Discussion Agenda
Investment Heatmap
The Big Picture
Sector-wise Potential
INDIA'S LOGISTICS INVESTABILITY
2026 AND BEYOND
Edition 20 | Strategic Advisory | January 2026
India’s logistics sector is entering a decisive phase. After years of policy groundwork, infrastructure creation, and digital enablement, 2025 has emerged as a year of validation—separating announced intent from executable opportunity. As India positions itself as a global manufacturing and consumption hub, logistics is no longer a support function; it is a primary investment sector.
The Indian Logistics Investability Index for 2026 is designed to decode this transition. It goes beyond headline reforms to examine where capital has actually moved, which geographies and sub-sectors have demonstrated execution strength, and where the next wave of investable opportunities will crystallise in 2026.
India’s logistics sector stands at a rare inflection point. What was once viewed primarily as a cost centre, has steadily evolved into a strategic enabler of economic competitiveness, supply chain resilience, and investment attractiveness. Over the past year, this transformation has moved from policy vision to visible on-ground execution.
At ASCELA, we engage closely with investors, infrastructure developers, operators, and public institutions across logistics and transportation ecosystems. One insight has become increasingly clear: capital today is no longer chasing scale alone—it is seeking clarity, certainty, and convergence. The convergence of infrastructure readiness, demand maturity, policy alignment, and operational capability is what defines true investability.
This insight is intended to support informed decision-making—highlighting sectors and regions where risk-adjusted returns are strengthening, partnerships are maturing, and long-term value creation is most credible as India moves into 2026.
Nivesh Chaudhary
Co-Founder and Managing Director , ASCELA
01. Investment Heatmap | India's Critical Nodes
The sectoral heatmap translates 2025 development activity into a spatial view of investability, capturing how infrastructure build-out, multimodal connectivity, and market demand are shaping India’s logistics investment landscape.
Select a Map
Click a tab above to view sector insights.
02. The Big Picture | Key Development Trends
India’s logistics ecosystem is undergoing one of the most comprehensive capacity expansions and policy-led reforms in its economic history. Recognised as a strategic growth pillar for economic competitiveness, export-led growth, and global supply chain integration, logistics now sits at the centre of India’s infrastructure agenda.
India's Logistics Outlook- in Numbers
Investment Pipeline
by 2035 under PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan
Rank under LPI
target by 2030 under National Logistics Policy
Trillion USD Exports
aimed by 2030 under Foreign Trade Policy
Additional employment
targeted in logistics sector by 2027
Economic Overview
India’s strong economic performance was supported by large-scale structural reforms. While the real GDP grew at 6.5% in 2024-25, the invesment growth was witnessed to be 7.1%, as per IMF.
6.6% growth in Real GDP
witnessed in India in 2025, with a forecast of 6.2% for 2026 by IMF (November 2025 revised estimate)
USD 81.04 billion FDI inflow
witnessed in India in 2024-25, steadily increasing from USD 36.05 billion in 2013-14
USD 437.4 billion Merchandies Exports
witnessed in 2024-25, with Electronics, Engineering Goods, Drugs & Pharmaceuticals, Marine Products, and Rice as the major contributors.
Where does India Stand?
2025 marked a pivotal year in India’s logistics evolution, characterised by measurable improvements in cost efficiency, modal performance, and systemic integration that reinforce the sector’s role in economic competitiveness and global trade positioning.
Recent government estimates place India’s logistics cost at approximately 7.97% of GDP in 2023–24, as estimated by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). This marks a significant recalibration from longstanding external estimates of 13-14% of GDP, reflecting real progress in connectivity, infrastructure utilisation, and policy alignment.
The logistics sector’s aggregate cost, estimated at INR 24.01 lakh crore, demonstrates the impact of coordinated multimodal initiatives such as the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan, Dedicated Freight Corridors, Sagarmala, Bharatmala, Integrated Check Posts, and digital platforms including the Unified Logistics Interface Platform (ULIP).
Together, these outcomes represent a transition from infrastructure capacity creation to operational optimisation, setting the stage for deeper investor engagement, stronger export linkages, and enhanced global supply chain integration as India looks toward 2026 and beyond.
