DHL opens India express terminals
Express cargo movement from the Indira Gandhi International Airport will get a boost with the opening of two dedicated terminals Thursday. The two terminals will be operated by DHL Worldwide Express and the Express Industry Council of India, the first time that the government and private industry are cooperating in this sector.
The operation is forecasting annual growth of 20 percent with India becoming a major hub for express cargo and member companies planning to increase air services to Delhi.
Chris Callen, DHL India country manager, described the terminal as the first company-dedicated facility with on-site presence of customs at any airport in India. DHL has an estimated 65 percent share of all India shipments.
Callen said DHL has embarked on a four-gateway strategy with the aim of setting up similar state-of-the-art express terminals in Delhi, Chennai, Mumbai and Bangalore.
The Delhi terminal covers 26,000 square-feet, with a bonded warehouse offering ’round-the-clock clearance, a first in the industry. The EICI terminal is smaller at 16,000 square-feet, and it will act as custodian of inbound and outbound express consignments at its terminal, resulting in quicker cargo clearance.
