Global Shipping Lines eye India’s expanding Multimodal Logistics Infrastructure
NEW DELHI : India’s evolving logistics landscape and the growing emphasis on integrated supply chain infrastructure are drawing heightened interest from global container shipping lines, with several major carriers now eyeing investments in multimodal logistics hub projects across the country.
The increasing prominence of the hub-and-spoke logistics model — a strategy central to the Gemini Cooperation between Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd — is encouraging carriers to strengthen their inland logistics presence in India through large-scale multimodal infrastructure projects.
As part of its broader logistics modernisation agenda, the Government of India has approved the development of 35 multimodal logistics parks nationwide, while also advancing plans for five mega multimodal logistics hubs at Dadri, Jogighopa, Nagpur, Chennai and Bengaluru.
Among these, the proposed Dadri logistics hub near Delhi has emerged as a key attraction for both global shipping lines and domestic infrastructure players owing to its strategic connectivity and significant cargo-generation potential. Industry sources indicate that leading container carriers, including CMA CGM, Maersk and Mediterranean Shipping Company, are evaluating bids for the project either independently or through joint venture partnerships. The tender submission deadline is understood to fall later this month.
The Dadri project is planned across approximately 825 acres, with the first phase of development estimated at around USD 250 million. Strategically located near the junction of India’s Eastern and Western Dedicated Freight Corridors, the hub is expected to significantly improve cargo movement between northern manufacturing centres and major western gateway ports such as Jawaharlal Nehru Port and Mundra Port.
Project documents highlight that the hub is intended to support export-oriented industries in western Uttar Pradesh by reducing transit times to JNPA, enhancing logistics efficiency and strengthening the region’s attractiveness as a manufacturing and investment destination.
Industry observers believe the project’s value proposition has further strengthened following recent successful trial train operations conducted by JNPA over the 1,500-km Dedicated Freight Corridor network ahead of full-scale commercial deployment. Trade stakeholders expect the corridor to deliver substantial gains in cargo velocity and reliability for hinterland shippers.
The multimodal hub initiative also aligns closely with the government’s long-term Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC) vision, aimed at accelerating industrial growth, infrastructure development and integrated freight connectivity across key economic regions.
Alongside global shipping lines, major Indian infrastructure and industrial groups, including Adani Group, Welspun World and GR Infraprojects, are also reportedly exploring participation opportunities in the Dadri project.
A substantial share of export-import cargo handled through Mundra and Nhava Sheva originates from northern India, making Dadri a strategically important logistics node for carriers seeking to expand integrated inland distribution capabilities.
Shipping lines, particularly CMA CGM, have been actively expanding their warehousing, depot and inland logistics operations across India to strengthen end-to-end supply chain solutions for customers.
Meanwhile, continued policy reforms and infrastructure modernisation initiatives are helping India improve overall logistics competitiveness. Government estimates suggest logistics costs for Indian exporters and importers declined to approximately 7.97% of GDP during 2023-24, reflecting steady progress toward more efficient and integrated freight movement systems.