Growth Tangent through Policy Push
Impact on Future Logistics Development
• Logistics cost reduction from ~13–14% of GDP to <10% by 2030
• Strong push for integrated logistics parks, multimodal terminals, and tech-enabled supply chains
Direct Benefits for Investors
• Lower logistics costs improve project IRRs
• Policy certainty across modes
• Reduced regulatory friction
• Increased private participation in terminals, warehousing, and multimodal hubs
Impact on Future Logistics Development
• Corridor-based logistics growth
• Alignment of ports, DFCs, airports, industrial parks, and MMLPs
• Accelerated brownfield & greenfield infra development
Direct Benefits for Investors
• Faster project approvals
• Reduced land acquisition risks
• Improved connectivity viability for greenfield projects
Impact on Future Logistics Development
• INR 12 lakh crore+ investment pipeline by 2035
• Development of port-based industrial clusters and coastal economic zones
Direct Benefits for Investors
• Large pipeline of PPP port projects
• Opportunities in port terminals, coastal shipping, ship repair, and logistics zones
Impact on Future Logistics Development
• Expansion of Indian shipping tonnage
• Growth in shipbuilding, repair, bunkering, and maritime logistics ecosystems
Direct Benefits for Investors
• Stable long-term outlook for shipping and port investors
• Incentives for Indian-flagged vessels
Impact on Future Logistics Development
• Shift of bulk and container cargo from road to rail
• Emergence of rail-linked logistics parks and industrial clusters
Direct Benefits for Investors
• Faster cargo movement improves asset utilisation
• Strong demand for private rail terminals & ICDs
Impact on Future Logistics Development
• Rail freight share targeted to increase to ~45% by 2050
• Reduced congestion on road corridors
Direct Benefits for Investors
• Predictable freight growth outlook
• Opportunities in GCTs, private freight terminals
Impact on Future Logistics Development
• Target of 10 MTPA air cargo by 2030 and 21 MTPA by 2047
• Expansion of dedicated cargo airports and multimodal air logistics hubs
Direct Benefits for Investors
• High-yield opportunities in cargo terminals and cold storage
• Demand from pharma, e-commerce, perishables
Impact on Future Logistics Development
• Cargo movement reached 145+ MTPA in 2024-25
• Strong growth in riverine logistics, terminals, and barge operations
Direct Benefits for Investors
• Lower capex intensity projects
• Viability gap funding support
Impact on Future Logistics Development
• Data-led decision-making
• Improved turnaround time and asset efficiency across modes
Direct Benefits for Investors
• Transparency reduces operational risk
• Enables tech-driven logistics solutions
Impact on Future Logistics Development
• Accelerates modal shift from road to waterways
• Supports sustainable logistics objectives
Direct Benefits for Investors
• Revenue certainty for IWT operators
• Encourages private fleet investment
03. Sector-wise Potential | Exploring Investability
India’s logistics sector stands at the cusp of a transformative reform, driven by initiatives like Sagarmala, Bharatmala, and the National Logistics Policy. As one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, the country offers immense investability in logistics infrastructure, with opportunities spanning across maritime shipping, air cargo, rail freight, inland waterways, warehousing, and urban logistics. These segments not only promise high ROI through digitalization and sustainability but also address key challenges like reducing logistics costs from 14% to 9% of GDP.
Exploring sector-wise potential in India’s logistics market reveals strategic pathways for investors to capitalize on emerging trends, from e-commerce-driven urban solutions to port-led export corridors, fostering resilient and efficient supply chains.
a. Maritime Shipping
Major Indian ports handled 855 MTPA of cargo in 2024-25
4.3% YoY growth in 2024-25
137 port rail connectivity projects identified under Sagarmala
140+ projects completed/under implementation
High Private/PPP investment
PPP port investment INR 3,986 CR in 2024-25
India’s maritime shipping sector is the backbone of its international trade, handling over 95% of cargo by volume and 70% by value, with 12 major ports and more than 200 non-major ports contributing to a throughput of approximately 855 MTPA in 2024-25. Driven by flagship initiatives like Sagarmala, which aims to modernise ports, enhance connectivity, and reduce logistics costs, the sector presents compelling investment opportunities in the coming years. Key growth drivers include rising container traffic which has grown at a CAGR of 8-10% over previous years, transhipment hub ambitions across ports including Vizhinjam and Galathea Bay, and private sector participation through PPP models, with non-major ports now accounting for ~45% of total cargo.
Maritime shipping remains a high-return, resilient sector for investors seeking long-term infrastructure plays in one of the world’s fastest-growing economies. The key investability parameters are further discussed below.
