Warehousing Growth Set to Expand Beyond Major Cities: Adani Ports Executive

Pankaj Kumar Bhardwaj said state governments are rolling out logistics-focused policies to attract manufacturers, logistics companies and industrial developers, creating opportunities for warehousing operators to build their presence in emerging markets.

He said a large share of the company’s existing warehousing footprint is concentrated in major Grade A and B cities, but its future expansion strategy will also target smaller Grade B and C 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 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.

According to Bhardwaj, the company already has land parcels in several emerging locations, enabling it to develop ready-to-use facilities according to customer requirements. It can also build customised warehouses under the build-to-suit model for clients with specific infrastructure needs.

He said another area of focus would be export-import and port- or inland container depot-led developments. With a network of around 15-16 ports on India’s eastern and western coasts, the company sees potential for further logistics development as the government works to increase the country’s exports over the next five to 10 years.

Bhardwaj said the company is strengthening its presence along the eastern and southern coasts through key port assets. This includes the development of the Dhamra port on the eastern coast and a focus on Vizhinjam Port in Kerala, which has emerged as an important transshipment hub.

The company has also recently secured two berths at Paradip, he said, adding that the expansion strategy covers both sides of the country.

Bhardwaj said the eastern region still has significant room for warehousing development and could generate substantial additional volumes in the coming years. States such as Odisha, West Bengal and Assam, he said, could contribute to the growth of the logistics ecosystem while helping reduce overall supply-chain costs.