Welspun One, the logistics and industrial property arm of Welspun group recently said it plans to raise Rs 4,000 crore to fund its expansion. The platform plans to double its portfolio size from 16 million square feet to around 32 million square feet by 2028. In an interview, Anshul Singhal, managing director, Welspun One, tells Raghavendra Kamath about their strategy and warehousing segment. Excerpts:
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E-commerce demand has been relatively low for the last 12-18 months but has begun to return, particularly with the expansion of quick commerce. We expect this to increase meaningfully through the course of this year. Over the past year, we have also seen an increased focus on last-mile logistics, driven by the rise of quick commerce and deeper urban penetration. Specialised warehousing, such as cold chain facilities and urban distribution centres, is in high demand as companies adapt to evolving consumer preferences. Interestingly, demand is spreading to tier 2, where e-commerce companies are expanding to ensure faster delivery and optimise supply chains.
What is your outlook for warehouse leasing in 2025?
We are highly optimistic for 2025. We anticipate significant growth, fuelled by the continued evolution of e-commerce and quick-commerce, which remains a major driver of demand in the country. The consumption trends in tier-2 cities are emerging as promising growth engines, complementing the established tier-1 markets. The rising need for Grade A warehousing solutions, especially last-mile logistics, will remain pivotal in metros and urban centres. Specialised formats like cold chain logistics and urban distribution hubs are gaining momentum due to evolving supply chain patterns. As global trade dynamics evolve, we anticipate incremental demand from EXIM trade near key ports and airports. The sector is poised for robust growth, aligning with the country’s economic trajectory. The industrial and warehouse logistics park (IWLP) supply in India is expected to grow across key markets, with absorption projected to rise to 47 million square feet in FY25, accounting for 90% of the incremental supply addition, making it a high growth potential market.
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