The Indian government has introduced a new framework to promote joint ventures (JVs) in warehouse development, recognizing its pivotal role in enhancing supply chain efficiency, reducing storage losses, and supporting the growing needs of agriculture, e-commerce, manufacturing, and retail sectors. Spearheaded by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, and supported by the Warehouse Development and Regulatory Authority (WDRA), the framework aims to attract both domestic and international investments into the development of modern, technology-driven warehousing infrastructure.

Under this policy, JVs are encouraged to establish scientific storage facilities, temperature-controlled warehouses, agri-logistics parks, and multimodal storage hubs. Incentives include capital subsidies, priority lending status, and access to financial assistance under schemes like the Gramin Bhandaran Yojana, PM Gati Shakti Plan, and Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF). Additionally, the government allows 100% foreign direct investment (FDI) under the automatic route in warehousing and logistics, facilitating seamless collaborations with global logistics firms, infrastructure developers, and supply chain technology providers.

The framework emphasizes the adoption of smart warehousing technologies, including RFID tracking, automated inventory systems, real-time data integration, and green building norms. JVs that integrate their operations with national e-markets, farmgate logistics, and rail-road connectivity are given preference for land allocation, regulatory clearances, and viability gap funding. This strategic initiative is expected to significantly improve India’s logistics performance index, strengthen food and goods security, and support the government’s ambition of making India a global supply chain hub through efficient and scalable warehouse infrastructure.