Warehouse 

Existing warehouses in Assam under IWAI

The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) has been actively enhancing its infrastructure and operations in Assam to boost cargo movement and trade efficiency. Key developments have been focused on the Pandu and Dhubri ports, which include warehouse facilities to support cargo operations 

1. Pandu Port Terminal, Guwahati
2. Dhubri Port Terminal:
3. Badarpur
4. Karimganj terminals

New Locations for setting up warehouses

To identify ideal locations for developing additional warehouses, it's essential to consider strategic sites that enhance cargo movement efficiency, attract investment, and align with regional trade dynamics. Based on current infrastructure and economic activities, the following locations are recommended:

1. Silchar:

• Strategic Location: Situated along the Barak River, Silchar serves as a crucial node in the proposed extension of National Waterway 2 (NW-2), connecting the Brahmaputra and Barak river systems.

• Trade Potential: Proximity to the Bangladesh border facilitates cross-border trade, enhancing economic activities in the region.

• Infrastructure Development: Investments in port and logistics infrastructure in Silchar can significantly boost cargo handling capacities, attracting businesses seeking efficient transportation solutions.

• Industries: Tea, timber, bamboo, FMCG, and agricultural products.

• Revenue Opportunity: Custom bonded warehousing for cross-border trade.

   

2. Tezpur:

• Geographical Advantage: Located on the north bank of the Brahmaputra River, Tezpur is strategically positioned between the eastern and western parts of Assam.

• Agricultural Hub: The region is known for its agricultural produce, necessitating efficient storage and transportation facilities.

• Connectivity: Enhanced warehousing infrastructure in Tezpur can improve supply chain logistics, benefiting local industries and attracting investment.

• Industries: Tea, dairy, and construction materials.

• Revenue Opportunity: Cold storage and multimodal logistics services.

   

3. Dibrugarh:

• Industrial Significance: As an industrial city in Upper Assam, Dibrugarh has a high demand for efficient logistics and storage solutions.

• Riverine Access: Situated along the Brahmaputra River, it offers potential for developing river ports and associated warehousing facilities.

• Economic Growth: Investing in warehousing infrastructure here can support the growing industrial activities, making it an attractive destination for investors.

• Industries: Oil & gas, fertilizer, tea, coal, and cement.

• Revenue Opportunity: Large-scale industrial warehousing and cargo consolidation.

Additional sites

4. North Guwahati (Pandu Port Expansion)

• Potential: Central location for multi-sector warehousing.
• Industries: Pharmaceuticals, auto parts, and consumer goods.
• Revenue Opportunity: Multimodal logistics hub with road, rail, and river connectivity.

Attracting Investment:

• Enhanced Connectivity: Improved logistics infrastructure facilitates smoother and cost-effective transportation, appealing to businesses involved in trade and commerce.

• Government Incentives: The Assam Logistics Policy offers subsidies and incentives for developing logistics infrastructure, including capital subsidies of up to 30% for warehouses, making investment more attractive. 

• Economic Development: Establishing warehouses in these strategic locations can stimulate local economies, create employment opportunities, and encourage further industrial development, making them appealing to investors seeking growth prospects.

Leveraging through collaboration and Capitalize Warehouses to Enhance Revenue

• Optimized Asset Utilization: Assam boasts an extensive network of navigable waterways, with the Brahmaputra and Barak rivers serving as major channels. The state has reported the highest cargo handled through waterways, totaling 94,866.57 thousand tonnes (Statistics of Inland Water Transport 2020-21, published by Govt. of India, MoPSW Transport Research Wing). AIWCL can leverage IWAI’s infrastructure (warehouses, ports, jetties) and operate them efficiently through improved logistics, marketing, and private sector engagement.

• Revenue Maximization: The Indian warehousing market is experiencing significant growth, with the sector expected to reach $34.99 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 15.64% from 2022 (https://www.investindia.gov.in/blogs/indias-warehousing-boom-how-automation-fuels-unprecedented-growth). AIWCL’s expertise in local trade and investment promotion can help generate higher revenue from warehousing and logistics services.

• Increased Cargo Throughput: AIWCL can focus on attracting industries such as tea, coal, cement, petroleum, and agricultural produce, ensuring higher warehouse utilization.

• Government Incentives & Investments: By collaborating, AIWCL and IWAI can leverage government incentives, subsidies, and funding opportunities under the Assam Logistics Policy.

Primary Revenue Streams

I. Warehouse Leasing: 

• Long-term leases for storage facilities to industries such as tea, cement, FMCG, fertilizers, and agricultural products.

• Cold storage leasing for perishable goods like fish, fruits, and vegetables.

II. Cargo Handling & Transshipment Fees:

• Charging per metric ton for loading/unloading, storage, and transport facilitation.

• Fees from exporters/importers using inland waterways for bulk cargo transport.

III. Value-Added Services (VAS):

• Packaging, labeling, and repackaging services for goods before dispatch.

• Last-mile connectivity solutions through road and rail linkages.

IV. Logistics Hub & Freight Consolidation Services:

• Offering AIWCL warehouses as consolidation hubs for small businesses and e-commerce companies.

• Partnering with logistics providers to facilitate multimodal transport solutions.

V. Customs Bonded Warehouses:

• Establishing bonded warehouses for import-export businesses to store goods duty-free before final clearance. For exports, companies can use bonded storage before completing documentation, reducing transit delays. AIWCL can charge rent for bonded storage facilities and offer value-added services like packaging, labeling, and customs clearance assistance. 

Activities to Enhance Revenue Generation

• Third-Party Logistics (3PL) & Warehousing Services: Collaborating with logistics companies to provide end-to-end storage and distribution solutions.

   

• Public-Private Partnerships (PPP): Leasing warehouse management to private logistics operators for revenue-sharing models.

• Agri-Logistics & Food Processing Support: Establishing specialized warehouses for agricultural produce to support farmers and traders.

• Retail & E-commerce Fulfillment Centers: Partnering with major e-commerce players like Amazon, Flipkart or regional logistics company, AIWCL can establish, fulfilment centers in Assam to cater to the growing online retail market thereby reducing delivery time and costs. Amazon has set up regional fulfilment centers in 15 states including Assam to optimize last mile delivery.

• Infrastructure Expansion & Diversification: Developing new warehouses in strategic locations to attract investments and maximize storage capacity. AIWCL can diversify into cold storage for perishable goods, bonded warehouses for export-import businesses, and specialized storage for industries like pharmaceuticals and petrochemicals. Sector specific warehousing will attract more investors.