Shipbuilding Corpus
approved by Union Cabinet in Spetember 2025
Investment Target
in the Shipping Sector under Maritime Development Fund
Credit Note
of the scrap value which can be reimbursed under Ship Scrapping
ASCELA's Outlook
The ports and shipping sector in India is experiencing a transformative phase, marked by progressive policy reforms from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways and the Union Cabinet. These initiatives demonstrate a clear commitment to high-impact infrastructure development, enhanced ease of doing business, and private sector participation. Investors are advised to focus on greenfield port projects, terminal concessions, and smart port technologies, including automation and LNG bunkering, which offer strong ESG alignment in a market targeting 3,000+ MTPA capacity by 2030.
Opportunity Intensity
Ports and shipping demonstrate very high opportunity intensity, supported by large-scale port expansions, greenfield deep-water ports, shipbuilding and repair projects, LNG and green fuel bunkering initiatives, and high-value MoUs across major maritime states.
Policy & Reform Depth
The sector is supported by extensive policy frameworks under Maritime India Vision 2030 and the landlord port model, facilitating PPPs, long-term concessions, asset monetisation, and full FDI, driving private investment and operational efficiency across India’s major ports.
Infrastructure Readiness
Port capacity has expanded significantly, yet gaps remain in hinterland connectivity, automation, and port-led logistics integration, sustaining the need for ongoing investments.
Risk Profile and Concerns
The risk profile is moderate, with risks largely linked to cargo cyclicality, execution timelines, and environmental clearances, but mitigated through diversified cargo mixes, long-tenure concessions, and growing private operator participation.
ESG & Future Readiness
Ports are increasingly aligned with ESG goals through LNG bunkering, green hydrogen initiatives, shore power, smart port digitisation, and modal shift support, positioning the sector as future-ready
Private Participation
Private participation is deep and mature, with leading global and domestic port operators actively investing across terminals, logistics parks, bunkering, and shipbuilding under PPP and concession frameworks.
b. Air Cargo
3.71 MTPA air cargo handled in 2024-25
7% YoY growth in 2024-25
8 MTPA annual handling capacity at airports by 2024-25
Airport infrastructure expansions underway , including Navi Mumbai, Jewar, Pune, Galathea Bay, etc.
India’s air cargo sector, handling over 3.7 MTPA and growing at a CAGR of ~7%, is a high-velocity engine for time-sensitive exports like pharmaceuticals, electronics, and e-commerce goods, with major hubs in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad, driving 80% of volumes. Bolstered by the National Air Cargo Policy and airport privatisation, the sector is poised for high investments in the coming years, focusing on dedicated freighters, cold-chain infrastructure, and digital platforms to cut logistics costs and enhance global connectivity.
As India’s air cargo market aims for 10 MTPA by 2030, the sector offers significant, tech-driven prospects for investors in one of Asia’s most dynamic logistics landscapes. The key investability parameters are further discussed below.
Capacity Target
by 2030, proposed by Ministry of Civil Aviation
Capacity Target
by 2047, proposed by Ministry of Civil Aviation
Volume Share
handled at major hubs including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Chennai.
ASCELA's Outlook
India’s air cargo sector is rapidly positioning itself as a global hub for time-sensitive and high-value shipments, particularly pharmaceuticals and e-commerce. Supported by the National Civil Aviation Policy and dedicated cargo terminal developments, the sector benefits from rising private participation and a clear focus on cold-chain infrastructure. ASCELA recommends investors prioritise cargo terminal concessions at privatised airports, temperature-controlled facilities, and integrated logistics parks near major hubs like Delhi, Mumbai, and Hyderabad, where demand growth and policy incentives promise stable returns in a market aiming for 10 MTPA by 2030 and 21 MTPA by 2047.
Opportunity Intensity
Air cargo demonstrates high opportunity intensity, supported by new cargo terminals, cargo cities, greenfield airports, and growing demand from e-commerce, pharmaceuticals, perishables, and express logistics.
Policy & Reform Depth
Policy support remains strong through airport modernisation programmes, liberalised cargo handling norms, and private airport-led development, although a dedicated national air cargo policy is still in formulation.
Infrastructure Readiness
Cargo infrastructure capacity is improving, with modern terminals and handling facilities, but congestion at major metro airports during peak periods highlights further expansion opportunities.
Risk Profile and Concerns
The sector carries a medium risk profile due to demand volatility, airline dependency, and global trade sensitivity, partially mitigated by long-term airport concessions and private sector efficiency.
ESG & Future Readiness
ESG alignment is emerging through green cargo terminals, energy-efficient infrastructure, and digital cargo management, though aviation-related emissions and fleet sustainability remain ongoing challenges.
