India Express Logistics Sector To Touch 22 Billion By 2030
India’s express logistics and courier sector is on track to nearly double in value by the end of the decade, driven by ecommerce expansion, infrastructure upgrades, and a policy push towards sustainable transport. A fresh industry report has projected the sector to grow from an estimated $9 billion in FY2024-25 to between $18 and $22 billion by FY2029-30. This expansion is expected to generate between 6.5 and 7.5 million jobs while also adding significantly to national revenues through customs and the goods and services tax.
Officials presenting the report said the industry has evolved from a basic logistics facilitator into a critical enabler of commerce, connecting businesses and markets with speed, resilience, and technological adaptability. Its role during the pandemic was described as transformative, particularly in maintaining supply chains for essential goods and in supporting the nationwide vaccination drive.
The report underlined that post-pandemic momentum is being sustained by a surge in ecommerce adoption, deeper smartphone and internet penetration, the growing contribution of micro, small and medium enterprises, and accelerated logistics infrastructure development in smaller urban centres. Together, these factors are reshaping the future of courier and express delivery networks. Industry experts noted that domestic express delivery already accounts for around 70 per cent of the market, with surface transport dominating volumes. At the same time, international express deliveries are rising, fuelled by global demand for Indian products. This shift is increasingly aligning the sector with national initiatives such as PM Gati Shakti, the National Logistics Policy, and Bharatmala Pariyojna.
Beyond economic expansion, specialists highlighted the sector’s potential to drive more sustainable urban transport. With freight corridors, rail integration, and coastal shipping being promoted, the shift towards greener supply chain solutions could lower emissions while ensuring speed and reliability. Policymakers are being urged to embed sustainability into upcoming infrastructure projects and regulatory frameworks to balance rapid growth with environmental responsibility. The report identified five priority areas for unlocking future growth—agility, efficiency, customer centricity, a sustainability-driven outlook, and stronger policy frameworks. Analysts also emphasised the need for technology adoption such as artificial intelligence, digital tracking, and automation to enable faster deliveries while minimising resource use.
For India’s urban centres, the rise of express logistics offers both opportunities and challenges. While millions of jobs and new trade avenues will emerge, unregulated expansion risks worsening carbon emissions unless complemented by eco-friendly last-mile solutions, including electric vehicles and renewable-powered warehousing. As India continues to urbanise, the express industry is set to play a pivotal role in shaping more connected, efficient, and resilient cities. Its trajectory towards 2030 will not only influence economic output but also determine how inclusively and sustainably growth is achieved.
