Indian logistics market to reach Rs 13.4 trillion by FY28

04 Oct 2024 CW Team

This growth is driven by structural shifts, technological advancements, and government initiatives aimed at lowering logistics costs and enhancing infrastructure. The National Logistics Policy, launched in September 2022, aims to optimize India's logistics framework, focusing on increasing the railways' share in freight movement—currently at 18%—through the development of dedicated freight corridors (DFCs), enhancing road infrastructure, and expanding inland waterways.

As of April 2024, the commissioning of DFCs is 96% complete and is expected to enhance the capacity and efficiency of rail freight, boosting its share in the overall logistics mix. Additionally, the government's push for port privatization has improved infrastructure and efficiency at Indian ports, benefiting major operators like Adani Ports and SEZ (APSEZ) and JSW Infrastructure.

Currently, India's logistics costs account for 14% of its GDP, significantly higher than the 8-9% range seen in developed countries. The skewed modal mix, with road transport making up 71% of freight movement, contributes to these elevated costs, while railways and waterways hold a smaller share.

To address these inefficiencies, the government has implemented key initiatives such as the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and has heavily invested in road infrastructure, inland waterways, and DFCs. These measures aim to reduce the logistics cost-to-GDP ratio to 8-9% in the coming years, aligning India with global standards.

The logistics sector is highly diverse, encompassing road transport, rail transport, air cargo, multimodal logistics, and industrial warehousing. The domestic express logistics segment is projected to grow even faster, with a 14% CAGR over FY23-28, driven largely by the expansion of e-commerce.

Organized players, who currently hold around 80% of the market, are expected to strengthen their dominance, leveraging government policies like the e-way bill and GST. Furthermore, the less-than-truckload (LTL) segment in road transportation is also anticipated to grow, with a projected 10% CAGR, driven by rising demand for smaller and more frequent shipments that bypass warehouse storage to reach retailers directly.

(ET)

"Join industry leaders at RAHSTA Expo, India's premier platform for roads, highways and traffic infrastructure. Register now to explore innovations, network with experts and shape the future of mobility."

The Indian logistics market, which was valued at Rs 9 trillion in FY23, is anticipated to expand significantly, reaching Rs 13.4 trillion by FY28, reflecting a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8-9%, according to a recent report by Motilal Oswal. This growth is driven by structural shifts, technological advancements, and government initiatives aimed at lowering logistics costs and enhancing infrastructure. The National Logistics Policy, launched in September 2022, aims to optimize India's logistics framework, focusing on increasing the railways' share in freight movement—currently at 18%—through the development of dedicated freight corridors (DFCs), enhancing road infrastructure, and expanding inland waterways. As of April 2024, the commissioning of DFCs is 96% complete and is expected to enhance the capacity and efficiency of rail freight, boosting its share in the overall logistics mix. Additionally, the government's push for port privatization has improved infrastructure and efficiency at Indian ports, benefiting major operators like Adani Ports and SEZ (APSEZ) and JSW Infrastructure. Currently, India's logistics costs account for 14% of its GDP, significantly higher than the 8-9% range seen in developed countries. The skewed modal mix, with road transport making up 71% of freight movement, contributes to these elevated costs, while railways and waterways hold a smaller share. To address these inefficiencies, the government has implemented key initiatives such as the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and has heavily invested in road infrastructure, inland waterways, and DFCs. These measures aim to reduce the logistics cost-to-GDP ratio to 8-9% in the coming years, aligning India with global standards. The logistics sector is highly diverse, encompassing road transport, rail transport, air cargo, multimodal logistics, and industrial warehousing. The domestic express logistics segment is projected to grow even faster, with a 14% CAGR over FY23-28, driven largely by the expansion of e-commerce. Organized players, who currently hold around 80% of the market, are expected to strengthen their dominance, leveraging government policies like the e-way bill and GST. Furthermore, the less-than-truckload (LTL) segment in road transportation is also anticipated to grow, with a projected 10% CAGR, driven by rising demand for smaller and more frequent shipments that bypass warehouse storage to reach retailers directly. (ET)

Infrastructure Energy

25 Jun 2026

Centre Prioritising Energy Security With Coal Gasification

Union minister for Coal and Mines G Kishan Reddy said the Centre is prioritising energy security through a strategic shift to coal gasification and has announced incentives totalling Rs 460 billion (bn) to support the effort. He said more than 35 companies will start coal gasification activities in India within two months and that the government is encouraging firms that bring technology to close the domestic technology gap. The minister described the initiative as aimed at reducing import dependence and developing indigenous capacity. India has the fifth-largest coal reserve in the world, and..

Infrastructure Urban

25 Jun 2026

BHEL and Coal India Invest Rs 250 bn in Odisha Gasification

Bharat Heavy Electricals (BHEL) and Coal India (CIL) are jointly investing Rs 250 billion in a coal gasification project in Odisha, with the Prime Minister laying the foundation stone in Jharsuguda. Union Coal and Mines Minister G Kishan Reddy described the initiative as a transformative shift in coal utilisation that will open industrial avenues for the state. The project moves coal beyond conventional power generation to industrial feedstocks. Coal gasification will convert coal into synthesis gas, a versatile feedstock for chemicals, fertilisers and synthetic fuels, and the technology is ex..

Infrastructure Energy

25 Jun 2026

BCCL Hands Over Dugdha Coal Washery To JSW Steel

Bharat Coking Coal has handed over the Dugdha Coal Washery to JSW Steel, marking the first coal washery asset monetisation under the Ministry of Coal's asset monetisation programme. The handover took place in the presence of senior officials from Bharat Coking Coal Ltd, JSW Steel and JSW Energy. The washery has a capacity of two million tonnes per annum (mn t per annum), and its transfer is intended to introduce private sector practices into coal beneficiation operations. The monetisation is aimed at modernising coal sector assets, improving operational efficiency and enhancing resource utilis..