Private Participation
Private participation is robust, with airport operators and cargo handlers driving terminal development, cold-chain infrastructure, and integrated cargo zones, significantly enhancing sector efficiency.
c. Rail Freight
Indian Railways freight loading ~1,600 MTPA in 2024-25
8% YoY growth in 2024-25
Dedicated Freight Corridors nearing completion & enabling efficiency gains
Gati Shakti rail terminals attracted INR 8,600 crore private investment
118 GCT terminals commissioned by 2024-25
India’s rail freight sector, transporting over 1,600 MTPA and contributing 27% to the country’s modal share, is poised for exponential expansion under the National Rail Plan, targeting 3,000 MTPA by 2030 with a CAGR of ~8%. As the most energy-efficient and eco-friendly mode for heavy and voluminous cargo like coal, minerals, and containers, it offers significant investment opportunities through Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFCs), high-speed networks, reducing logistics costs from 14% to 9% of GDP while boosting connectivity for manufacturing and exports. However, privatisation in the sector has been witnessed to be slow.
With rail freight projected to handle 45% of India’s cargo by 2030 by Ministry of Railways, this sector presents significant prospects for investors. The key investability parameters are further discussed below.
Modal Share
targetted by 2030, to support e-commerce and agro-exports
ElectrificationTarget
by 2030, under Green and Digital Rail initiatives
Energy Target
by 2030, by utilising vacant land, rooftops, and even space between tracks for large-scale solar integration to power traction and non-traction
ASCELA's Outlook
Rail freight remains the backbone of bulk commodity movement in India, with the Dedicated Freight Corridors and Gati Shakti framework accelerating modal shift from road. The sector’s outlook is bolstered by increasing private train operations and station redevelopment opportunities. Investors should target private freight train concessions, rolling stock leasing, and multi-modal logistics parks along DFCs, leveraging policy support and electrification targets to capture efficient, long-term cash flows as rail aims for 45% modal share by 2030.
Opportunity Intensity
Rail freight shows medium-to-high opportunity intensity, driven by GatiShakti cargo terminals, enhanced port-rail links, dedicated freight corridors, and strategic bulk logistics partnerships.
Policy & Reform Depth
The policy environment remains supportive, with reforms promoting private freight terminals, digital logistics platforms, and multimodal integration, though operational flexibility continues to evolve.
Infrastructure Readiness
While trunk infrastructure is robust, gaps in last-mile connectivity and terminal capacity persist, sustaining the need for long-term infrastructure investments.
Risk Profile and Concerns
Rail freight maintains a low-to-moderate risk profile, supported by strong policy backing and stable bulk cargo demand.
ESG & Future Readiness
Rail freight provides strong ESG benefits as a low-carbon mode and plays a central role in India’s modal shift and decarbonisation strategy.
Private Participation
Private participation is increasing, though it remains concentrated in freight terminals, rolling stock, and select bulk logistics corridors.
d. Inland Waterways
Achieved the highest-ever cargo transport volume of 145.84 MTPA in 2024-25
India has notified 111 National Waterways, comprising an inland waterway network of over 20,000 km
India plans to invest around INR 50,000 crore in inland waterways infrastructure over the next five years
India’s inland waterways sector, spanning 111 National Waterways and over 20,000 km of navigable rivers, canals, and backwaters, is yet an underutilised sector for sustainable freight movement, currently handling around 146 MTPA but targeted to reach 500 MTPA by 2030 under the Jal Marg Vikas Project. As a cost-effective alternative to road and rail, reducing logistics costs by 20-30% and emissions significantly, this sector offers significant investment opportunities through dredging, multi-modal terminals, and vessel modernisation, aligning with Sagarmala’s vision for integrated transport networks and boosting rural connectivity.
With inland waterways projected to contribute 5-7% to India’s modal share by 2030 by MoPSW, this sector promises eco-resilient, high-impact prospects for investors in Asia’s evolving logistics ecosystem. The key investability parameters are further discussed below.
Volume Target
by 2030 by MoPSW under the Jal Marg Vikas Project
Infrastructure Upgrades
planned over the next five years via the IWDC, aiming for large cargo movement boosts, eco-tourism, and connectivity via the MoPSW and IWAI
Subsidy Offered
for building green vessels using CNG, LNG, electric, hydrogen, or methanol under Harit Nauka Scheme
ASCELA's Outlook
Inland waterways represent one of India’s most underutilised yet sustainable logistics modes, with the Jal Marg Vikas Project and Sagarmala driving navigability on key national waterways. The sector offers significant cost and emission advantages for bulk cargo. ASCELA suggests selective investments in IWT terminals, modern vessel fleets (especially LNG-powered), and riverine cargo handling facilities, particularly on NW-1 and NW-2, where government incentives and growing private participation create attractive entry points for patient capital.
