Mumbai, the financial capital of India is also witnessing a major uprise in its urban warehousing market due to its ability to offer final-mile delivery and speedy trade and commerce solutions. In-city warehousing in Mumbai is gaining ground and becoming more popular as it churns out many beneficial features, typically provided by metro cities. Some of the city’s plus points include reduced transportation costs, fast access to inventory, and enhanced final-mile delivery operations.
Businesses need well-managed retail networks and timely delivery for all perishable products, both are provided by Mumbai City’s warehouses, thus boosting the in-city distribution sector. Currently, warehouses in metro cities are situated outside the city borders and far away from the customer base. However, the growing fame of e-commerce companies, e-grocery services, and other express delivery features have transformed the last-mile delivery process into a real success. Such factors also contribute towards better customer experience and result in the flourishing growth of warehousing companies in Mumbai.
The Enterprising & Magnetic Urban Landscape of Mumbai
Mumbai city is one of the most populous cities in the world, it is also the commercial capital with a solid and diverse economy. The city is one of the pillars of India for its immense contribution to the country’s economic growth. With a large network of expressways and inter-city railroads, the city showcases a modern infrastructural setup facilitating large-scale commercial development.
The MMR or the Mumbai Metropolitan Region possesses industrial and warehousing spaces comprising more than 54 million sq. ft (2023 report), which is the 2nd highest in India. Growing e-commerce platforms, expansive 3PL providers, and implementation of advanced technology are seen as the primary reasons for the rise in robust warehousing in Mumbai.
The In-city Distribution Markets
As one of the most powerful commercial hubs in the world, Mumbai City businesses are seeing a huge spike in demand for online shopping venues and app-based quick delivery services. This has led to the development of more urban warehouses for dedicated and timely deliveries of products and services.
Current Issues Faced by Mumbai
The in-city distribution networks in Mumbai face several challenges such as severe traffic, vehicular ingress and egress, and proper warehouse structures that comply with all the government-induced rules and regulations. Basically, due to the limitations of an approved warehouse plan and perfect warehousing infrastructure, the in-city distribution system seems lacking.
Mumbai Warehouse Locations
Presently, the city warehousing stock is appraised at 1.2 million square feet, these are located in South Mumbai areas, Western Mumbai, and Central Mumbai areas. The locations including Bhandup, Vikhroli, and Mulund are considered the prime hubs for in-city distribution. A major portion of warehouses in the city are situated or built in vacant sheds, empty industrial buildings, and diverse commercial spaces such as old restaurants, or supermarket spaces that were never built, etc. Most of the urban warehousing in Mumbai is developed on the ground floors, with warehouse sizes ranging from 4000 square feet area to large spaces of 20,000 square feet and more.
The rental values of warehouses may range between almost 120 INR per square foot every month. The rental value may escalate depending on the locations. The prices are much higher than the Grade A warehouse built outside the city limits.
Overall Outlook
The small distribution hubs slowly emerging in prime city locations are expected to grow and this trend can influence the city at large, so that every prime location may house one free trade zone warehouse. Looking at this stupendous growth potential, Mumbai city is all geared up to meet the needs and generate a yearly supply of huge spaces meant for building urban warehouses to meet the logistics demands of the nation.
To meet the ever-increasing logistics demands, it is essential to set up warehouses and fulfillment spaces within the city limits so that warehousing in Mumbai has proximity to all end customers. Soon, Mumbai will be offering custom-made urban warehouses and multi-floor warehouses in the upcoming years. It is estimated that real estate funds from hotshot building developers will be invested for in-city warehousing purposes. The city developers can also capitalize on this golden opportunity and branch out their investment plans.
Leading Players Within The City
The dynamic market of Mumbai attracts major players into its folds. OSV FTWZ’s superior warehousing facilities within the city guarantee delivery of quick and efficient logistics solutions so that your business does not get impacted by slow delivery speed or other customs issues. You can blend your business in the dynamic Mumbai market and enjoy lucrative benefits once your goods enter a custom-made free trade warehousing zone.
OSV FTZ offers tailored warehousing in Mumbai with world-class warehouse management systems in place. Our unmatched facilities also boast of superior infrastructure specially built to match up to the diverse needs of global and domestic businesses.