Aligning India’s logistics growth with multimodal strategy

1. India Aims to Integrate Air Cargo into Multimodal Logistics Strategy

India’s ambition to become a global trade and logistics leader depends on fully integrating air cargo into its multimodal infrastructure strategy. As demand grows for high-value, time-sensitive exports such as pharmaceuticals, electronics and perishables, airfreight must move from the margins to the core of national logistics planning. With air cargo volumes projected to exceed 10 million tonnes annually by 2030, infrastructure investment can no longer prioritise just roads and ports. The emphasis must now include digitalised airfreight corridors, seamless customs processes, and last-mile connectivity to manufacturing zones and trade hubs.

2. Airfreight Elevated by PM Gati Shakti and Upcoming NLP 2.0

Sagar Kadu, director at the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), stressed that air cargo is now part of PM Gati Shakti’s national master plan, with dedicated logistics clusters being reimagined to include cold chain and customs-ready facilities. The upcoming National Logistics Policy (NLP) 2.0 will support air cargo parks and digitised clearance mechanisms, aiming to reduce turnaround times and enhance export throughput.

3. Airfreight Elevated by PM Gati Shakti and Upcoming NLP 2.0

A major area of reform is integrating ports and airports through bonded logistics corridors and digital tracking systems. Captain Deepak Tiwari, MD of MSC, proposed cross-modal corridors between Jawaharlal Nehru Port and upcoming airports like NMIA and Jewar. These, he said, would enable smoother movement for high-priority sectors like gems, electronics and textiles.

4. NMIA Designed with Air Cargo as Core Infrastructure

Captain BVJK Sharma, CEO of Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), detailed how the new airport is embedding air cargo into its design from day one. “Cargo is core infrastructure,” he said, pointing to integrated rail–road–air connections and AI-enabled storage for perishables and temperature-sensitive goods.

5. Adopting Global Logistics Standards for Competitiveness

India’s global competitiveness also hinges on meeting international logistics standards. Dr Ennarasu Karunesan of the International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH) called for adopting IATA’s e-freight systems and the World Customs Organization’s (WCO) digital protocols. He warned that without standardisation and interoperability, India risks remaining on the periphery of global cargo flows.

6. Need for Institutional Coordination in Logistics Planning

Institutional coherence is equally critical. Aniruddha Lele, CEO of NSFT, called for synchronised planning between airport authorities, state governments and customs agencies. Highlighting successful models in Gujarat and Tamil Nadu, he urged nationwide adoption of digital platforms and single-window clearances to cut delays and reduce project risks.

7.Proposal for National Air Cargo Infrastructure Master Plan

A key recommendation emerging from recent policy discussions is the creation of a National Air Cargo Infrastructure Master Plan, which would identify priority terminals, link them with SEZs and FTWZs, and facilitate private investment through tax incentives and viability gap funding. Participants also stressed that air cargo needs to be factored into India’s trade and investment agreements to ensure mutual recognition of standards and regulatory alignment.

8.Strategic Air Cargo Focus Key to Logistics Transformation

Ultimately, India’s transformation into a logistics powerhouse will depend not just on building more infrastructure — but on building the right kind, with air cargo at the heart of an agile, globally competitive ecosystem. Without this strategic focus, the country risks constructing disconnected assets that fall short of delivering long-term economic value.