Indian logistics market to expand to US$ 159.54 billion (Rs. 13.4 trillion) by FY28: Report

The Indian logistics market, valued at US$ 107.16 billion (Rs. 9 trillion) in FY23, is projected to grow significantly, reaching US$ 159.54 billion (Rs. 13.4 trillion) by FY28, with a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8-9%, according to a recent report by Motilal Oswal. This growth is driven by structural shifts, technological advancements, and government initiatives focused on reducing logistics costs and improving infrastructure. The National Logistics Policy, unveiled in September 2022, aims to optimize India’s logistics landscape by increasing the share of railways in freight movement, currently at 18%, through developing dedicated freight corridors (DFCs), enhancing road infrastructure, and expanding inland waterways.

As of April 2024, DFCs are 96% complete, which is expected to enhance the capacity and efficiency of rail freight and improve its share in the overall modal mix. Additionally, the government's push for port privatization has improved infrastructure and efficiency at Indian ports, benefiting major operators such as Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ) and JSW Infrastructure. India’s logistics costs as a percentage of GDP stand at 14%, significantly higher than the 8-9% range observed in developed countries. This is largely attributed to the skewed modal mix, where roads account for 71% of freight movement, leaving railways and waterways with a smaller share. To address these inefficiencies, the government has implemented key initiatives like the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and invested heavily in road infrastructure, inland waterways, and DFCs. These measures are anticipated to reduce the logistics cost-to-GDP ratio to 8-9% in the coming years, aligning India with global standards. The highly diverse logistics market encompasses road transport, rail transport, air cargo, multimodal logistics, and industrial warehousing. The domestic express logistics segment is projected to grow faster, with a 14% CAGR from FY23 to FY28, driven primarily by the expansion of e-commerce. Organized players currently control about 80% of the market. They are expected to solidify their dominance by leveraging government policies such as the e-way bill and GST. Furthermore, the less-than-truckload (LTL) segment in road transportation is anticipated to experience notable growth, with a projected 10% CAGR driven by the increased demand for smaller and more frequent shipments that bypass warehouse storage to reach retailers directly.

Disclaimer: This information has been collected through secondary research and IBEF is not responsible for any errors in the same.