Istanbul overtakes Frankfurt to lead Europe’s air cargo market

In a major shift for the freight forwarding sector, Frankfurt Airport has lost its long-held status as Europe's top air freight hub to Istanbul Airport, according to the German Aviation Association (BDL). Despite a 6% global rise in air cargo volumes in 2024, Frankfurt managed only a 1.2% increase, while Istanbul surged ahead with a 39.6% jump in freight transport. The BDL attributes this decline to high ground handling costs, regulatory inefficiencies, and bureaucratic hurdles issues that are weakening Germany’s position in supply chain and freight forwarding. In contrast, airports in neighboring countries, such as Istanbul, are offering more competitive logistics environments, with lower operating expenses and faster freight processing times. To address these challenges, the BDL has proposed a five-point action plan. This includes reducing state-imposed ground fees, digitizing EU aviation safety compliance, standardizing customs law enforcement, streamlining import VAT collection, and allowing more flexible scheduling at air cargo centers. These reforms aim to strengthen freight systems supply chain solutions in Germany and prevent further erosion of its logistics competitiveness. 

May 29, 2025 | Logistics
Kandla Port Strengthens Operations with Infrastructure Upgrades

Kandla Port has launched a series of transformative infrastructure initiatives to strengthen its role in port logistics in the supply chain and establish itself as a global maritime hub. With a focus on connectivity, operational efficiency, and safety, the port’s latest developments are strategically designed to enhance cargo movement and seafarer welfare. A key highlight is the inauguration of a state-of-the-art Seafarer Centre, offering holistic welfare facilities including a waiting lounge, medical room, salon, gym, café, music and yoga zones, swimming pool, and more. This initiative underscores the port's commitment to improving the well-being of maritime workers, who are integral to global shipping ports and freight handling operations. To improve cargo evacuation and reduce India port congestion, Kandla Port has extended its railway infrastructure by 750 meters, connecting Berths 13 to 16 with the Kutch Salt Junction. This development complements the upcoming Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC), promising faster and more efficient freight transport and easing port congestion in India. Further reinforcing safety, the port has also established a dedicated Fire Brigade Station equipped with modern infrastructure, including a 50 KL underground water tank, ensuring rapid emergency response capabilities. These initiatives reflect Kandla Port’s vision of evolving into a smart port and supply chain leader, driving sustainable growth and boosting India’s competitiveness in global trade.

May 29, 2025 | Logistics

Resilience by Design: Practical Steps to Embed Supply Chain Resilience in Contracts

