Driving sustainable growth in the logistics sector
West Bengal is a state uniquely positioned because of its offering many advantages critical to the logistics sector. It is the sixth-largest economy in India, with a Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) of Rs 17 lakh crore. Growing at an impressive annual rate of 15.24%, West Bengal is one of the fastest growing states in the country. With an estimated population of over 100 million, the state represents both a massive consumption base and an ever-growing industrial hub.
What truly sets West Bengal apart, however, is its strategic geographic advantage. Positioned as the gateway to India's Northeast and land-locked neighbors like Bhutan and Nepal, it also acts as India's vital conduit to Southeast Asia. This strategic geographic significance makes West Bengal the ideal destination for investments in the logistics sector.
The state's logistics sector is poised for an exponential growth, with the current market size estimated at $20 billion. Our key infrastructures includes strategically-located seaports in the form of the Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port (erstwhile Kolkata Port Trust) and Haldia Dock Complex. Together, they serve as major gateways for cargo, offering robust multi-modal connectivity. Together, these ports handle over 65 million metric tons of cargo annually. The proposed Tajpur Deep-Sea Port is likely to be a game-changer that will accommodate large vessels and significantly reduce logistics costs.
Haldia Dock Complex (Image credit: SMP website)
Extensive inland waterways provide immense opportunities for development of tourism, passenger and cargo services. With 4,593 kilometers of navigable waterways, including the National Waterway-1 and the Indo-Bangladesh Protocol Route, we are fostering greener and more efficient cargo transport systems. These waterways link us not only to Northeast India, but also to Southeast Asia and beyond, providing a cost-effective alternative to road and rail.
Under the West Bengal Inland Water Transport, Logistics and Spatial Development Project, the state is exploring ways and means to operationalise the RoRo (Roll-on, Roll-off) service on NW-1, especially in and around the Kolkata metropolitan area. The initiative, if successful, is likely to reduce travel time for cargo and passenger movement while also significantly reduce the carbon footprints as a result of vehicles having to travel lesser distance. The state has already operationalised RoRo and RoPax services in the Sundarbans and Gangasagar areas. There are many private players who are also bracing to introduce RoRo services along the NW-1, not to speak of Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) similarly conducting studies to this effect.
West Bengal Inland Water Transport, Logistics and Spatial Development Project (Image credit: West Bengal government website)
Better air connectivity is an advantage that drives the logistics sector in the state. Kolkata Airport, the largest freight facility in eastern India, is a critical hub for high-value and perishable goods. Recent enhancements, such as express courier terminals and the Centre for Perishable Cargo, strengthen its capabilities. The airports at Andal, Bagdogra and Cochbehar add to the available options and could be further leveraged for seamless logistics movement across the state using its airways. The state is further exploring the possibilities at such other locations as Malda, Balurghat, Charra (Purulia), Kalaikunda and Hasimara.
West Bengal's extensive road and rail network is yet another infrastructural advantage that catalyses the logistics sector. Our road network spans over 100,000 kilometers, with 33 national highways connecting the state to the neighboring regions. Additionally, 1,409 kilometers of the Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor run through West Bengal, connecting Dankuni to Uttar Pradesh and beyond. This must be leveraged to the advantage of smooth cargo movement from West Bengal to the other states.
Extensive warehousing facilities including better inventory management practices and cold chain networks, as existing in the state, provide the enabling springboard for the sector. It is notable that West Bengal leads eastern India in warehousing capacity, with hubs like Dankuni and NH-16 witnessing a surge in demand. Modern facilities cater to sectors like e-commerce, FMCG and pharmaceuticals, meeting the needs of a fast-evolving market.
Now, what makes West Bengal a preferred destination for logistics investment? These three core drivers include a conducive industrial ecosystem, well-endowed economic corridors and and strategic geographic location. West Bengal is home to a thriving industrial base, from MSMEs to large-scale enterprises. The state's Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector boasts over 42 lakh units, contributing 7.2% to India's total MSMEs. Our industrial clusters span sectors like textiles, leather, chemicals, and hi-tech electronics, driving demand for logistics services.
