India’s largest private port operator is accelerating its transition from a port-focused enterprise into a full-spectrum logistics platform, with a strategic entry into the international freight forwarding business.
This bold move aims to reshape how cargo moves through the country and position the company as a serious challenger to multinational logistics giants that currently dominate the sector.Leveraging its 45.5 per cent market share in container handling at Indian ports, along with an expansive footprint in warehousing, rail, trucking, and air cargo terminals, the group’s logistics arm is now offering end-to-end freight forwarding services that cover everything from customs clearance to last-mile delivery.The new freight division quietly commenced operations in the final quarter of FY25, marking a significant diversification beyond traditional port operations.
It forms part of a larger transformation wherein the group seeks to provide a unified logistics experience through integrated trucking management systems and international freight networks.This expansion comes on the back of a 39 per cent growth in logistics revenue in FY25, underpinned by aggressive scaling of infrastructure and digital platforms. The integrated model includes 132 railway rakes, a network of 12 multimodal logistics parks, 3.1 million square feet of warehousing capacity, and 1.2 million tonnes of agri-silo capacity, which is being ramped up to 4 million tonnes.The freight forwarding industry in India has historically been dominated by foreign multinationals, with more than 70 per cent of the market controlled by global names. The group’s entry disrupts this trend and aligns with the growing push for domestic players to command greater control over national and cross-border cargo flows.
According to logistics sector experts, the foray represents a long-term strategic effort to capture value across the entire supply chain. It mirrors global trends where port operators are moving beyond terminal services to become logistics integrators, offering customers bundled services across sea, rail, road, and air.
This integrated approach also provides leverage with shipping lines, enabling better freight negotiations and service control, especially for India-bound and outbound containers. With major international shipping firms offering competitive rates only when shippers opt for their end-to-end services, the group’s freight initiative is intended to ensure Indian exporters and importers are not left dependent on foreign logistics providers.
The company has set its sights on tapping into hinterland cargo and shifting volumes from third-party freight agents to its network. With scale, technology, and infrastructure on its side, it intends to offer a streamlined, more sustainable cargo experience to clients—backed by cleaner energy use and digital transparency.
In a logistics ecosystem where demand for zero-carbon and future-ready transport solutions is rising, this freight play could be a crucial step towards greener supply chains and smarter cities. While global competitors remain formidable, this development signals an inflection point for India’s logistics self-reliance and export competitiveness.
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