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By:

Bhalchandra Chorghade

11 August 2025 at 1:54:18 pm

Unlocking the true potential of infrastructure led growth

Mumbai: The rapid expansion of India’s logistics sector is closely tied to the parallel growth of infrastructure, industrial activity and global trade integration. Within this context, Navi Mumbai is steadily positioning itself as a critical node in the country’s logistics network, owing to its proximity to key gateways such as the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority and the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport. This locational advantage is further amplified by transformative infrastructure...

Unlocking the true potential of infrastructure led growth

Mumbai: The rapid expansion of India’s logistics sector is closely tied to the parallel growth of infrastructure, industrial activity and global trade integration. Within this context, Navi Mumbai is steadily positioning itself as a critical node in the country’s logistics network, owing to its proximity to key gateways such as the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority and the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport. This locational advantage is further amplified by transformative infrastructure projects like the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link, the proposed Multi Modal Corridor and the Dedicated Freight Corridor. However, the true value of these large-scale developments can only be fully realized through the creation of integrated logistics ecosystems, making the development of a dedicated logistics park not just beneficial but essential. The Integrated Logistics Park (ILP) planned by the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) near Chirle Village in Pushpak Node represents a strategic intervention designed to bridge infrastructure capacity with operational efficiency. Infrastructure projects such as ports, airports and freight corridors generate immense throughput potential, but without organized logistics zones, inefficiencies in storage, distribution and multimodal transfer can undermine their effectiveness. The ILP addresses this gap by creating a centralized, well-planned hub where warehousing, transportation and value-added services coexist within a unified framework. This integration reduces transit times, lowers costs and enhances supply chain reliability—key requirements in a competitive global economy. “Navi Mumbai’s strategic location, supported by world-class infrastructure such as JNPA, NMIA and enhanced regional connectivity, positions it as a natural hub for logistics and allied industries. Through the development of the Integrated Logistics Park, CIDCO aims to create a future-ready ecosystem that will facilitate efficient movement of goods, attract investments, and support economic growth. The pilot phase is a significant step towards unlocking this potential and establishing Navi Mumbai as a logistics hub of National importance,” said Vijay Singhal, Vice Chairman and Managing Director, CIDCO Critical Role This vision underscores the critical role logistics parks play in translating infrastructure investments into tangible economic outcomes. By earmarking approximately 374 hectares and structuring it into seven logistics zones, CIDCO is ensuring that the ILP is not merely a storage space but a comprehensive ecosystem. The inclusion of wide road networks, trunk infrastructure and utility systems reflect an understanding that logistics efficiency depends as much on internal planning as on external connectivity. The ILP’s design enables seamless integration with regional transport networks, ensuring that goods can move swiftly between production centers, ports and consumption markets. Moreover, the alignment of the project with the Government of Maharashtra’s MIDC Pass-through Policy highlights the policy-driven approach to industrial and logistics development. The pilot phase, involving the allotment of 12 plots over 72 hectares, demonstrates a calibrated strategy to attract private participation while maintaining regulatory oversight. By developing trunk infrastructure upfront, CIDCO reduces entry barriers for investors, accelerating project implementation and ensuring uniform standards across the park. Broader Initiatives The importance of the logistics park is further amplified when viewed alongside the broader urban development initiatives in Navi Mumbai. Projects such as Educity, Medicity and Sportscity contribute to creating a holistic urban ecosystem that supports workforce requirements and enhances livability. This integrated approach ensures that the logistics hub is not an isolated industrial zone but part of a larger economic and social framework. In essence, while infrastructure projects lay the foundation for connectivity and capacity, logistics parks operationalize these advantages by enabling efficient, coordinated, and scalable movement of goods. The ILP in Navi Mumbai exemplifies how targeted planning can unlock the full potential of infrastructure investments, positioning the region as a logistics hub of national importance and a driver of sustained economic growth. Strategic proximity underlined According to CIDCO the logistics sector in India is witnessing rapid expansion, driven by the growth of e-commerce, manufacturing, and global trade. In this evolving landscape, Navi Mumbai is emerging as a key logistics hub. It cited Navi Mumbai's strategic proximity to Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA), the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), and strong connectivity through major infrastructure projects such as the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL), the proposed Multi-Modal Corridor, and the Dedicated Freight Corridor. Vice Chairman and Managing Director of CIDCO, Vijay Singhal, stated that CIDCO aims to create a future-ready ecosystem through the Logistics Park that will facilitate efficient movement of goods, attract investments, and support economic growth. "The pilot phase is a significant step towards unlocking this potential and establishing Navi Mumbai as a logistics hub of National importance," he added. The CIDCO has launched a pilot initiative by inviting Expressions of Interest (EOI) through a competitive bidding process for 12 plots.