India is swiftly positioning itself as a pivotal force in the global supply chain ecosystem, with a clear vision to establish itself as a leading supply chain solution provider by 2030. This ambitious transformation is driven by a combination of forward-thinking policy frameworks, substantial investments in world-class infrastructure, and the integration of advanced technologies. The Indian government has prioritised initiatives that streamline logistics, enhance manufacturing capabilities, and foster innovation, creating an environment conducive to resilient and agile supply chains. At a time when global supply networks are increasingly vulnerable to disruptions such as pandemics, natural disasters, and escalating geopolitical conflicts, building resilience has become more critical than ever. Embedding this resilience into contractual agreements ensures that supply chains can absorb shocks, adapt to changes, and maintain continuity. India’s comprehensive approach, spanning regulatory reforms, infrastructure modernisation, and digital adoption, offers a practical blueprint for embedding robustness into supply chains by design, setting new standards for reliability and sustainability on the global stage.  India's Vision for 2030: A Global Supply Chain Hub India's ambition to be a global supply chain solution provider by 2030 is underpinned by several key developments: 1. Policy Reforms and Strategic Initiatives National Logistics Policy (NLP): Launched in September 2022, the NLP represents India’s comprehensive strategy to transform its logistics sector, which currently accounts for approximately 13-15% of the country’s GDP, much higher than the global average of around 8-10%. The policy aims to reduce these logistics costs to below 10% by 2030, unlocking significant economic benefits. The NLP focuses on creating a seamless, integrated logistics ecosystem by emphasising multimodal connectivity, combining road, rail, waterways, and air transport to optimise freight movement and reduce transit times. Key components include: Unified Logistics Interface Platform (ULIP): A digital platform designed to provide end-to-end visibility, reduce paperwork, and facilitate real-time tracking of shipments. Multimodal Logistics Parks (MMLPs): The policy plans to develop 35 MMLPs across India, equipped with warehousing, cold storage, and value-added services, to improve cargo handling efficiency. Regulatory Reforms: Simplification of procedures through harmonised laws and the introduction of a single window clearance system to speed up clearances and reduce bottlenecks. Green Logistics: Promotion of sustainable practices, including electric vehicles in logistics and energy-efficient warehouses to reduce carbon emissions. Employment Generation: The policy is expected to create over 10 million direct and indirect jobs by 2030, catalysing growth in allied sectors. By targeting a reduction of logistics costs by 30-40%, the NLP is expected to improve India’s competitiveness, attract foreign investment, and support the goal of becoming a $5 trillion economy by 2025 and a $10 trillion economy by 2030. According to government estimates, the policy will improve freight handling capacity by 2.5 times and reduce average delivery times by up to 20%, making Indian supply chains more efficient and resilient PM Gati Shakti Master Plan: The PM Gati Shakti initiative is a transformative, multi-modal infrastructure development program launched in 2021, aimed at integrating more than 16 ministries and departments to create a unified, synchronised approach toward India’s infrastructure growth. By coordinating projects related to roads, railways, ports, airports, and logistics hubs, it seeks to eliminate bottlenecks, reduce duplication, and enhance connectivity across the country. This integrated approach is designed to slash logistics costs currently around 13-15% of India’s GDP by improving last-mile connectivity and streamlining cargo movement. With a planned investment exceeding $130 billion by 2030, PM Gati Shakti is expected to reduce freight transit times by up to 40%, boost freight capacity by over 50%, and significantly improve the overall supply chain efficiency. It also emphasises the adoption of cutting-edge technologies, such as Geographic Information System (GIS)-based planning and real-time tracking, to ensure better project execution and monitoring. Ultimately, this initiative will strengthen India’s position as a global supply chain hub by creating a faster, more reliable, and cost-effective logistics network. Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFC): The Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor (EDFC), stretching over 1,856 kilometres from Ludhiana in Punjab to Dankuni in West Bengal, is now fully operational, marking a major milestone in India’s freight infrastructure. This corridor is designed exclusively for freight trains, enabling faster and heavier cargo movement with reduced congestion on passenger routes. Complementing this, the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC), spanning approximately 1,500 kilometres from Dadri in Uttar Pradesh to Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) near Mumbai, is nearing completion with key sections already commissioned. Together, these two corridors form the backbone of India’s freight transportation network, expected to reduce transit times by up to 50% compared to conventional routes. For example, freight transit from Delhi to Mumbai could be cut from around 3-4 days to just 1-2 days. In terms of cost, these corridors are projected to lower logistics expenses by approximately 20%, significantly enhancing supply chain efficiency. The Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFCs) also support higher axle loads, enabling trains to carry double the usual freight volume in a single run, which contributes to reduced carbon emissions and environmental impact. These developments align with the government’s goal to reduce logistics costs to below 10% of GDP by 2030, improve supply chain resilience, and boost India’s competitiveness in global markets. By decongesting conventional rail networks and providing faster, reliable freight movement, the EDFC and WDFC are vital pillars of India’s ambition to become a preferred supply chain destination worldwide. 