Delhi set to become a bigger link in India's supply chain: State Industry Minister

New Delhi: The three planned industrial hubs in the national capital will integrate logistics distribution centres, warehousing parks and multimodal facilities, enhancing the city's role in the national supply chain, Delhi minister for industry and food & supplies Manjinder Singh Sirsa said.

Speaking at the ET Edge Supply Chain Management Fest 2025 here, the minister described supply chain as a core economic pillar that is emerging as "a national growth engine".

Delhi, with more than 8,000 operational factories and nearly 400,000 workers, plays a key role in strengthening the regional and national supply chains. The city accounts for about 16% of India's warehousing market, he added.


Referring to the recent establishment of the Delhi Trader Welfare Board, the minister said it ensures that the voices of traders and logistics players are integrated into policymaking.

Speaking at the event, Inland Waterways Authority of India chairman Vijay Kumar made a case for transporting cargo via waterways, saying that it "cuts emissions and reduces logistics costs by up to 60% compared to road transport".

In a fireside chat, Balfour Manuel, managing director of express package distribution company Blue Dart, detailed the demands of serving India's fast-paced ecommerce market. He emphasised that speed and reliability are non-negotiable for the operations.

Amid discussions on growth, a critical warning emerged from Sungita Sharma, a former special secretary at the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs. She highlighted the threat of illicit trade, calling it a global issue costing India over Rs1.17 lakh crore annually in sectors like tobacco, FMCG, and pharmaceuticals. Sharma called for "stronger enforcement, tech-enabled tracking, and industry collaboration" to protect supply chain integrity and consumer safety.

State government leaders, including representatives from Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh also shared their industrial development strategies at the event. The summit concluded with an awards ceremony recognising leaders who are redefining the supply chain landscape.