The state serves as the terminus for several mega-corridors, including the Amritsar-Kolkata Industrial Corridor and the East Coast Economic Corridor. These corridors promise seamless connectivity to global value chains and open doors for exports and imports, enhancing the state's logistics ecosystem. West Bengal's connectivity with Southeast Asia through projects like the Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project and the Trilateral Highway (India-Myanmar-Thailand) positions us as a strategic partner for India's integration into global value chains.
Route of Amritsar-Kolkata Industrial Corridor (Image credit: NICDC)
The Government of West Bengal is committed to creating an investor-friendly environment. The West Bengal Logistics Policy, 2023 embodies this vision. Some of the key features include industry status to the logistics sector, development of multi-modal logistics parks and freight villages, dedicated land banks for logistics infrastructure, streamlined approvals through an integrated single-window system, development of green logistics and the adoption of digital technologies and the existence of the West Bengal Logistics Centre of Excellence for fostering innovation and skill development.
Additionally, initiatives like the West Bengal Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme and the Utkarsh Bangla Scheme, as conceived and stewarded by the Department of Technical Education, Training and Skill Development, are ensuring a ready-made pool of skilled workforce tailored to the sector's needs. Premier institutions such as IIT Kharagpur and IIM Calcutta complement this effort by nurturing managerial talent and innovation. Industries and businesses are availing the opportunity for sector-specific customized capacity building of human resources as required for spurring the economic and commercial activities in repective sector.
Utkarsh Bangla Scheme (Image credit: NITI Aayog)
As global supply chains shift toward greener practices, West Bengal is leading the charge with initiatives in green logistics. From leveraging inland waterways to reduce carbon footprints to integrating renewable energy in logistics parks, sustainability is at the heart of our strategy. Furthermore, the 'Blue Economy'—focusing on fisheries, maritime tourism, and coastal trade—is further set to unlock significant opportunities.
The rise of e-commerce has also transformed logistics. Companies like Amazon and Flipkart are investing heavily in the state, creating a ripple effect in warehousing and last-mile delivery solutions. Quick commerce, driven by demand for shorter-delivery times, is further fueling the need for modern infrastructure and technological innovation.
West Bengal's logistics story is one of opportunity and transformation. The state's strategic location, growing industrial base, skilled workforce, and investor-friendly policies make it the ideal destination for those looking to make impactful investments. From infrastructure development to operational innovation, the opportunities here are vast and varied.
Whether it is developing multi-modal logistics parks, investing in cold chain solutions, or pioneering green logistics practices, West Bengal offers a platform for sustainable and profitable ventures. Leveraging all these advantages, the State has already created a logistics ecosystem that not only powers economic growth, but also enhances the quality of life for millions.West Bengal's strong infrastructures, ingenuous policies, facilitatory ecosystem and a strong commitment provide the enabling ambience for everyone to be part of this fascinating growth story.
Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email Disclaimer
Views expressed above are the author's own.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
India.com
a minute ago
- India.com
Apple India signs massive 1000 crore deal for property, located in..., deal is for...
(Image: Bengaluru: In a significant development from the silicon city of India, Apple India has signed one of the biggest office lease deals in Bengaluru in its recent towards making India one of the biggest suppliers of iPhone manufactures of the world. Taking up around 2.7 lakh sq ft of space at Embassy Group's Embassy Zenith project for a 10-year term, Apple India has taken the lease of the space at massive value of over Rs 1,000 crore, setting a new benchmark with rates touching Rs 235 per sq ft per month. Why is Apple India paying Rs 1000 crore for space in Bengaluru? As per media reports, the Apple India Rs 1000 crore deal covers nine floors (5th to 13th) with a carpet area of 1.96 lakh sq ft and includes 362 parking slots in the Prestige Estates Projects' commercial building at Prestige Minsk Square. As a part of the deal, Apple will pay Rs 6.31 crore in monthly rent with a 4.5% annual escalation and has deposited Rs 31.57 crore as security. It also has the option to lease an additional 1.21 lakh sq ft across the lower floors. Apple begins iPhone 17 production at Bengaluru plant In a significant development, Taiwanese electronics major Foxconn and Apple's key supplier started production of iPhone 17 