Author: Cargo Insights

Sagarmala 2.0 to focus on shipbuilding, repair, and recycling. 839 projects underway to boost port-led growth, says Sonowal. In a significant step towards advancing India’s maritime infrastructure, the 4th National Sagarmala Apex Committee (NSAC) meeting, chaired by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, has unveiled Sagarmala 2.0. The upgraded initiative focuses on shipbuilding, repair, breaking, and recycling, with ₹40,000 crore budgetary support aiming to attract ₹12 lakh crore investments over the next decade. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW) is currently executing 839 projects worth ₹5.79 lakh crore under the Sagarmala Programme. Of these, 272 projects worth ₹1.41 lakh crore…

SMPK unveils a cutting-edge simulator for river pilots, enhancing training and safety in India’s oldest operational port. The Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata (SMPK), inaugurated a state-of-the-art river navigation simulator on Thursday, aimed at revolutionising maritime training and operations. Chairman Rathendra Raman presided over the launch, with Professor Murali K of IIT Madras also in attendance. The simulator, designed for high-fidelity, realistic training, enables river pilots, masters, and maritime professionals to handle vessels under challenging conditions without boarding them. SMPK, the only riverine major port in India and the oldest operational port, faces unique navigational challenges along the 232 km…

India’s logistics sector sees a record $1.96 billion investment in 2024, driven by e-commerce and 3PL growth, says the Vestian report. India’s warehousing and logistics sector attracted $1.96 billion in investments in 2024, marking an impressive 203% year-on-year surge, according to a report by Vestian. The sector accounted for 29% of total real estate investments, fuelled by the rapid growth of quick commerce and e-commerce. The report highlighted record absorption of 44.9 million sq ft, reflecting a 19% increase from 2023. The second half of 2024 was particularly robust, with 28.3 million sq ft absorbed—a 70% rise compared to the…

The government introduces the PLI scheme, quality control orders, and duties to support domestic steel manufacturers. The Indian government has taken significant steps to reduce steel imports and improve the competitiveness of domestic steel manufacturers. The steel sector, being deregulated, determines its prices based on market demand and supply dynamics. The government, however, acts as a facilitator by creating a supportive policy environment for the growth of the steel industry, including small and medium producers. To achieve these goals, the following measures have been implemented: Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme: Launched to promote the manufacturing of speciality steel within the…

India exported 3348 MT of silk waste in 2023-24, with efforts underway to boost domestic silk waste utilisation through new initiatives. India exported 3348 metric tonnes of silk waste during the financial year 2023-24, according to DGCIS, Kolkata. While raw silk remains the primary silk product imported into the country, value-added products made from silk waste are not significantly imported. To utilise silk waste domestically, three spun silk mills are being established in Assam, Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC), and Manipur by their respective state governments. Additionally, small spinning machines such as miniature spinning mills and motorised, pedal-operated spinning machines are…

KMRL to study urban water transport in 17 cities, focusing on seamless multimodal connectivity. The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, informed the Lok Sabha that a feasibility study for the Urban Water Transport System is being conducted in 17 selected cities across India. Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) has been tasked with carrying out this study to explore the potential for implementing an integrated water transport network. The selection of cities is based on specific parameters, including a minimum population of 1 million, proximity to navigable inland waterways, and the presence of substantial ferry services.…

Hindalco rebrands as an innovation-driven solutions provider, focusing on sustainability, circularity, and precision engineering. Hindalco Industries, the metals arm of the Aditya Birla Group, has unveiled a new identity, reflecting its shift from materials supplier to engineered solutions provider. The rebranding, highlighted by the tagline Engineering Better Futures, underscores Hindalco’s focus on sustainability, circularity, and precision engineering. Chairman Kumar Mangalam Birla announced a ₹45,000 crore investment across aluminium, copper, and specialty alumina businesses to drive innovation in sectors like electric mobility, renewable energy, and high-end electronics. The bold new ‘H’ logo symbolizes forward momentum and Hindalco’s role in shaping India’s…

Apple and Samsung dominated India’s smartphone exports in 2024, driving a 6% rise in Made in India shipments. Apple and Samsung accounted for 94% of India’s smartphone exports in 2024, significantly expanding local manufacturing and driving a 6% year-on-year (YoY) rise in Made in India smartphone shipments, according to Counterpoint Research. Tata Electronics emerged as the fastest-growing manufacturer with 107% YoY growth, fueled by iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 production and a new semiconductor plant in Gujarat. Dixon Technologies led overall mobile handset manufacturing, growing 39% in the smartphone segment, backed by partnerships with Transsion and realme. Foxconn’s volumes rose…

Sagarmala 2.0 to bridge infrastructure gaps, foster startups, and enhance port-led development The fourth National Sagarmala Apex Committee (NSAC) meeting marked a new phase for India’s maritime sector with the launch of Sagarmala 2.0 and the Sagarmala Startup Innovation Initiative (S2I2). These initiatives aim to modernise ports, enhance coastal connectivity, and empower maritime startups with funding and mentorship. Under Sagarmala, 839 projects worth ₹5.79 lakh crore are underway, with 272 already completed. The new phase prioritises shipbuilding, repair, and recycling, supported by ₹40,000 crore in budgetary aid, targeting ₹12 lakh crore in investments over the next decade. Union Minister Shri…

Partnership aims to offer funding, mentorship, and market access to startups The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with YES BANK to strengthen India’s startup landscape by providing crucial support to product startups, innovators, and entrepreneurs. Under this collaboration, early-stage ventures will gain access to market linkages, funding, and mentorship through YES BANK’s HeadStartup program, offering tailored financial solutions like working capital and credit access. The bank’s extensive network and industry expertise will further help startups scale their operations and attract investments. Joint Secretary, DPIIT, Sanjiv highlighted the initiative as…

Shri Piyush Goyal highlights untapped trade potential with LAC, aiming to double trade volumes over the next five years. India is seeking to deepen economic ties with Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), aiming to double trade volumes in the next five years. Speaking at the 10th CII India-LAC Conclave in New Delhi, Commerce and Industry Minister Shri Piyush Goyal highlighted key areas for cooperation, including engineering, healthcare, renewable energy, agriculture, and digital services. Goyal emphasised the importance of leveraging LAC’s lithium reserves for electric mobility and boosting India-Brazil biofuel collaboration. Enhancing trade infrastructure through better shipping routes, direct air…

Softlink Global’s latest LogiTALK episode dives into Chaitaly Mehta’s inspiring journey, redefining leadership in logistics. Softlink Global’s podcast series, LogiTALK, continues to spotlight industry pioneers, and Episode 3 features Chaitaly Mehta, Director at EKF Global Logistics. Known as India’s ‘Helicopter Lady,’ Mehta’s journey is a testament to resilience, leadership, and breaking barriers in logistics. In conversation with Kunal Maheshwari, Chief Growth Officer at Softlink Global, Mehta shares how she transformed her family legacy into a trailblazing career. From overseeing critical operations to leading teams under pressure, she earned her nickname for always seeing the bigger picture. Mehta’s story highlights the…