India Identified as a Key Growth Market as DHL Expands Green Logistics, Digital Supply Chain Infrastructure, and Workforce Training
Mumbai (Economy India): In a major strategic announcement, DHL Group, the world’s leading logistics and transportation company, declared that it will invest €1 billion (approximately ₹9,000 crore) in India by 2030, marking one of its largest investments in the Asia-Pacific region.
The company said the move is part of its global “Strategy 2030 – Accelerated Sustainable Growth Plan,” which aims to modernize supply chains, expand infrastructure, and promote green logistics globally. The decision underscores DHL’s long-term confidence in India’s economic fundamentals and its emergence as a global logistics and manufacturing hub.
India: The New Global Logistics Hub
DHL officials said that India’s fast-growing economy, supported by the government’s ‘Make in India’, Gati Shakti National Master Plan, and PM Gatishakti Logistics Policy, presents an unparalleled opportunity for expansion.
“India is among the most dynamic logistics markets in the world. With our €1 billion commitment, we aim to build world-class infrastructure, enhance efficiency, and support sustainable supply chains across the country,” said Oscar de Bok, CEO of DHL Supply Chain.
The company currently operates across 450 Indian cities and employs more than 25,000 professionals, making India one of its largest operational bases outside Europe. DHL plans to significantly scale this workforce over the next five years, with a focus on training and digital upskilling.
Key Investment Focus Areas
The €1 billion investment will be directed across multiple growth segments:
- Supply Chain Expansion:
DHL will build new multi-client logistics parks, cold-chain facilities, and integrated warehousing hubs across major industrial corridors including Delhi-Mumbai, Chennai-Bengaluru, and Kolkata-Guwahati. - Green Logistics and Sustainability:
In line with its Net Zero 2050 vision, DHL will deploy electric vehicle (EV) fleets, establish solar-powered warehouses, and adopt biofuel technologies for last-mile delivery operations. - Digital Transformation:
The company plans to integrate AI-driven supply chain optimization, predictive analytics, and real-time tracking systems to enhance visibility and reduce inefficiencies. - Workforce Empowerment:
DHL’s India arm will set up a Centre of Excellence for Supply Chain Training, expected to skill more than 50,000 logistics professionals by 2030 in advanced technologies and sustainable operations.
Supporting India’s $5 Trillion Economy Vision
Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka have been identified as priority investment destinations. DHL’s infrastructure expansion will complement India’s aspiration to become a $5 trillion economy, where logistics is expected to play a pivotal role.
“A robust logistics ecosystem is the backbone of any high-growth economy,” said R.S. Subramanian, Senior VP, DHL Express India. “Our investment is a strong vote of confidence in India’s policy direction and its role in global trade networks.”
Government officials have welcomed DHL’s move, calling it a “transformational investment” that will create new jobs, enhance exports, and make India’s supply chain ecosystem more globally competitive.
Strengthening Green and Digital Supply Chains
DHL’s expansion in India will align with its Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) framework, prioritizing renewable energy, circular economy practices, and carbon-neutral operations. The group will also collaborate with startups and technology partners to innovate in green packaging, automated warehousing, and sustainable transport solutions.
The company emphasized that India’s logistics cost, currently around 13-14% of GDP, can be significantly reduced through digitalization and integrated supply chain systems. DHL’s investments, therefore, are expected to contribute meaningfully to cost efficiency and environmental sustainability.
Analyst Perspective: Strategic Move for Long-Term Returns
Industry experts believe DHL’s €1 billion investment is not just a business expansion but a strategic positioning move in one of the fastest-growing logistics markets globally.
“With rising e-commerce volumes, manufacturing-led exports, and the government’s focus on multimodal connectivity, India offers a high-growth environment for global logistics firms,” said Naveen Vyas, a logistics industry analyst. “DHL’s long-term commitment will not only expand its market share but also set a benchmark for sustainable logistics in Asia.”
Other multinational logistics giants such as FedEx, UPS, and DB Schenker are also exploring similar expansions in India, indicating the country’s growing relevance in global supply chains.
DHL’s India Bet Reinforces Confidence in the Country’s Economic Future
DHL’s €1 billion investment signals strong faith in India’s potential as a logistics powerhouse. By combining sustainability, technology, and workforce development, the company aims to redefine how supply chains operate in the region.
The investment is expected to create thousands of direct and indirect jobs, boost India’s green transition goals, and solidify its standing as a global trade hub by the end of the decade.
DHL’s India story is not just about logistics — it’s about building the future of sustainable, connected, and intelligent supply chains that drive inclusive economic growth.
(Economy India)