Opportunity Intensity
Inland waterways show moderate opportunity intensity, driven by targeted corridor development, terminal modernisation, and emerging private-sector participation.
Policy & Reform Depth
The sector is supported by the National Waterways Act, 2016 and focused policy initiatives, although implementation is phased and region-specific.
Infrastructure Readiness
Inland waterways infrastructure is developing unevenly, with select corridors operational and equipped with terminals and navigational aids, while others remain underdeveloped, reflecting significant scope for long-term investment and capacity expansion.
Risk Profile and Concerns
Risk levels in inland waterways are relatively high due to demand uncertainty, seasonal fluctuations in navigability, and reliance on public funding and infrastructure support.
ESG & Future Readiness
Inland waterways offer strong ESG benefits through lower carbon emissions, higher fuel efficiency, and reduced environmental impact, supporting India’s green logistics objectives.
Private Participation
Private participation in inland waterways is limited but gradually emerging through pilot projects and partnerships, including IWAI–Rhenus Logistics, Haldia PPP, and CMA CGM’s planned entry.
e. Warehousing
India's warehousing and cold chain sector, valued at over USD 25 billion and expanding at a CAGR of 10%
< 20% warehouses in India are currently organised and formal
70% cold-chain demand still unmet, presenting huge demand/supply gap
India’s warehousing and cold chain sector, expanding at a CAGR of 10%, is pivotal for efficient storage and distribution, supporting e-commerce, pharma, and agro-exports with a current capacity of 200 million sqft in warehousing and 40 MTPA in cold storage. Fueled by the National Logistics Policy and Gati Shakti Master Plan, this segment offers significant investment potential by 2030, emphasising Grade-A facilities, automation, and temperature-controlled networks to slash post-harvest losses from 20% to 5% and enhance food security.
As India’s warehousing and cold chain market scales, it presents strategic, high-impact avenues for investors in India’s logistics ecosystem. The key investability parameters are further discussed below.
Target by 2030
under PM Gati Shakti, especially in Tier-2 cities to promote trade and warehousing development along with last-mile delivery
Grants Offered
for integrated cold chains, including pre-cooling, storage, and reefer vans, with caps, prioritizing value addition
Grants Offered
with higher subsidies for North East, Himalayan, Tribal areas, and for SC/ST, FPOs, SHGs
ASCELA's Outlook
The warehousing and cold chain segment is witnessing explosive growth, fueled by e-commerce, organised retail, and agri-exports. Policy enablers like the National Logistics Policy and infrastructure status for warehousing have attracted substantial private capital. Investors are encouraged to focus on Grade-A warehousing parks, automated cold storage chains, and multi-modal logistics hubs, prioritising Tier-I and Tier-II cities where demand-supply gaps and rising consumption promise robust rental yields and capital appreciation.
Opportunity Intensity
Warehousing presents very high opportunity intensity, fueled by rising consumption, manufacturing growth, booming e-commerce demand, and strong institutional capital inflows.
Policy & Reform Depth
Policy support remains robust, underpinned by logistics policy alignment, state-level incentives, and ease-of-doing-business reforms, although zoning regulations differ across states.
Infrastructure Readiness
Infrastructure readiness is strong along major corridors, with continued expansion into Tier-2 cities and manufacturing clusters to bridge existing capacity gaps.
Risk Profile and Concerns
The sector maintains a low-to-moderate risk profile, supported by diversified tenant portfolios, long-term leases, and structures compatible with REIT investments.
ESG & Future Readiness
ESG integration is high, with energy-efficient designs, rooftop solar, EV infrastructure, and automation becoming standard features in Grade-A logistics assets.
Private Participation
The sector exhibits strong private participation, led by global funds, REIT-linked platforms, and scaled domestic developers.
f. Urban Logistics
India's urban logistics sector is expanding at a CAGR of 15%
Focus on IoT-enabled micro-fulfillment centres and green corridors aligns with sustainability goals
E-Commerce and last-mile Innovation are being incentivised for hyper-local networks, with tech integrations like autonomous vehicles enhancing efficiency and scalability
India’s urban logistics sector is the dynamic pulse of intra-city freight, last-mile delivery, and e-commerce fulfillment, handling 70% of the country’s road cargo movements in metropolitan areas. Propelled by the National Logistics Policy and Gati Shakti, this segment offers significant investment opportunities, emphasising electric vehicles (EVs) for road cargo, Rapid Rail Transit Systems (RRTS), and smart urban hubs to slash congestion, cut emissions by 25-30%, and support sustainable city growth amid rapid urbanisation.
