Liners take notice as India plans major multimodal hub projects

By Angelo Mathais India correspondent 07/05/2026 Growing industry attention around the hub-and-spoke logistics model, instrumental in shaping the Gemini Cooperation between Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd, seems to be encouraging other main container lines to invest in multimodal logistics hub projects in India. Multimodal cluster development, enabling shippers and freight service providers to switch from a point-to-point transport system to an integrated logistics model, was a priority for Indian policymakers trying to tighten logistics costs. The government’s latest annual budget announcement has approved setting up 35 multimodal logistics parks across the country, with five new mega-multimodal logistics hubs in the pipeline – sites identified at Dadri (near Delhi), Jogighopa (Assam), Nagpur (Maharashtra), Chennai (Tamil Nadu), and Bengaluru (Karnataka). Among them, the Dadri project is stoking deep interest among investors because of its high freight potential and dedicated rail access to the western gateways of Mundra and Nhava Sheva (JNPA). According to industry sources, several leading container lines are considering placing bids to secure development rights for the Dadri project, individually or through joint-venture arrangements, and early indications are that CMA CGM, Maersk, and MSC are in the fray, with the tender deadline in the second half of this month. The project is designed to cover some 825 acres, with phase 1 development estimated to cost about $250m, according to available information. “It is positioned near the intersection of the eastern and western dedicated freight corridors,” the project document notes. “It aims to serve export-driven industries in Western UP by reducing transit time to JNPT, improving logistics efficiency, and enhancing the region’s appeal as a global investment and industrial destination.” JNPA recently had final trial train runs over the dedicated freight corridor, a 1,500km connector, prior to commercial operations, which trade sources believe could become a game-changing experience for hinterland shippers using the port. From a broader perspective, the mega-hub scheme forms part of the government’s long-contemplated Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor, which aims to boost industrial activity. Some of the leading Indian conglomerates, including Adani Group, Welspun World and GR Infraprojects, are also reportedly keen on participating in the Dadri project. A significant portion of volumes shipped via Mundra and Nhava Sheva has its roots in northern Indian hinterlands, so carriers expect strong green shoots of demand at Dadri. Major lines, CMA CGM in particular, have been increasingly seeking to shore up their inland network strengths in India, with warehousing depot operations a major focus, to support end-to-end, integrated logistics solutions for shippers. With accelerated reforms and supply chain infrastructure modernisation, government estimates claim there has been a marked improvement in logistics costs for Indian exporters/importers, dropping to an estimated 7.97% of GDP in 2023-24.

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• May 8th, 2026
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