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Safexpress is advancing an artificial intelligence (AI)-driven transformation of its logistics operations by integrating AI, automation and predictive analytics into its nationwide supply chain network, as the company seeks to improve operational efficiency, shipment visibility and decision-making across India's freight ecosystem.
The company said it is developing an AI-first digital infrastructure capable of orchestrating complex logistics operations through real-time data processing and intelligent automation. The initiative focuses on connecting transportation, warehousing and distribution functions on a unified technology platform, enabling faster response to disruptions while improving resource utilisation and customer service.
According to Safexpress, artificial intelligence is being deployed across several operational processes, including route optimisation, demand forecasting, predictive maintenance and shipment planning. The company is also using machine learning models to analyse large volumes of logistics data, helping improve delivery planning, network efficiency and asset utilisation across its nationwide operations.
The digital transformation strategy builds on the company's earlier investments in cloud-native logistics technology, including its proprietary transportation management platform, PROPEL-i, which integrates core business functions and provides end-to-end shipment visibility. The platform supports dynamic pricing, demand management and operational transparency across the logistics network.
Cybersecurity and data governance form another key pillar of the programme. Safexpress said it is strengthening compliance frameworks while implementing secure cloud infrastructure to protect operational data as digital adoption expands across its business. The company is also evaluating emerging technologies, including generative AI and intelligent automation, to further streamline logistics workflows and enhance customer engagement.
Alongside technology investments, Safexpress is modernising its IT architecture to improve scalability and support future business growth. The roadmap includes wider adoption of cloud computing, enhanced analytics capabilities and tighter integration between digital systems to enable real-time operational decision-making across its logistics network.
Industry experts view AI-enabled logistics as an increasingly important competitive differentiator, particularly as supply chains become more data-intensive and customer expectations shift towards faster, more predictable deliveries. Technologies such as predictive analytics, automation and intelligent route planning are expected to play a growing role in reducing logistics costs while improving service reliability.
Safexpress said its long-term technology strategy is centred on creating a resilient, data-driven logistics ecosystem capable of supporting India's expanding manufacturing, retail and e-commerce sectors. By embedding AI across core logistics processes, the company aims to strengthen supply chain resilience while improving operational agility in an increasingly complex freight environment.
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The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has facilitated the first export shipment of biscuits from Varanasi to Oman, marking a new milestone for India's processed food exports and expanding international market access for manufacturers in eastern Uttar Pradesh. The maiden consignment underscores the growing role of regional food processing clusters in the country's export supply chain. The shipment comprises 40 metric tonnes of biscuits manufactured by Varanasi-based Shree Tirupati Balajee Industries Pvt. Ltd. The export has been enabled under the India-Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which is expected to improve market access for Indian value-added food products while strengthening bilateral trade between the two countries. From a logistics perspective, the consignment will move from Varanasi to the Inland Container Depot (ICD) at Kanpur for customs clearance before being transported to Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNPT) for onward shipment to Oman. The multimodal transport route highlights the importance of integrated inland logistics infrastructure in connecting manufacturing centres with global maritime trade networks. APEDA said it has supported the exporter through a series of export promotion initiatives, including participation in domestic and international trade exhibitions such as AAHAR 2026 and Gulfood 2026. These efforts have helped improve product visibility, establish overseas buyer connections and create new export opportunities for processed food manufacturers from the region. The shipment represents a significant step in integrating eastern Uttar Pradesh's food processing industry into global supply chains. Industry stakeholders expect the success of the inaugural consignment to encourage more exporters from the region to explore international markets, particularly for value-added agricultural and processed food products. APEDA indicated that additional shipments to Oman are planned in the coming months as demand for Indian processed food products continues to grow. The development aligns with the government's broader strategy of promoting exports from emerging agri-export hubs while improving supply chain efficiency through enhanced logistics connectivity and trade facilitation measures. Follow CARGOCONNECT for more such updates.
