India Contract Logistics Market Assessment, By Service, By Type, By Industry Vertical, By Mode of Transportation, By Region, Opportunities and Forecast, FY2018-FY2032F

India contract logistics market is projected to witness a CAGR of 7.72% during the forecast period FY2025-FY2032, growing from USD 26.42 billion in FY2024 to USD 47.90 billion in FY2032. India contract logistics sector is growing strongly. The growth is being spearheaded by a number of drivers such as the growth in e-commerce, the "Make in India" drive encouraging manufacturing, and the rising domestic consumption driven by urbanization and a growing middle class.

E-commerce requires warehousing to be flexible and scalable, with emphasis on an omni-channel strategy, and offer highly efficient last-mile delivery. Manufacturers, on the other hand, require cost-effective end-to-end supply chain solutions. Ancillary services along with backward and forward integration provide these solutions. Government policies like the National Logistics Policy (NLP) and the Gati Shakti initiative also induce development by strengthening infrastructure and streamlining logistics policies. This transformation takes place in Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets as well, leading to warehouse growth in these markets.

The sector is dominated by competition where both domestic and international players compete for market share; it is also open to foreign investment, which is a sign of future growth opportunities and demand. To thrive here depends on customization, value-added services, technology integration, and building strong customer relationships. The market is thus shifting towards end-to-end supply chain management, strategic partnerships, and high-tech technology-based operations to keep up with changing customer demands and build market share effectively.

For instance, in May 2024, Gurugram-based logistics firm Delhivery partnered with SUGAR Cosmetics, one of the fastest-growing premium beauty brands in India, to spearhead the pan-India end-to-end B2B operations. The logistics company has been a long-standing partner for the brand's D2C express parcel shipping.

Expanding Role of India in Exporting Services

India's growing position as a seller of services is a key driver of growth for contract logistics. The service industry, responsible for a large share of India's GDP, is witnessing export growth at a fast pace, surpassing growth levels in several other industries and causing demand for effective supply chains to grow. This growth generates domestic demand for retail products, bolstering strong private consumption. Since the service sector consists of salaried professionals with higher disposable incomes, higher retail goods spending requires effective supply chains and warehousing, driving demand for contract logistics. This dynamic between service exports, domestic consumption, and supply chain effectiveness places contract logistics on a path for long-term growth in India.

For example, in February 2023, as per the India Brand Equity Foundation, India stood at the 20th position among the top exporters of business services in 2022 with a 2.1% share of global exports of these services. It is also expected to grow further in the coming years.

Navigating the Surge of E-Commerce and Digital Change

India's contract logistics business is in a deep shift spearheaded by e-commerce growth and digital innovation. Growth in e-commerce, powered by heightened internet penetration and comfort with online consumption, requires fast and scalable warehouse solutions. Hence, omnichannel logistics is growing exponentially, as it unifies offline and online channels, and contract logistics providers are being assigned the responsibility to serve multiple sales channels at once. The implementation of digital technologies introduces higher transparency, cooperation, and data-driven decision-making practices. With shifting requirements, contract logistics providers are focusing on customization, cost reductions, and allowing customers to concentrate on core capabilities, thereby altering the methods adopted in warehousing, distribution, and delivery of goods. Emphasis is placed on providing value-added services such as inventory management, order processing, and supply chain optimization.

In May 2024, Delhivery Limited's AI-powered RTO Predictor significantly reduced the risk of return shipments for D2C brands, a major challenge for e-commerce businesses, especially with cash-on-delivery orders constituting over 60% of e-commerce transactions in India. The RTO Predictor assesses return risks by leveraging machine learning and data from over 2.5 billion deliveries, enabling over 4800 e-commerce companies to lower their logistics costs and improve margins. This solution, which can be integrated into various sales channels like Shopify and WooCommerce, enhances operational efficiency and customer satisfaction by predicting customer behavior and minimizing returns. The ability to reduce RTOs by up to 20% boosts the e-commerce logistics market's growth by ensuring smoother operations, cost savings, and higher conversion rates, which is especially important in a market driven by rising online shopping and logistics demands.

this shows how steps are being taken to improve the E-commerce industry in India.

