Bengal’s Logistics Sector on the Fast Track

Main Article
Tue, Sep 02, 07:15 AM IST

With a surge of new entrants in the logistics sector, the West Bengal government is charting a fast-paced roadmap for the development of industrial warehousing and transportation networks across the state. While several logistics companies have had a presence in Bengal for decades, recent years have seen a wave of expansion—particularly in facilities along major highways.

 

Strategic Advantage

 

Bengal’s location makes it a natural hub for logistics, offering critical transport nodes that connect the state with the rest of India. From highways and trucking routes to rail and ports, the network supports both traditional freight and the rapidly growing demands of e-commerce. High-impact categories include:

 

  • Warehousing and third-party logistics (3PL)
  • Multi-modal distribution centres and consolidation hubs
  • Fleet digitisation and carton automation
  • Multi-floor distribution and hub-and-spoke models

 

The West Bengal Logistics Policy 2023 has accelerated the creation of industry-specific logistics clusters. Industrial parks, PPP-driven developments, upgraded cold storage, and modern warehousing hubs now line key corridors, backed by digital tools, infrastructure upgrades, and private sector investment.

 

Policy Push & Digital Backbone

 

Government initiatives such as PM Gati Shakti are being actively leveraged to remove bottlenecks and introduce digital public infrastructure (DPI) for logistics. By 2026, Bengal’s logistics ecosystem is expected to diversify further, with greater focus on freight forwarding, project cargo, and smart digital tools to meet dynamic business needs.

 

Infrastructure Projects

 

Large-scale projects promise to transform freight movement:

 

  • The Raxaul–Haldia Expressway will streamline goods transport within the region.
  • New warehousing corridors are being developed along the national freight grid, positioning Bengal as a gateway to the Northeast and neighbouring countries.
  • Cold chain expansion, packaging innovations, and real-time freight tracking are rising priorities.

 

Technology & Transformation

 

Every segment of Bengal’s logistics sector is evolving:

 

  • AI-driven demand prediction
  • Order management platforms
  • Omnichannel fulfilment
  • Hybrid warehousing facilities
  • Expanded e-commerce distribution hubs

 

Market Size & Port Capacity

 

  • Bengal’s logistics market is estimated at ₹1.1 lakh crore, with freight logistics demand at around ₹1 lakh crore annually.
  • Tajpur Port, once operational, is projected to handle around 3 crore tonnes of cargo annually (official estimates).
  • Haldia Port currently manages around 40–45 million tonnes of cargo annually, serving as one of the state’s busiest maritime gateways.


Kolkata Calling’s Take

 

The logistics story of Bengal is more than just numbers—it’s about the state’s strategic re-emergence as a national connector of trade, talent, and technology. From ports that anchor global commerce to expressways that open new trade corridors, Bengal is positioning itself not on the sidelines but at the centre of India’s growth map. At Kolkata Calling, we see this as another marker of Bengal’s economic renaissance—a reminder that the city and the state are not just keeping pace, but are helping drive the country’s logistics future.