newsmakers
Adani Ports & SEZ
A Strategic Gateway Connecting Ports, Industry And Markets
A new inland container depot at Malur in Karnataka marks a significant step in APSEZ’s journey to build seamless, multi-modal trade connectivity across South India.
Poonam Advani
Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ), through Adani Logistics, has strengthened South India’s multimodal trade infrastructure with the launch of a state-of-the-art Inland Container Depot (ICD) at Malur, near Bengaluru. Strategically positioned on the Bengaluru-Chennai rail corridor and seamlessly connected to key national highways, ICD Malur is designed to enhance speed, reliability and sustainability for exporters, importers, freight forwarders, CHAs, transporters and MSMEs across Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.
The inauguration marks a significant milestone in APSEZ’s logistics expansion journey, reinforcing its commitment to delivering seamless, end-to-end trade connectivity and advancing port-to-factory-gate solutions across South India.
Located at the heart of South India’s industrial belt, ICD Malur serves as a critical link between manufacturing clusters and major port gateways. The facility offers seamless connectivity to key port clusters such as Adani Ennore, Adani Kattupalli, Chennai ports, Adani Vizhinjam in Kerala and JNPT on the west coast. By integrating customs clearance, warehousing, rail and road connectivity with a single hub, ICD Malur significantly reduces dwell time, improves turnaround times and simplifies logistics operations for customers.
Connectivity That Delivers
Rail Advantage: A dedicated rail siding on the Bengaluru–Chennai main line enables scheduled block trains, ensuring efficient EXIM and domestic cargo movement to Adani-operated ports as well as other major ports across India.
Road Access: The ICD enjoys excellent road connectivity, located just 10 km from Bengaluru- Chennai Expressway( NE7), with smooth access to NH44 and NH48 linking it to Key industrial and port corridors.
Port Integration: Multiple routing options to east and west-coast gateways—including Kattupalli, Ennore, Chennai, Vizhinjam, and JNPT—provide exporters with greater flexibility and resilience.
Technology & Transparency
ICD Malur is enabled with advanced digital systems, including a Terminal Operating System (TOS), Gate Operating System (GOS) and real-time control towers for yard planning and train visibility. EDI-enabled processes, predictive scheduling and digital documentation ensure transparency, operational reliability and faster turnround times for customers.
Sustainability at the Core
Aligned with Adani Ports and SEZ’s ESG roadmap, ICD Malur promotes a shift towards rail-based logistics, helping reduce carbon emissions by up to 30% compared to road transport. As operations scale, the facility will also adopt renewable energy and energy-efficient practices in line with the Group’s sustainability commitments.
Empowering MSMEs & Exports
With on-site customs clearance, container stuffing and integrated warehousing facilities, ICD Malur simplifies EXIM operations for MSMEs. Spread across 30 acres, with an additional 21 acres earmarked for future expansion, the ICD is well positioned to support South India’s key export sectors, including automotive, engineering, electrical and electronics, textiles, pharmaceuticals and FMCG.
Its proximity to Karnataka’s major industrial clusters and accessibility to Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu provide a distinct competitive edge to regional manufacturers, exporters and importers.
Leadership Perspective
The launch event was hosted by Mr Ashwani Gupta, Whole-time Director and CEO, APSEZ, along with Mr Divij Anil Taneja, CEO, Adani Logistics Limited; Mr Sanjeev Verma, Head – Pan-India Operations; Mr Kuruvilla, Head – Pan-India Sales and other senior leaders of APSEZ.
Addressing over 250 customers and logistics partners present at the event, Mr Gupta highlighted Adani Ports and Logistics’ extensive pan-India presence and growing overseas footprint. He shared the Group’s vision of expanding port and logistics services across transshipment modules and EXIM trade to accelerate India’s economic growth.
Mr Taneja spoke about Adani Logistics’ pan-India network and the adoption of advanced IT-driven and robotic methodologies to enhance service quality, reduce container turnaround time, improve operational efficiency and deliver cost savings to customers.
Mr Kuruvilla provided insights into the Bengaluru market and its industrial landscape, highlighting how existing logistics challenges present opportunities for Adani Logistics to deliver superior solutions to shipping lines, manufacturers, importers, exporters, freight forwarders, CHAs, transporters and other stakeholders. He also acknowledged the efforts of Mr Lakshmi Narayanan, Terminal Head – ICD Malur and his team in driving sales and marketing initiatives.
A Strategic Enabler for India’s Trade
With the launch of ICD Malur, APSEZ further strengthens its pan-India logistics network, advancing its vision of port-to-factory-gate connectivity across 11,000 km of coastline and 95% hinterland coverage. The development underscores APSEZ’s role as a key enabler of India’s trade competitiveness through integrated, technology-led and sustainable logistics solutions.