Dominance of Roadways as a Mode of Transportation in Contract Logistics

Roadways are the largest mode of transportation in India's contract logistics market, with their popularity owing mainly to their flexibility and broad coverage. They have access to remote locations that other modes of transport might not be able to reach, which is an important door-to-door service for last-mile delivery. Also, road transport is economical for shorter distances and, hence, the most favored option when final destinations are not directly accessible by rail or sea routes. Although railways are ideal for long-distance bulk transport and airways handle high-value, time-critical shipments, the flexibility and extensive network of roadways guarantee their continued dominance in India's logistics scenario.

For instance, as per the Government of India, the Road Transport Sector is responsible for transporting around 87% of the passenger traffic and 60% of the freight traffic movement within the country. Easy accessibility, flexibility to the needs of the individual, and cost-effectiveness are some of the reasons which weigh in favor of road transport. Road transport is also a feeder service to railway, shipping and air traffic.

West and Central India Dominates the Country's Contract Logistics Market Share

West and Central India hold a leading position in the contract logistics industry as they are the major industrial and commercial centers, especially in Maharashtra and Gujarat. These areas are rich in manufacturing units and are key international trade contributors, generating huge demand for logistics. In addition, the availability of well-established infrastructure in the shape of key transportation centers like the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor and the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor enables the easy movement of goods. Lastly, the e-commerce boom has made West and Central India leading distribution hubs, thus increasing further the demand for contract logistics business in these regions.

For instance, in February 2025, as per Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India (DFCCIL), the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC), set to enhance connectivity between Maharashtra and northern India, is on track for completion by the end of 2025. Reflecting this progress, the budgetary allocation for the DFCCIL has been optimized, with USD 57.34 million (INR 500 crore) earmarked for 2025-26, following a significant outlay of USD 9.34 billion (INR 8,155 crore) last year to accelerate project execution.

Future Market Scenario (FY2025 - FY2032F)

The ongoing growth in e-commerce, fueled by rising internet penetration and shifting consumer tastes, will radically redefine the industry's warehousing, distribution, and delivery patterns.

Success in the future will depend on delivering personalized logistics solutions for industry requirements as well as value-added services like inventory management, order processing, and supply chain optimization.

Government programs such as the National Logistics Policy (NLP) and the Gati Shakti program will remain essential in enhancing logistics infrastructure, decreasing costs, and fostering transparency in the industry.

The implementation of cutting-edge technologies such as big data analytics, smart material handling equipment, track-and-trace systems, and automation will be important in making supply chain more efficient and optimal.

Key Players Landscape and Outlook

Indian contract logistics is defined by top players competing on technology integration, cost optimization, and customization. Players concentrate on industry-specific solutions tailored to varied industries, maximizing efficiency through automation and route optimization. Strategic collaborations and value-added services like inventory management distinguish them further. Strong networks of transportation and warehousing infrastructure give them a competitive advantage. As e-commerce is growing rapidly, players are adjusting by providing scalable, flexible warehousing solutions to address changing demand, setting them up for future growth in this dynamic environment.

In August 2024, CEVA Logistics, one of the world's largest contract logistics companies, announced it has entered into an agreement to purchase 96 percent of Mumbai-based Stellar Value Chain Solutions from an affiliate of private equity group Warburg Pincus and other shareholders. CEVA will purchase around 7,700,000 square feet of space in over 70 facilities in 21 cities in India. Furthermore, CEVA will acquire a Stellar workforce of close to 8,000 full-time and temporary staff, who possess deep expertise and relationships in India.

In August 2023, CEVA Logistics, one of the world's largest contract logistics companies, announced today that it has entered into an agreement to purchase 96 percent of Mumbai-based Stellar Value Chain Solutions from an affiliate of private equity group Warburg Pincus and other shareholders. CEVA will purchase around 7,700,000 square feet of space in over 70 facilities in 21 cities in India. Furthermore, CEVA will acquire the Stellar workforce of close to 8,000 full-time and temporary staff, who possess deep expertise and relationships in India.