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Dubai-based global logistics major DP World has signed an agreement with the Government of
Madhya Pradesh to develop a state-of-the-art logistics hub at Powarkheda, marking a significant
step toward strengthening India’s inland trade infrastructure. The agreement was exchanged at
the World Economic Forum in Davos in the presence of DP World Group Chairman and CEO
Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav.
The Powarkheda Logistics Hub will be developed as a rail-centric inland gateway, directly
connecting central India to Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) in Mumbai, India’s largest
container port. This strategic connectivity is expected to enhance access to global markets by
enabling faster, more reliable, and cost-effective containerised trade.
Located at the heart of central rail corridors, the hub will primarily serve key districts such as
Indore, Dhar, and Raisen. It is expected to drive economic growth across multiple sectors
including pharmaceuticals, textiles, aluminium, and agri-commodities by improving supply chain
efficiency and export readiness.
Spread across 88.3 acres, the Powarkheda Hub will offer containerised rail connectivity to JNPA
along with domestic container rail links connecting Madhya Pradesh to major consumption
centres across India. In addition, the facility will include modern warehousing infrastructure and
cold storage facilities, supporting both agricultural produce and industrial supply chains.
Commenting on the development, Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem said the hub is designed to
function as a true inland gateway, bringing producers and manufacturers closer to international
markets. By integrating rail connectivity, warehousing, cold chain, and cargo management at a
single location, the project aims to help farmers, MSMEs, and large industries reduce logistics
costs, improve reliability, and strengthen their competitiveness in global trade corridors.
According to DP World, the logistics hub is expected to reduce transit time to JNPA by 30–40
per cent compared to road transport. The increased reliance on rail will also improve delivery
reliability, lower carbon emissions, and reduce road congestion, aligning with India’s
sustainability and infrastructure modernization goals.
Once operational, the Powarkheda Logistics Hub is set to play a pivotal role in transforming
Madhya Pradesh into a key logistics and manufacturing hub, reinforcing India’s ambition to build
resilient, efficient, and globally integrated supply chains.