Dubai-based DP World to set up rail-linked inland logistics hub in MP

Dubai-based DP World has signed a deal with the Madhya Pradesh government to develop a logistics hub at Powarkheda, aimed at improving trade connections between central India and Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNPA) in Mumbai. 

Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, DP world CEO and the Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav signed the agreement in the World Economic Forum held in Davos.

The Powarkheda Hub will cover an area of 88.3 acres, and it will be rail-based in inland connectivity, which will connect Madhya Pradesh to JNPA. The move will help cut down the logistics expenses and enhance reliability among businesses in the main sectors such as pharmaceuticals, textiles, aluminium and agri-commodities. The hub will also become a source of warehousing and cold storage to promote agricultural and industrial supply chains within the region.

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Sulayem emphasized, “The DP World Powarkheda Hub is designed to be an inland gateway that brings producers and manufacturers in central India closer to global markets.” By integrating rail, warehousing, cold chain, and cargo management, the hub will help local farmers, MSMEs, and large industries boost their competitiveness in global trade.

The project will deliver a 30 40 percent decrease in transit time to JNPA relative to road transportation, encourage the use of rail which is safe to the environment, reduce emissions, and alleviate road congestion. The hub is a game changer in terms of the logistics of the region which contributes to economic development as well as facilitates faster access to the global markets.