(Commonwealth_India) Welspun One, a prominent player in India’s logistics and industrial real estate sector, is making a substantial investment of $325 million to develop the country’s largest single-location ‘Grade A’ warehousing and industrial park at the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Navi Mumbai. Initially, the company had planned for a 1.2 million square foot facility, requiring an investment of around $84 million. However, recognizing the potential for growth in the region, Welspun One has significantly expanded the project to nearly 4.45 million square feet of built-up area (BUA), a decision driven by the rising demand for export-import services at the JNPA Port.
JNPA stands as India’s largest container port, handling approximately 35% of the nation’s maritime traffic. This makes it a critical hub for international trade. The strategic positioning of the SEZ in Navi Mumbai allows it to tap into this dynamic maritime ecosystem. Historically, the area has faced challenges due to the lack of integrated facility solutions for logistics, but Welspun One’s new facility aims to bridge this gap. By providing a high-quality, efficient logistics solution, it will serve businesses across a range of sectors, including chemicals, automotive, FMCG, pharmaceuticals, and electronics. This facility promises to support the growing demand for storage and logistics services in a region that is pivotal to India’s trade and commerce.
The new logistics park will be strategically located within a five-kilometer radius of the port terminals, offering direct vessel access for seamless maritime operations. The location also benefits from excellent connectivity to key transport networks, including National Highways, the Dedicated Freight Corridor (West), the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL), and the upcoming Navi Mumbai Airport. This access provides a clear logistical advantage, making the facility a prime choice for businesses seeking to streamline their supply chain operations and enhance distribution efficiency.
The logistics park will feature 3.95 million square feet of warehousing space, complemented by 250,000 square feet dedicated to Grade A office space and another 250,000 square feet designated for industrial use. The design of the facility will prioritize operational efficiency. It will have multiple floors, with a G+2 configuration and a floor-to-floor height of 12 meters. Additionally, it will include 30-foot-wide unidirectional ramps that ensure smooth cargo movement between the levels. With a high load-bearing capacity of six tonnes per square meter, the park can accommodate over 400,000 pallet positions. For the convenience of transportation, the facility will offer parking space for more than 600 trucks. This project, with an annual throughput capacity of 36,000 Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units (TEUs), aims to establish itself as India’s largest single-location warehousing and industrial park, thereby establishing a new standard for integrated logistics infrastructure in the nation.
Beyond its role as a logistics hub, businesses view the project as a key enabler. Over 5,000 individuals will find employment opportunities, both directly and indirectly, as it contributes to the local economy. As part of a notified SEZ, the facility will offer occupiers valuable advantages, such as exemptions from Goods and Services Tax (GST), deferment of customs duties, expedited customs clearance, and reduced detention or demurrage risks. These benefits will contribute to smoother operations, reduced costs, and improved inventory management for businesses. The facility’s strategic location and advanced infrastructure will optimize logistics operations, resulting in substantial cost savings and potentially reducing operational costs by up to 15%.
The project also plays a significant role in enhancing the logistical efficiency of JNPA Port itself, making it an ideal hub for international businesses seeking to optimize their supply chains and improve their global competitiveness. Welspun One’s vision for this facility is not just about providing space but creating an ecosystem that aligns with India’s growing importance in global trade. By building a state-of-the-art logistics center, the company is helping to elevate India’s position in the global trade network while simplifying the ease of doing business within the country.
Mr. Anshul Singhal, Managing Director of Welspun One, expressed his optimism about the development, stating that the Indian port ecosystem has long needed a logistics solution that goes beyond mere storage. He emphasized that the new facility would revolutionize logistics and supply chain operations in India and contribute to India’s growth as a key player in global trade. Welspun One has partnered with an international team of designers and engineers from Japan, Singapore, and the Middle East to ensure that the facility meets world-class standards in terms of efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Additionally, Mr. Balkrishan Goenka, Chairman of Welspun World, highlighted the company’s ongoing success in its fundraising efforts, with $325 million committed for Fund 2. This fundraising has garnered strong investor confidence in Welspun One’s approach to creating logistics-anchored developments in high-demand areas. With nearly 70% of the fund already committed, Welspun One is executing projects at a scale and speed that set it apart from others in the market. This project at JNPA SEZ forms a vital part of the company’s broader vision to contribute to India’s growth and redefine its logistics infrastructure.
This development marks a significant milestone for Welspun One and represents a bold step forward in transforming India’s logistics and industrial real estate landscape. By creating a state-of-the-art, integrated logistics facility in one of the most strategic locations in the country, Welspun One is helping shape the future of India’s logistics ecosystem and contributing to the country’s broader economic growth.
