Balfour Manuel, Managing Director of Blue Dart, believes that Union Budget 2026–27 has the potential to become a pivotal inflection point in accelerating India’s logistics transformation under the PM Gati Shakti vision. According to Manuel, “the next phase of growth will hinge on deeper integration of infrastructure planning across air, road, rail, and multimodal networks, combined with faster adoption of digital platforms that enable seamless coordination across the logistics value chain. For the express logistics sector, he emphasised the importance of sustained investments in airport infrastructure, cargo handling capacity, and regional air connectivity to improve turnaround times and support high-value, time-sensitive shipments. He also highlighted the role of digital enablers, including unified logistics platforms, data-driven visibility, and paperless processes, in enhancing predictability, transparency, and ease of doing business—particularly for exporters and MSMEs. Further, he stressed the need for continued capital expenditure on road infrastructure and last-mile connectivity, especially to extend reliable logistics services into Tier 2, Tier 3, and rural India, thereby strengthening MSME participation in national and global supply chains. Finally, Manuel underscored the importance of investing in the logistics workforce through skill development, improved safety norms, and clearer frameworks for gig and delivery professionals. Together, he said, these measures can translate the Gati Shakti vision into tangible gains for trade, exports, and national competitiveness—supporting India’s journey towards a Viksit Bharat.”