A beacon of hope for rural athletes

Updated: Oct 22, 2024

How Akash Shinde transformed from a shy village boy to a prominent kabaddi player

beacon of hope

Mumbai: In the heart of Nashik's Adgaon village, a young boy Akash Shinde dared to dream big. Little did he know that his journey from playing in the muddy grounds of his town to becoming a PKL winner would inspire a generation of aspiring athletes.


“Initially, when I used to play, I would come home with bruises because Kabaddi was played in the mud,” Akash recalls as he enters his fourth season with the Puneri Paltan. And despite his family's initial concerns, his passion for kabaddi burned bright, fuelled by the unwavering support of his early mentors Sagar Malwade and Vinod Labde.


His path to success was far from smooth. He faced numerous setbacks, failing to make the cut in his first attempts at various levels. “I fell short in my first attempts at all levels. I went for my senior camp for Maharashtra and fell short there too!”


But instead of letting these failures discourage him, Akash used them as stepping stones. “These setbacks kept me determined, and I knew I needed to try harder and with renewed energy to show the world what I could do and achieve.”


His breakthrough came in 2019 at a seniors’ trial in Nashik. This performance opened doors, leading him to play in the Junior Nationals and eventually catching the eye of Yuva Paltan, which is the Puneri Paltan’s academy.


The turning point in Akash’s career came when he represented his college in Beed, earning his first chance to play for Maharashtra. Under the guidance of Anil Jagdale and Kailas Jagdale, his skills flourished. His journey accelerated as he moved from Mahindra & Mahindra to Yuva Paltan, where mentors like Sangram and Ashok helped refine his game.


Akash’s PKL debut with Puneri Paltan in Season 8 was a moment of immense pride, not just for him but for his entire village. “No player from the Nashik region had made it to PKL or even the Maharashtra team, so it was a shock, a pleasant one, for everyone. The entire Nashik district was very happy. It felt really good,” he reminisces.


But it was in Season 9 that he truly announced his arrival, becoming a formidable force on the mat. In the 22 matches that Akash played on the way to his first PKL final, he scored 139 raid points, averaging 6.32 raid point per match.


His performances caught the eye of the national selectors, earning him a spot on the Indian team for the Asian Games. “I received my Team India kit on the 27th of October. I still remember it,” he says.


The crowning glory came in PKL Season 10 when Akash, along with his Puneri Paltan teammates, lifted the coveted trophy. Albeit playing a diminished role, he managed an impressive 56 raid points in the 13 matches he played. “There was only one target then... we had made up our minds that we had to win the title this season, whatever it took,” he shared, reflecting on the team’s collective determination. Now, Akash stands as a beacon of hope for young athletes from rural India. His message to them is clear: “Keep believing in yourselves and your dedication and efforts.” He emphasizes the importance of loyalty, urging young players to stay true to the clubs that nurture them.


As he prepares for PKL Season 11, his journey from the muddy grounds of Adgaon to the bright lights of Pro Kabaddi serves as a testament to the power of dreams, determination, and unwavering support.

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