2. Technological Advancements Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI): The Indian government is making significant investments in digital platforms to modernise the logistics sector, aiming to streamline processes, enhance transparency, and minimise paperwork. Central to this effort is the development of the Unified Logistics Interface Platform (ULIP), a comprehensive digital ecosystem designed to integrate various stakeholders’ transporters, warehouse operators, freight forwarders, customs officials, and regulators onto a single platform. ULIP facilitates real-time tracking of shipments, automated documentation, and seamless exchange of information, which drastically reduces delays and human errors. Additionally, initiatives like the E-Way Bill System, which mandates electronic documentation for the movement of goods, have already helped curb tax evasion and simplified compliance, with over 100 million E-Way bills generated monthly as of 2024. The government is also promoting the adoption of Internet of Things (IoT) sensors and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in logistics operations to improve supply chain visibility and predictive analytics, enabling proactive risk management. Furthermore, digital innovations such as blockchain pilots are underway in sectors like pharmaceuticals and agriculture to ensure traceability, reduce fraud, and enhance trust among supply chain partners. These digital transformations are crucial to reducing India's logistics costs from the current 13-15% of GDP to the target of under 10% by 2030, boosting efficiency, and making Indian supply chains more transparent, resilient, and globally competitive. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT): Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) are increasingly being leveraged across India’s supply chain ecosystem to predict risks, optimise operations, and significantly enhance resilience. AI-powered analytics enable companies to forecast demand fluctuations, identify potential disruptions, and make data-driven decisions in real time. For instance, machine learning algorithms analyse vast amounts of supply chain data ranging from weather patterns to geopolitical developments to provide early warnings about risks such as supplier delays or inventory shortages. Simultaneously, IoT devices, including sensors on trucks, warehouses, and shipping containers, collect continuous real-time data on location, temperature, humidity, and equipment health. This connectivity allows for proactive monitoring and instant response to anomalies, minimising losses and ensuring product quality, especially for sensitive goods like pharmaceuticals and perishable foods. In India, government-supported pilot projects have demonstrated how AI and IoT integration can reduce transit delays by up to 25% and cut operational costs by 15-20%. Companies are also using AI-driven route optimisation to lower fuel consumption and carbon emissions, aligning with India’s sustainability goals. Moreover, these technologies facilitate enhanced transparency and collaboration among supply chain partners, boosting overall agility and the ability to recover quickly from disruptions. By embedding AI and IoT into supply chains, India is building a technologically advanced, resilient supply network that can withstand future shocks and support its vision of becoming a global supply chain leader by 2030. Blockchain Technology: Blockchain technology is increasingly being explored and adopted in India to enhance transparency and traceability across supply chains, especially in critical sectors like agriculture and pharmaceuticals. By creating an immutable, decentralised ledger, blockchain enables all stakeholders, farmers, processors, distributors, regulators, and consumers to access a secure, tamper-proof record of every transaction and movement of goods. In agriculture, blockchain helps verify the origin and quality of produce, track shipments from farm to market, and ensure fair pricing for farmers. This reduces fraud, minimises disputes, and improves trust within the supply chain. Several pilot projects across states like Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh have demonstrated blockchain’s potential to improve efficiency and transparency in the agri-supply ecosystem. In the pharmaceutical sector, blockchain is being used to combat counterfeit drugs, a significant challenge in India’s vast healthcare market. By securely tracking medicines through every stage of the supply chain, from manufacturing to dispensing, blockchain ensures authenticity and regulatory compliance. The government has supported initiatives to integrate blockchain with the Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA) framework, enhancing patient safety and regulatory oversight. Overall, blockchain adoption aligns with India’s broader digital and supply chain resilience goals by providing an auditable, trustworthy system that enhances accountability and operational efficiency. As blockchain technologies mature, their expanded use is expected to strengthen India’s position as a reliable and transparent global supply chain hub by 2030.    

