Fadnavis Performs Groundbreaking For FedEx Cargo Hub At Navi Mumbai Airport

Mumbai: Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis performed the groundbreaking ceremony of the FedEx cargo center at Navi Mumbai International Airport on Wednesday, officials said.

The Rs 2,500 billion project involves setting up a 3,00,000 square meter regional consolidation and redistribution center in partnership with Adani Airport Holdings Ltd (AAHL). According to officials, the facility will strengthen the airport’s multi-modal connectivity and will primarily cater to cargo operations in Western India.

Mr. Fadnavis was joined by FedEx President and CEO Raj Subramaniam; Richard Smith, Airline CEO and International COO; Kami Viswanathan, President (MEISA); AAHL Director Jeet Adani; and Maharashtra Forest Minister Ganesh Naik.

Construction of the center is expected to be completed within two years, officials said. Once operational, the facility is expected to create more than 6,000 direct and indirect jobs in logistics, warehousing, transportation and related services.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Fadnavis said the project will help reduce logistics costs and strengthen the trade connectivity of Maharashtra. He noted that supply chains were undergoing recalibration globally and said investments in logistics infrastructure were important in that context.

“We are happy to have FedEx in Mumbai because we see a lot of things happening in the field of trade. We are watching old barriers disappear, new barriers come and supply chains are recalibrated. I think it is in turbulent times like these that FedEx has decided to invest in a hub in Mumbai. It really reflects the strength of India. It also shows how important India and Maharashtra are when it comes to trade,” the Prime Minister said.

The Chief Minister said Navi Mumbai airport is expected to emerge as a major passenger and cargo hub and the FedEx facility will support manufacturing and allied sectors in the state. He also mentioned that the government is focusing on reducing logistics costs as part of India’s broader economic growth strategy. “Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s effort to reduce the cost of logistics because today the only obstacle to our growth is the cost of logistics, which we need to reduce. I think a company like FedEx coming up with new technology, use of Artificial Intelligence will help reduce the cost of logistics. I am very happy that today this facility has manufacturing capability and will facilitate the entire business in Maharashtra, which accounts for 20 per cent of Indian production.” he said.

AAHL Director Jeet Adani said the development is in line with the airport’s long-term plan to create integrated cargo infrastructure, citing its proximity to Jawaharlal Nehru Port, industrial corridors and multi-modal transport networks.

FedEx MEISA President Kami Viswanathan said the center will integrate the company’s global network with India’s growing trade corridors and aim to increase the speed and reliability of cargo movement.