry and government representatives. The introduction of BharatTradeNet (BTN) as a unified trade documentation and financing platform will complement the Unified Logistics Interface Platform (ULIP), enhancing digital integration.
• Additionally, a ₹25,000 crore Maritime Development Fund will promote competitiveness in global ocean trade.
• Recognizing the success of UDAN, the government will expand regional connectivity by linking 120 new destinations, operationalizing helipads and smaller airports, and targeting 4 crore passengers over the next decade.

Through strategic collaboration between the government and industry stakeholders, these initiatives will drive efficiency, modernization, and transformative growth in India’s logistics and air cargo sectors.