India Supply Chain Summit 2025

December 4-6, 2025 | Gandhinagar, Gujarat
Adani Ports & SEZ likely to raise ₹5k crore through 15-yr bonds today

Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ), India’s largest port developer and operator, is preparing for a landmark financial move by launching a ₹5,000 crore bond issue on Thursday. This 15-year rupee bond sale will be the biggest-ever domestic bond offering by the company and marks its first foray into such a long-duration issuance. According to market insiders, the bond's coupon is expected to range between 7.7% and 8%. The funds raised are likely to strengthen APSEZ’s infrastructure investments, aiding the expansion of port logistics in supply chain operations. This move comes at a critical time when India port congestion has been a growing concern, especially amid rising import-export demands and infrastructural bottlenecks. As a leader in shipping ports and freight handling, APSEZ plays a crucial role in streamlining cargo movements across India’s coastline. This bond issuance may further support the development of smart port and supply chain systems, enhancing efficiency, reducing turnaround times, and integrating digital tools for seamless logistics. With global trade flows increasing, APSEZ’s bold capital market strategy signals its long-term commitment to transforming India’s maritime infrastructure and resolving port congestion in India through sustainable investments and innovation.

May 29, 2025 | Logistics
From Avinashi to All of India: How Adloggs is Redefining Hyperlocal Logistics from Tier-3 India

Breaking away from the metro-centric startup narrative, Adloggs Technologies Pvt. Ltd., founded in Avinashi, Tamil Nadu, is redefining logistics and supply chain management from the grassroots. In just four years, the company has evolved into a robust logistics chain management platform that seamlessly integrates small businesses, gig workers, and advanced technology. Founded by Darshan Krishnasamy, Adloggs offers one of the best logistics strategies for businesses operating in India’s hyperlocal markets. The company currently enables over 30,000 deliveries daily and is on track to scale to 1,00,000 orders per day by FY26. At the core of its success lies its AI-powered order allocation engine and a strong network of over 1,000 local delivery agencies. These tools enable real-time logistics planning while improving efficiency and demand visibility key challenges in logistics and distribution services. Darshan explains, “We designed Adloggs to solve everyday chaos in logistics services from managing multiple vendors to ensuring timely deliveries with transparency.” The platform supports demand forecasting in logistics, helping businesses better plan operations. More than just logistics planning software, Adloggs promotes micro-entrepreneurship by enabling ex-servicemen and gig workers to start logistics packaging and delivery agencies with minimal capital. This decentralized model is creating sustainable employment and reshaping logistics and supply chain trends across India.

May 29, 2025 | Logistics
Supply Chain Technology Expert Luis Solana Joins FourKites' Strategic Advisory Council

FourKites, a global leader in digital supply chain transformation, has announced the appointment of Luis Solana to its Strategic Advisory Council. With decades of experience in supply chain management, Solana has led transformative initiatives for top-tier companies including Henkel, Bridgestone, Colgate-Palmolive, and DHL. His role at FourKites will involve shaping the company’s product innovation strategy, enhancing market expansion, and advancing its electronic supply chain management capabilities. Solana’s career reflects deep expertise in supply and chain management, with a focus on automating traditional systems into intelligent, self-orchestrating platforms. His work aligns with FourKites’ mission to redefine the future of supply chain management through AI-powered visibility, predictive analytics, and future supply chain tracking technologies. “Companies that embrace digital and autonomous capabilities will lead the next era of competitive advantage,” said Solana, who is fluent in English, Spanish, and Portuguese and has worked across the U.S., Mexico, and Brazil. A Harvard MBA and expert in SCM supply chain management, Solana is affiliated with Tompkins Ventures, Ceiba Capital Partners, and several venture capital networks, supporting innovation and supply chain financing for emerging businesses. His experience will contribute to FourKites' Supply Chain Management Development Program, helping enterprises adopt advanced supply chain management software.

May 29, 2025 | Supply Chain

Logistics

Istanbul overtakes Frankfurt to lead Europe’s air cargo market

In a major shift for the freight forwarding sector, Frankfurt Airport has lost its long-held status as Europe's top air freight hub to Istanbul Airport, according to the German Aviation Association (BDL). Despite a 6% global rise in air cargo volumes in 2024, Frankfurt managed only a 1.2% increase, while Istanbul surged ahead with a 39.6% jump in freight transport. The BDL attributes this decline to high ground handling costs, regulatory inefficiencies, and bureaucratic hurdles issues that are weakening Germany’s position in supply chain and freight forwarding. In contrast, airports in neighboring countries, such as Istanbul, are offering more competitive logistics environments, with lower operating expenses and faster freight processing times. To address these challenges, the BDL has proposed a five-point action plan. This includes reducing state-imposed ground fees, digitizing EU aviation safety compliance, standardizing customs law enforcement, streamlining import VAT collection, and allowing more flexible scheduling at air cargo centers. These reforms aim to strengthen freight systems supply chain solutions in Germany and prevent further erosion of its logistics competitiveness. 
May 29, 2025 | Logistics

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