+
Port Giant Enters Freight to Challenge Global Logistics Firms
PORTS & SHIPPING

Port Giant Enters Freight to Challenge Global Logistics Firms

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.

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.

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

L&T to Build India’s Largest Green Hydrogen Plant for IOCL

The plant will be developed on a build-own-operate (BOO) model and will supply 10,000 tonnes of green hydrogen annually to IOCL for a period of 25 years. It will operate entirely on renewable energy, aligning with IOCL’s decarbonisation goals and India’s broader net-zero ambitions.Green hydrogen at the plant will be produced using high-pressure alkaline electrolysers manufactured at L&T Electrolysers Ltd’s facility in Hazira, Gujarat. This initiative further showcases L&T’s commitment to localised, self-reliant clean-tech solutions under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat mission.LTEG’s..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Bansal Wire Q1 Profit Rises 24.6% to Rs 393 Mn

Bansal Wire Industries, India’s largest stainless steel wire manufacturer and second-largest steel wire maker by volume, reported a 24.6 per cent year-on-year rise in net profit to Rs 393 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2025 (Q1 FY26).During the quarter, revenue rose 14.9 per cent YoY to Rs 9,390 million, while EBITDA increased by 19.6 per cent YoY to Rs 745 million, reflecting the company's strong operational performance and focus on value-added segments.According to Pranav Bansal, MD & CEO of Bansal Wire Industries, the company has started FY26 on a strong note, building on the ..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Lemon Tree Opens Keys Lite Hotel in Banswara, Rajasthan

Lemon Tree Hotels has launched its latest property, Keys Lite by Lemon Tree Hotels, Banswara, further expanding its footprint in Rajasthan. This marks the group’s 11th operational hotel in the state and continues its focus on providing quality stays in emerging travel destinations.The newly launched managed hotel features 54 well-appointed rooms, a multi-cuisine restaurant – Keys Café, a fitness centre, and spacious banquet and conference facilities, catering to both leisure and business travellers.Located in southern Rajasthan, Banswara is known as the “City of Hundred Islands” for t..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?