The Rise Of NH16 Region: Kolkata's Emerging Warehousing Hub
West Bengal, particularly Kolkata, has become a prominent warehousing and logistics hub in the eastern region of India. With its strategic location and strong trade linkages with neighbouring countries like Bangladesh, Nepal, and Southeast Asia, the state serves as a crucial gateway for trade and commerce. Moreover, it caters to a significant consumer base within the state and neighbouring regions such as Bihar, Odisha, Jharkhand, and Assam. This growing demand for industrial and commercial businesses has increased the need for warehouse rent in Kolkata, especially in sectors like FMCG, cement, pharma, e-commerce, and third-party logistics (3PL).
A surge in Warehousing Space Leasing: The warehouse rent in Kolkata has experienced significant growth, with the latest data from the India Warehousing Market Report 2023 by Knight Frank Research indicating a historic high in the leasing of warehousing space. In FY 2023, a record-breaking 0.47 million square meters (4.3 million square feet) of warehousing space was leased, marking the highest volume in the past six years. This represents an impressive 18% year-on-year increase compared to the previous fiscal year, positioning Kolkata as one of the top eight markets with the second-highest annual growth rate.
The NH16 Cluster: Among the total warehouse space leased in FY 2023, the NH16 cluster (formerly Old NH6) accounted for the largest share, reaching 64%. This expansion increased from 59% in FY 2022, driven by significant deals made by occupiers in the 3PLs (28% share), manufacturing sector (24% share), retail sector (19% share), and e-commerce (12% share). Notable locations within this cluster include Amta Ranihati Road, Jangalpur, Dhulagarh, and Uluberia.
Key Player: ESR Uluberia Industrial & Logistics Park: This park is located within the NH16 warehousing cluster and offers an expansive space of 94 acres, featuring 2.2 million square feet of area and 9 ready-to-use IGBC-certified buildings. Its strategic location near the Mumbai-Kolkata Expressway ensures exceptional rail, roads, air, and port connectivity. It provides access to a well-developed infrastructure and a skilled workforce from neighbouring towns and villages. With its suitability for various industries, including e-commerce, 3PL, automobiles, cold storage, FMCG, and manufacturing sectors, the ESR Logistics Park, Uluberia offers an ideal location for thriving business operations.
ESR Uluberia Logistics Park
Industry Giants and Strategic Advantage: Renowned industry leaders in the e-commerce and automobile sectors, such as Flipkart, Amazon, and Honda, have already established their presence in ESR Uluberia. The park's state-of-the-art facilities and fully compliant amenities provide convenience and support for their operations. Moreover, ESR Uluberia's strategic advantage lies in its positioning on NH16, a 6-lane wide highway just a 6-minute drive away. The surrounding vicinity is home to prominent FMCG, retail, and e-commerce companies like Linde, ITC Foods, and Patton, making it an attractive choice for businesses seeking a strong presence there. Efficient freight movement between Bangan, Jangalpur, Alampur, Kharagpur, and Mumbai is ensured, with the proximity to Haldia Port further enhancing the appeal for warehousing and logistics operations.
ESR Uluberia Location
Promising Future and Infrastructure Developments: The future of the warehousing sector in West Bengal looks promising, owing to upcoming major infrastructure projects in the region. Projects like the Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor (EDFC), the development of Tajpur Port, the Kaladan Multi-modal Transit Transport Project, and the Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar (BCIM) trade corridor are expected to enhance the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of logistics and warehousing operations in the state. These infrastructure developments will strengthen the existing supply chain and attract new investments and businesses to the region, setting a positive trajectory for the future. The expansion and improvement of Kolkata's warehousing infrastructure will contribute to the overall economic development of West Bengal and solidify its position as a key logistics hub in the eastern region of India.
Conclusion: West Bengal, particularly Kolkata, has emerged as a thriving warehousing and logistics hub in the eastern region of India. The NH16 cluster, dominated by significant deals from 3PLs, manufacturing, retail, and e-commerce sectors, has witnessed remarkable growth. The ESR Logistics Park, Uluberia located within this cluster, offers state-of-the-art facilities and enjoys a strategic advantage with its proximity to NH16 and key industrial and commercial ecosystems. The upcoming infrastructure projects in the region further strengthen the outlook for the warehousing sector in West Bengal, attracting new investments and contributing to the state's overall economic development. As Kolkata's warehousing infrastructure continues to expand, the region's position as a key logistics hub in the eastern region of India is set to strengthen further.
