India’s largest private port operator is rapidly evolving from a port-centric business into a comprehensive logistics powerhouse, marking its formal entry into the international freight forwarding sector. This strategic shift is set to redefine cargo movement across India and position the company as a formidable rival to the global logistics multinationals that have long dominated the industry.

With a commanding 45.5 per cent share in container handling at Indian ports, and a substantial presence across warehousing, rail freight, trucking, and air cargo, the group’s logistics arm has launched full-spectrum freight forwarding services. These offerings span customs clearance, multimodal transit, and last-mile delivery—creating a seamless cargo experience for clients.

The new freight division commenced operations quietly in Q4 FY2025, expanding the group’s reach far beyond its traditional maritime base. It supports a broader transformation strategy to offer unified logistics services through digital trucking systems and international freight networks. This expansion follows a 39 per cent year-on-year increase in logistics revenue, driven by aggressive infrastructure rollout and platform integration.

The group currently manages 132 railway rakes, 12 multimodal logistics parks, 3.1 million square feet of warehousing, and 1.2 million tonnes of agri-silo capacity—soon to be scaled up to 4 million tonnes. Its freight services will now anchor this ecosystem, capturing greater value across the supply chain.

India’s freight forwarding market remains heavily dominated by foreign players, who control over 70 per cent of operations. The group’s foray is seen as a major disruption, aligned with the country’s ambition to increase domestic control over trade infrastructure and reduce reliance on international logistics providers.

Logistics experts highlight the move as part of a global shift, where port operators are becoming integrated logistics providers to offer bundled transport solutions across rail, road, sea, and air. This integration also empowers firms to negotiate better freight rates with shipping lines, especially for Indian-origin containers, which are often at the mercy of foreign carriers’ bundled pricing.

The company is targeting hinterland cargo volumes and aiming to migrate business from third-party freight brokers onto its own network. Its strengths in infrastructure, clean energy, and digital transparency are expected to appeal to corporates seeking low-emission, reliable freight alternatives.

In an era where zero-carbon transport and supply chain resilience are in high demand, this freight expansion marks a turning point in India’s logistics modernisation. It also signals a broader push for export competitiveness and national self-reliance in global trade operations.