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ESR India, the largest APAC focused industrial and logistics real estate platform, has inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Tamil Nadu for a potential investment of INR 550 crores.
The MOU is signed for the launch of two industrial parks in Kancheepuram and Krishnagiri districts of the state over the next five years. Once fully operational, the two projects have the potential to create over 4,400 jobs in the facility, that shall boost the overall socio-economic growth in the region.
The MoU was signed at the Investment Conclave 2021 conference held today. It will facilitate ESR India’s proposed investment at Kancheepuram and Krishnagiri industrial parks by helping in streamlining land acquisition, approvals, clearances, and administrative processes as per existing policies, rules, and regulations of the Government of Tamil Nadu.
The policy and regulatory reforms unveiled in recent times has accentuated the entry of international institutional players and has set new benchmarks for industrial developments in the country.
Commenting on the development, Abhijit Malkani, CEO and Country Head, ESR India said, “We are delighted to announce our affiliation with the state government. The Government of Tamil Nadu has been very supportive in encouraging industrial developments in the state by creating a favourable business climate for industrial players. The MoU will see ESR invest INR 550 crores to develop industrial parks in Tamil Nadu, offering 1,800 direct and 2,600 indirect job opportunities in the facility.”
“Our goals are aligned with the vision of the Tamil Nadu government, to create avenues to increase business and trade inclusion opportunities and employment towards garnering better economic growth in the region,” he further stated.
ESR India is currently present across 9 cities and 15 locations with a total GFA of 18 mn sq ft. These state-of-the-art facilities will be developed upholding the best practices for ESG and sustainability.
India’s warehousing and intralogistics sector is entering a new phase of growth, driven by the rapid expansion of e-commerce, quick commerce, manufacturing, and third-party logistics. Against this backdrop, Godrej Enterprises Group (GEG) has marked the 25th anniversary of its Chennai manufacturing facility, reaffirming its commitment to advancing India’s logistics infrastructure through continued investments in automation, engineering excellence, and next-generation warehousing solutions. A cornerstone of the company’s Storage Solutions business, the Chennai facility has evolved into one of the region’s largest and most advanced intralogistics manufacturing hubs. Backed by over seven decades of expertise in intralogistics, the business has announced further investments across its Chennai and Bengaluru operations to strengthen production capabilities, accelerate innovation, and support the growing demand for intelligent warehousing infrastructure. The milestone comes at a time when warehousing is becoming increasingly critical to supply chain resilience and operational efficiency. With annual warehousing absorption in India crossing approximately 39 million sq. ft., demand for automated, high-density storage systems continues to rise as businesses seek greater speed, scalability, and cost efficiency across their supply chains. Over the past 25 years, the Chennai facility has expanded its manufacturing and engineering capabilities to deliver complex intralogistics projects with greater precision and faster execution. Today, it produces advanced systems that support automated warehouses, high-density storage environments, and large-scale distribution operations, reinforcing its role as a strategic enabler of India’s industrial growth. Commenting on the milestone, Vikas Choudaha, Business Head – Storage Solutions, Godrej Enterprises Group stated, “As we mark 25 years of our Chennai manufacturing facility, it reflects how we have steadily scaled our capabilities to support India’s rapidly evolving logistics and warehousing ecosystem. As supply chains become faster and more complex, the need for intelligent, technology-led and future-ready infrastructure is intensifying, and at Godrej Enterprises Group, we are actively shaping this transformation through investments in advanced engineering, innovation, and automation-led capabilities.” The company has strengthened its market position through automation-led manufacturing, precision engineering, and integrated digital design-to-delivery systems. Its portfolio includes automated racking solutions and rack-clad warehouses designed to maximise storage density, improve throughput, and optimise land utilisation. Notably, the company states that one in every three warehouses in India is powered by Godrej racking solutions. Sustainability remains a key focus area, with manufacturing operations incorporating real-time monitoring and optimisation of energy and water consumption. These initiatives align with the company’s broader vision of delivering environmentally responsible infrastructure while enhancing operational efficiency. Beyond India, Godrej Enterprises Group has established a strong global footprint, exporting engineering-led intralogistics solutions to more than 40 countries across the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, ASEAN, and Australia. As India advances towards becoming a globally competitive manufacturing and logistics hub, Godrej Enterprises Group’s continued investments in automation, digital transformation, and sustainable infrastructure position it to play an increasingly important role in shaping the future of warehousing and supply chain excellence.
