NEW DELHI: The warehousing and logistics sector is emerging as a key driver of economic growth, fueled by the rapid expansion of e-commerce and the government’s focus on infrastructure development,Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Pralhad Joshi, said on the 69th Foundation Day of the Central Warehousing Corporation (CWC) in New Delhi.
Recognizing CWC’s pivotal role in India’s logistics and supply chain infrastructure since its inception in 1957, the Minister commended its efforts in enhancing operational efficiency, transparency, and accountability through digital integration.
“Since 1957, India’s supply chain infrastructure has evolved significantly. Today, as the Minister overseeing this sector, I acknowledge the pivotal role of the Central Warehousing Corporation (CWC). Established before my tenure, CWC has consistently fulfilled its purpose, transforming from a basic warehousing and logistics service provider into a symbol of efficiency, innovation, and reliability,” Joshi stated.
Highlighting India’s long history of warehousing, he noted that granaries served as storage facilities for food and goods in ancient times, while during industrialization, warehousing evolved with significant developments in cities like Pataliputra, the capital of the Mauryan Empire. “Today, modern warehousing facilities, coupled with technology-driven solutions, have revolutionized the sector. The Indian warehousing market is poised for remarkable growth, projected to expand at a rate of 15%, reaching $55 billion by 2027,” he added.
CWC has played a crucial role in this transformation. Over the past year, it has expanded storage capacity by 21.65 lakh metric tons, reaching an all-time high of 630 lakh metric tons. “Notably, its e-commerce warehousing capacity has grown twelvefold, from approximately 6 lakh square feet in 2021 to around 80 lakh square feet today,” Joshi informed.
The minister also highlighted CWC’s contribution to reducing logistics costs through initiatives like Pradhan Mantri Gati Shakti. “CWC has successfully implemented key initiatives aimed at reducing logistics costs from the current 13-14% of GDP to around 8%, in line with global benchmarks,” he emphasized.
The Union Budget 2025 has reinforced the government’s commitment to modernizing agricultural productivity and warehousing infrastructure, particularly in air cargo storage for high-value perishable agricultural produce. Joshi stated, “As a premier warehousing organization, CWC is well-positioned to support these objectives by developing modern infrastructure and optimizing cost efficiency.”
Joshi also praised CWC’s digital transformation, citing advancements like Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), Human Resource Management Systems (HRMS), and Closed-Circuit Digital Video (CCDV) surveillance. “I am particularly pleased to note CWC’s ongoing efforts to enhance operational efficiency, transparency, and accountability through digitalization,” he said.
The minister further mentioned CWC’s ongoing asset monetization plan, aimed at attracting over ₹220 crores in investments across 18 locations. “With the government’s focus on infrastructure development and the exponential growth of e-commerce, the warehousing and logistics industry is poised to become a key driver of economic growth,” he added.
Speaking about the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, Joshi emphasized the goal of fostering self-reliance through an efficient and sustainable supply chain. “This will be achieved through increased private sector participation, technological advancements, and a conducive investment environment,” he said.
On this special occasion, Joshi extended his gratitude to CWC employees, stakeholders, and business partners. “Your unwavering dedication and hard work are integral to the success of this organization. I am confident that, together, we will continue to drive excellence in India’s warehousing and logistics sector,” he concluded.