India has successfully completed its first commercial sea shipment of premium Banganapalle mangoes to Singapore, marking a significant development in the country's fresh fruit export logistics. The move is expected to reduce transportation costs, improve supply chain efficiency and create better income opportunities for mango growers. The 5-metric-tonne consignment was exported by Osum Food Solutions LLP on June 11 and reached Singapore on June 24. The initiative was facilitated by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) in partnership with the ICAR–Central Institute for Subtropical Horticulture (CISH), Lucknow. The shipment demonstrates the commercial viability of transporting fresh mangoes by sea, offering a much cheaper alternative to air freight. According to officials, sea transport reduced logistics costs to around ₹13–20 per kilogram compared with ₹150–250 per kilogram through air cargo, making exports more competitive in overseas markets. The mangoes were sourced from Good Agricultural Practices (GAP)-certified orchards in Andhra Pradesh before being processed and packed at an APEDA-recognised facility in Karnataka. The consignment complied with Singapore's phytosanitary and quality standards and was transported using a temperature-controlled cold chain to preserve freshness during transit. Singapore-based importer EC-Links Pte Ltd reported that the fruit arrived in excellent condition, citing its sweetness, uniform ripening, shelf life and overall quality. The successful delivery highlights the effectiveness of scientific post-harvest handling and cold-chain management for long-distance sea transportation. The export also translated into higher earnings for growers. While Banganapalle mangoes were fetching around ₹25–26 per kilogram in the domestic market, the export consignment realised nearly ₹50 per kilogram, almost doubling farm-gate returns. Officials said the successful shipment could pave the way for wider adoption of sea freight for India's horticultural exports. Lower logistics costs, combined with reliable cold-chain infrastructure, are expected to strengthen the global competitiveness of Indian fresh produce while offering exporters a more sustainable and scalable shipping option. Follow CARGOCONNECT for more such updates.
India is preparing to take a significant step towards building a stronger and more self-reliant electric vehicle (EV) supply chain with a proposed incentive scheme worth nearly ₹12,000 crore for the domestic manufacturing of battery components and materials. The initiative is expected to complement the existing ₹18,100 crore Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) battery manufacturing and help address a critical gap in India's EV ecosystem. Over the past few years, India has made considerable progress in attracting investments for battery cell production. However, industry stakeholders have consistently pointed out that a large portion of the battery value chain continues to rely on imported materials. While cell manufacturing capacity is being created domestically, many of the essential inputs required for battery production are still sourced from overseas markets, limiting overall localisation. The proposed scheme aims to change this dynamic by encouraging local production of critical battery materials and components. Reports indicate that the incentive framework may cover Cathode Active Materials (CAM), Anode Active Materials (AAM), electrolytes, copper foil, battery separators and other advanced battery materials that form the backbone of modern EV batteries. For India's rapidly expanding EV sector, these components are far more than just manufacturing inputs. They represent a strategic part of the supply chain, influencing production costs, availability, quality and long-term competitiveness. Industry estimates suggest that battery materials account for a substantial share of overall battery costs, making localisation an important lever for improving economics across the EV value chain. The initiative comes at a crucial time as automakers continue to accelerate their electrification plans. Demand for batteries is expected to rise sharply, driven by passenger electric vehicles, electric two-wheelers, commercial EV fleets, energy storage systems and renewable energy integration projects. To support this growth, India will require a robust and dependable supply network capable of serving domestic manufacturers at scale. According to industry projections, India could require more than 400,000 tonnes of Cathode Active Material and over 200,000 tonnes of Anode Active Material by 2030 to support the battery manufacturing capacities that have already been announced. Such figures highlight the enormous opportunity for companies willing to invest in upstream battery manufacturing and supply chain infrastructure. A key objective of the proposed scheme is to reduce India's dependence on global battery supply chains, many of which remain heavily concentrated in China. At present, China dominates several critical segments of the battery ecosystem, including cathode processing, anode materials, battery chemicals and copper foil production. This concentration exposes manufacturers worldwide to supply disruptions, geopolitical uncertainties and price volatility. By supporting local manufacturing, India hopes to create a more resilient and diversified supply chain while attracting global battery material producers to establish operations within the country. Such investments could strengthen domestic capabilities, improve supply security and increase value addition within India. The proposed incentive programme is also expected to complement the ACC PLI scheme, which was launched to establish large-scale battery cell manufacturing capacity. While the PLI scheme has succeeded in attracting investments from major players, the development of upstream battery materials has progressed at a slower pace. Industry experts believe the new initiative could bridge this gap and help create a more integrated battery ecosystem. Nevertheless, several challenges remain. Building a globally competitive battery supply chain will require access to critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel and graphite, along with significant capital investments, advanced manufacturing technologies and a skilled workforce. Industry observers have repeatedly emphasised that long-term success will depend on developing capabilities across mining, refining, recycling, component manufacturing and battery production. For automotive manufacturers such as Tata Motors, Mahindra & Mahindra, Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai Motor India, stronger domestic sourcing could eventually translate into lower battery costs, improved supply reliability and enhanced competitiveness. Since batteries account for nearly 35-45 per cent of an EV's total cost, supply chain localisation could play a pivotal role in making electric vehicles more affordable and accelerating their adoption across the country. As India pursues its ambitious EV targets, building battery cell factories alone may not be enough. Creating a comprehensive supply chain for battery materials and components will be equally important. If implemented effectively, the proposed ₹12,000 crore scheme could become a key milestone in India's journey towards establishing a globally competitive EV supply chain and emerging as a major hub for advanced battery manufacturing.
