AIR CARG O WEEK


AIR CARGO INDIA, MUMBAI - REVIEW F


INDIA’S LOGISTICS AMBITION ON FULL DISPLAY IN MUMBAI


BY Edward HARDY I 08


“Platforms like transport logistic India foster collaboration, technology adoption, and policy alignment.”


ndia’s logistics story is growing bigger, more ambitious, and increasingly integrated — a shift visible at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai, where transport logistic India and air cargo India 2026 hosted over 8,100 industry professionals across three days. The 11th edition of air cargo India, long regarded as a barometer for the


country’s airfreight sector, ran alongside the inaugural transport logistic India, a platform reflecting how freight now moves across air, sea, rail, and road in connected chains rather than isolated silos. Together, the two shows featured


CarGo, Maersk, TCI, and Zeal Global, among others. Dedicated country and industry pavilions added depth. The German Pavilion


showcased logistics and technology firms with strong international trade capabilities, while the AITWA Pavilion, led by the All India Transporters’ Welfare Association, highlighted developments and challenges in road freight. Ashok Goyal, National President of AITWA, emphasised: “Road transport


remains the backbone of India’s supply chain. Integration between air cargo, surface transport, and warehousing is critical. At this event, AITWA has committed to creating driver-dedicated facilities in five zones covering medical support, safety training, and healthy food, with an investment of approximately Rs 75 crores over three years.”


Technology drives transformation The Future Tech Pavilion, powered by SmartKargo, highlighted AI-led cargo management systems, automation tools, blockchain-based tracking solutions, and advanced analytics platforms. Start-ups and established technology providers demonstrated solutions for India’s growing freight market. Shri Duddilla Sridhar Babu, Honourable Minister, IT, E&C, Industry & Commerce,


Government of Telangana, emphasised technology’s role: “Technology is reshaping logistics in pharma and manufacturing, where speed,


more than 230 exhibiting brands from 38 countries and a conference programme with over 120 speakers, creating a meeting ground for airlines, ports, freight forwarders, logistics parks, technology firms, and policymakers.


Initiatives and infrastructure Shri Pratap Sarnaik, Honourable Minister of Transport, Government of Maharashtra, highlighted the state’s logistics transformation: “Maharashtra is seeing a major shift in its logistics landscape through focused


investments in infrastructure and connectivity. Projects such as Vadhavan Port, Mumbai’s proposed third airport, and corridors like the Samruddhi Expressway and Atal Setu will improve efficiency and lower logistics costs. The state is also developing integrated logistics hubs to simplify transport and operations, attract investment, and create employment opportunities.” Shri Shyam Jagannathan, IAS, Director General of Shipping, Ministry of Ports,


Shipping and Waterways, noted the sector’s progress: “India’s logistics costs have reduced from nearly 13–14 percent of GDP in


2016 to around 7.9 percent today, reflecting sustained reforms and a focus on ease of doing business. With our extensive coastlines and inland waterways, the government is accelerating a modal shift toward more economical and efficient transport. Platforms like transport logistic India foster collaboration, technology adoption, and policy alignment to strengthen India’s global trade competitiveness.”


Event highlights The show floor featured a mix of established names and emerging players across aviation, logistics, and manufacturing. Key participants included Air India Cargo, Amazon Air Cargo, APM Logistics, DHL Logistics, Emirates SkyCargo, IndiGo


ACW 16 MARCH 2026 www.aircargoweek.com


reliability, and product integrity are critical. Telangana is advancing this vision through a new logistics policy and a large logistics park to support tech-enabled cargo movement, inviting global partners and start-ups to collaborate on faster, smarter logistics systems anchored in Hyderabad.”


See you in Nairobi India’s logistics sector is sharpening its focus on infrastructure, digitalisation, and export competitiveness. The integrated platform of air cargo India and transport logistic India is set to continue, mirroring the evolution of freight and the economy it serves. Looking ahead, transport logistic Africa and air cargo Africa are scheduled


for 2–4 February 2027 at The Sarit Expo Centre in Nairobi, Kenya, followed by transport logistic India and Project Cargo 2027 on 25–26 February 2027 in Mumbai, expanding the platform’s reach across high-growth trade corridors in Africa and Asia.


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