at its new Bengaluru factory, marking a significant milestone for the facility, amid the strained India-US trade relations. With the Bengaluru factory being Foxconn's second-largest iPhone manufacturing unit outside China, the Apple iPhone manufacturing in India is expected to take a massive jump. Set up at an investment of around $2.8 billion (about Rs 25,000 crore), the Bengaluru unit, located in Devanahalli, is now operational alongside Foxconn's Chennai plant, where iPhone 17 production is also underway, a report by IANS news agency said. The report also adds that the Apple new facility had faced a brief setback earlier this year when several Chinese engineers left abruptly due to reasons that were not certain. However, left unaffected, Foxconn since managed to bring in experts from Taiwan securing India's iPhone manufacturing dreams. (With inputs from agencies)
Time of India
31 minutes ago
- Time of India
TN coconut farmers say companies and traders have formed syndicate to drive down prices
COIMBATORE: Coconut farmers, who benefited from a sharp rise in prices over the past few months, have now run into a setback. They allege that a group of major companies involved in the coconut oil trade, along with local traders, have formed a syndicate to deliberately drive down procurement prices. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now K Jothimani, a coconut farmer at Subbegoundanputhur in Anamalai taluk, said the farm-gate price of coconuts, which was around Rs 70 per kg on Aug 10, dropped to Rs 58 within a few days and increased to Rs 66 on Sunday. 'It is like gambling. In villages, small farmers with three to 10 acres sell their coconuts to local traders, who in turn supply them to bigger traders. We were forced to sell at lower prices because big traders in Kangeyam, backed by corporate companies, dictate the market,' he alleged. He added that corporates use coconuts for multiple purposes, including soap manufacturing, edible oil production and domestic consumption. 'In Kashmir, coconuts are also used in dried form, like chips,' he said. With the festival approaching in , the demand for coconut oil has surged. "The Kerala govt is planning to distribute two kilograms of coconut oil to each household under its ration scheme, requiring nearly two crore litres of oil in bulk. Since Kerala does not have sufficient copra to meet this demand, traders are procuring coconuts from at lower prices. By suddenly taking control of the market, they are pushing down prices here,' said a farmer in Pollachi.
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
31 minutes ago
- Business Standard
Apple leases 2.7 lakh sq ft office in Embassy Zenith, Bengaluru for 10 yrs
Apple India Private Limited has inked a lease agreement for a 2.7 lakh sq ft office space in Embassy Zenith, located on Sankey Road in the upscale Vasanth Nagar area of Bengaluru. The 10-year lease has a total rental outlay of Rs 1,010 crore. This will be Apple's second office in India's tech hub and could be its largest, housing more than 1,200 people, according to industry watchers. It may also become one of the largest single-tenant office leases in Bengaluru's commercial real estate market. According to lease documents from Propstack, the terms of the lease specify that Apple India will occupy the 5th to 13th floors of Embassy Zenith, covering a substantial carpet area of 196,179 sq ft, or 268,737 sq ft including chargeable area. The monthly rent is Rs 6.315 crore, translating to an effective rate of Rs 235 per square foot. The lease includes an annual escalation clause of 4.5 per cent, which allows for steady upward revision in rent throughout the lease term. To secure the lease, Apple has deposited Rs 31.57 crore as a security amount, as per the agreement. In addition to base rent, the lease agreement includes payments for maintenance of common areas and car parking facilities, which contribute to the total cost burden borne by the company. Detailed financial disclosures indicate that Apple India will pay approximately Rs 1,010 crore over 10 years, covering rent, car park charges, and common area maintenance (CAM) fees. Apple has also expressed interest in potential future expansion within the same building, with plans to lease the ground to fourth floors as well. This additional area measures around 121,203 sq ft, which would nearly double their office footprint, bringing it to nearly 4 lakh sq ft. The building is owned by Mac Charles (India) Limited, affiliated with Embassy Group, a major player in Bengaluru's commercial property development sector. Queries to Apple and Embassy Group did not elicit a response as of Sunday night. In 2021, Apple leased 1.16 lakh sq ft at a monthly rental of Rs 2.43 crore in Prestige Minsk Square, a commercial building located on Cubbon Road in central Bengaluru, where it began operations in 2023. This office space expansion is part of Apple's large-scale plans to increase production in India and open four more retail stores in Bengaluru and Pune, in addition to stores in Delhi-NCR and Mumbai, as well as its two marquee stores in Mumbai and Delhi opened in 2023.
