Warehousing Growth To Expand Beyond Grade A Cities; Says Adani Ports Executive

India’s warehousing growth is expected to spread beyond major consumption centres, with Odisha, West Bengal and Assam emerging as potential markets, Pankaj Kumar Bhardwaj, Senior Vice President and Business Head–Warehousing and Adani Agri Logistics, Adani Ports and SEZ, said.

Bhardwaj said state governments are introducing logistics policies to attract manufacturers, logistics companies and industrial developers, creating opportunities in emerging markets.

“If you talk about 13, 14 million square feet, 60-70 per cent would be in A and B Grade A cities only. But if we talk about our, I would say, future roadmap, we are focusing not just on the consumption centres which are Grade A, but we are focusing on B and C grade cities as well,” Bhardwaj said.

He said Adani has land parcels in several locations and can develop ready-to-use warehouses based on customer requirements. It can build customised facilities under the build-to-suit model.

Bhardwaj said export-import, port-led and inland container depot-led projects offer growth. Adani operates 15-16 ports across coasts.

He expects higher exports over the next five to 10 years to strengthen port-linked logistics demand.

It is developing Dhamra Port and focusing on Vizhinjam Port in Kerala, a major transhipment hub. Adani recently won two berths at Paradip Port.

Bhardwaj said the eastern warehousing sector has not developed significantly. He expects major growth from states such as Odisha, West Bengal and Assam.

He said rising volumes from these states could reduce costs across the logistics ecosystem.

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