DHL Supply Chain has begun construction on a new European Battery Logistics Hub in Holtum, Limburg, to enhance battery and energy storage logistics across Europe. The facility will provide 17,000 square meters of dedicated space for the storage and handling of high-voltage batteries and will be adjacent to DHL Supply Chain’s existing automotive logistics site in Holtum. Together, these facilities will create an integrated logistics campus that supports electric mobility and energy systems throughout Europe. The hub is set to open in early 2027. This new facility will manage batteries for electric vehicles as well as battery energy storage systems, including applications for home energy storage and solar solutions. With increasing demand for electric mobility and decentralized energy systems in Europe, DHL Supply Chain is seeing heightened interest from automotive, industrial, and energy customers seeking safe and scalable battery logistics solutions. Located in the Netherlands, Holtum is expected to become a key gateway for EV and energy storage logistics, serving markets in the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, and neighboring areas. Rainer Haag, CEO of DHL Supply Chain Europe, said, “By expanding our battery logistics in Holtum and closely linking it with our existing automotive expertise, we’re creating a one-stop shop solution for the EV sector. This investment supports DHL Group Strategy 2030, where New Energy is a major growth driver for our business across Europe.” The Holtum campus is well-located with easy access to major European transport routes, including direct connections to key motorways linking the Benelux region and Germany. The site is also near a container and barge terminal on the Juliana Canal, offering more transport options that enhance supply chain efficiency, resilience, and sustainability for customers in Europe. This initiative is part of DHL Group’s Strategy 2030, aimed at supporting customers in rapidly growing sectors, including electric mobility, renewable energy, and circular supply chains. As New Energy emerges as a key growth area, DHL Supply Chain continues to invest in specialized infrastructure and services to help customers grow sustainably across Europe. John Scherders, CEO of DHL Supply Chain Benelux, commented, “By connecting the new battery operation with our existing automotive and spare parts facility, we are establishing a center of excellence that allows us to provide seamless logistics and technical services for electric mobility and energy storage customers throughout Europe.” The Holtum campus benefits from excellent connectivity to European transport corridors, with direct access to major motorways linking the Benelux and Germany, as well as proximity to a nearby container and barge terminal on the Juliana Canal. This waterborne connection further enhances the site's ability to support efficient and resilient supply chains, offering customers additional options for sustainable European distribution. The project forms part of DHL Group Strategy 2030, which focuses on supporting customers in growth sectors such as electric mobility, renewable energy and circular supply chains. With New Energy identified as a key driver of future growth, DHL Supply Chain continues to invest in specialized infrastructure and services that enable customers to scale sustainably across Europe. For more such news and updates, visit:- CARGOCONNECT.
India’s maritime trade is poised for a significant boost as roadway cargo traffic from the Vizhinjam International Seaport is set to commence in January. According to project officials, trial runs involving 40-foot equivalent container trailers carrying dummy cargo have already started, aiming to evaluate the interim road network connecting the port site to NH 66. The temporary route employs a service road and a vehicular underpass, facilitating the movement of cargo until the primary approach road is fully constructed. Round-the-clock construction efforts are on track to complete the necessary infrastructure by December. Global Shipping Giant MSC Elevates Port's Status Vizhinjam port has gained considerable attention from manufacturers and traders, particularly in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh, following its inclusion in MSC's Jade and Dragon services. This makes Vizhinjam India’s only port with direct trade links to Europe and Southeast Asia, significantly enhancing the country’s maritime connectivity. “There is massive demand from regional manufacturers to use Vizhinjam for import and export operations,” stated an official from Vizhinjam International Seaport Limited (VISL). “We are working closely with the Adani Group to ensure roadway cargo traffic and customs facilities are operational by next month.” Industry Concerns Over Infrastructure Despite these developments, stakeholders have raised concerns about the sufficiency of road connectivity for large-scale logistics. Calls are mounting for a temporary container rail terminal at Nemom or Balaramapuram. In response, the state government has allocated ₹206 crore for the construction of a permanent container yard near Balaramapuram railway station. Meetings with the Railways and NHAI are planned to address these infrastructure demands, including a cloverleaf intersection at Thalakode for seamless highway connectivity. Inaugural Preparations Underway Currently handling transshipment operations, Vizhinjam International Seaport is gearing up for its official inauguration. The state government has asked VISL to prepare a draft invitation for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to grace the event early next year. The developments at Vizhinjam underline Kerala's growing role in India's maritime trade and the strategic importance of aligning infrastructure and policy to meet the rising demands of global logistics. Source: The Times of India (TOI)