As urban logistics in India evolves to handle 50% of e-commerce volumes by 2030, as per the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, this sector delivers agile, eco-driven prospects for investors in India. The key investability parameters are further discussed below.
EV Penetration
targeted by 2030, with investments in charging infrastructure and fleet electrification
Grants Offered
for green urban logistics projects for PPP under National Logistics Policy
ASCELA's Outlook
Urban logistics is evolving into a high-growth, technology-driven space, propelled by e-commerce, quick commerce, and last-mile innovation. Government support for EV adoption, urban infrastructure, and smart city initiatives further enhances the outlook. ASCELA recommends investments in micro-fulfillment centers, EV fleet operations, urban consolidation hubs, and tech-enabled last-mile platforms, capitalising on the sector’s scalability and alignment with sustainability trends in India’s rapidly urbanising landscape.
Opportunity Intensity
Urban logistics demonstrates medium-to-high opportunity intensity, driven by rising e-commerce and express cargo demand, metro-based cargo pilots, parcel rail services, and high-speed rail freight initiatives targeting time-sensitive urban and intercity deliveries.
Policy & Reform Depth
Policy support is strengthening, supported by the National Logistics Policy, PM GatiShakti’s multimodal integration push, and enabling frameworks for non-fare revenue generation by metro and rail operators, although a dedicated urban freight policy remains under development.
Infrastructure Readiness
Infrastructure readiness remains moderate, with extensive metro and rail networks in place, but limited dedicated urban freight terminals, consolidation centres, and station-level cargo handling facilities, sustaining the need for incremental infrastructure investments.
Risk Profile and Concerns
The risk profile is moderate, driven by operational complexity, coordination challenges between passenger and cargo services, and dependence on city-level approvals, partly mitigated by asset-light pilots and strong private logistics demand.
ESG & Future Readiness
Urban logistics is strongly aligned with ESG objectives, offering significant emission reduction potential through modal shift from road to rail and metro systems, reduced congestion, and integration with EV-based last-mile delivery models.
Private Participation
Private participation is emerging, with logistics companies, courier operators, and e-commerce players partnering with metro corporations and Indian Railways, though participation remains at an early stage compared to ports and warehousing.
04. Investability Outlook | Potential for 2026 and Beyond
Investability Insights and Investment Outlook
Ports and warehousing dominate logistics investability in India, handling 95% of trade volume. High KPI Intensity stems from Sagarmala’s push for capacity expansion to 3,000 MTPA by 2030, while reform depth is driven by landlord models and PPPs attracting global players like DP World and PSA. Key opportunities include LNG bunkering and smart ports, making “Port Investment in India 2026” a significant opportunity for high-ROI infrastructure plays.
Rail and air cargo offer strong mid-tier potential. Gati Shakti’s investment plans, advancing through private train operations and AI-based maintenance would benefit the rail sector. Similarly, focus on EV-integrated terminals and freighter fleets amid growing e-commerce and cold-chain demand would likely drive the air cargo sector in years to come.
Inland waterways and urban logistics provide emerging, sustainable opportunities. Focus on green fleets and hub-and-spoke development with integrated first- and last-mile connectivity would likely be prioritised for sustainable returns.
For investors, the opportunities are clear: ports and warehousing lead with near-perfect investability scores, delivering stable yields and scale, while rail and air cargo provide resilient mid-tier opportunities, and inland waterways and urban logistics emerge as high-upside sustainable bets. Combined, these sectors are driven by multimodal integration, digitalization, and ESG compliance.
At ASCELA, we believe India’s logistics transformation is not just about moving goods, it’s about unlocking economic potential, creating millions of jobs, and building resilient supply chains for a Viksit Bharat.
Partner with ASCELA to navigate opportunities, structure investments, and deliver bankable outcomes in India’s logistics renaissance.
Key Contributors
Nivesh Chaudhary
Co-Founder & Head, Strategic Advisory
Shikha Kosta
Regional Manager, Strategic Advisory
Nishtha Saha
Manager, Strategic Advisory
Mahima Varu
Senior Consultant, Strategic Advisory
Ayushi Gupta
Senior Consultant, Strategic Advisory
Vidhisha Bhargava
Consultant, Strategic Advisory
Pratik Nagpure
Consultant, Strategic Advisory