CARGOCONNECT-JANUARY2025 - Flipbook - Page 44
COVER STORY
R S LOUIS
Executive Director– Logistics Infrastructure and Cold Chain, Balmer Lawrie
“With new business models emerging, the logistics
landscape is undergoing signi昀椀cant transformation”
Strategic Expansion Aligned with
India’s Transforming Logistics
Landscape
As a logistics provider, we are continuously expanding
our services to meet the growing demands of the
industry. Our focus is on providing e昀케cient solutions,
and this expansion is essential to supporting our e昀昀orts.
In terms of infrastructure, we are already managing
three Container Freight Stations (CFSs) in Mumbai,
Chennai, and Kolkata. Our CFS facility in Kolkata is
equipped with rail sidings which offer a significant
advantage for trade.
In addition to this, our multimodal logistics hub in
Vizag is already operational with rail siding and cold
chain facility and we are planning to operate a similar
facility in collaboration at Nagpur. We are actively working on expanding in other locations as well including
the development of a Freight Trade Warehousing Zone
(FTWZ) in Mumbai. The new FTWZ will enable faster
deliveries, introducing a forward-thinking approach
to logistics. We have been granted a license to operate
Special Freight Trains. This new capability enhances
our service o昀昀erings and positions us to better meet
the needs of our clients who require specialised rail
transport solutions. As part of our long-term strategy,
we intend to establish more multimodal hubs across
India, providing comprehensive logistics solutions to
our customers.
Beyond freight forwarding, we are strengthening our
logistics o昀昀erings by expanding into 3PL warehousing.
We are focussing on locations such as Kolkata and smaller
cities to create a network of hub and spoke that will
facilitate smoother transportation from larger hubs to
regional centres. We are also expanding partnerships
with various brands to enhance our transportation capabilities. At present, we operate temperature-controlled
warehouses across 昀椀ve locations, and we plan to expand
to more locations in the near future.
R S Louis highlights how Balmer Lawrie’s
evolution aligns with the rapid transformation
of India’s logistics sector. To keep pace with
the changing logistics landscape, he says,
Balmer Lawrie is strategically expanding
its services across India and beyond. With
a focus on providing efficient solutions, the
company is increasing its infrastructure,
including CFSs and multimodal logistics
hubs, as well as temperature-controlled
warehousing. Expansion also includes
foraying into the rail transport sector,
enhancing partnerships for smoother
operations, and developing FTWZs,
along with increasing its network of 3PL
warehouses. Looking ahead, with a strong
emphasis on both domestic and cross-border
trade, particularly in defence logistics, Louis
confirms that Balmer Lawrie is dedicated to
continuous development and innovation to
meet the evolving needs of its customers.
44 | CARGOCONNECT JANUARY 2025
