2024: Robust Investments Bolstered Warehousing & Logistics Sector – Vestian

New Delhi, 20th March 2025: According to Vestian’s latest report, the warehousing & logistics (W&L) sector received investments worth USD 1.96 Bn, accounting for 29% of the total institutional investment garnered in the real estate sector in 2024. Investment inflows surged to 203% year-on-year, driven by the growing demand for warehouses amid the rapid expansion of the quick commerce sector.

Investment Trends

Year Investments (USD Mn) % Share in Total investments
2019 1,369.0 4%
2020 847.0 14%
2021 1,293.0 27%
2022 1,856.0 31%
2023 645.8 15%
2024 1,957.4 29%

Source: Vestian Research

As a result, this surge in demand resulted in a record absorption of 44.9 million sq. ft. in 2024, marking a 19% increase over the previous year. Notably, the second half of 2024 alone witnessed 28.3 million sq. ft. of absorption, a 70% jump compared to H1 2024—the highest ever recorded in a single calendar year.

Mr. Shrinivas Rao, FRICS, CEO, Vestian said, “India’s position as a key logistics hub is set to strengthen on the back of positive investor sentiments, announcements in the Union Budget 2025-26, and robust domestic demand. The government’s continued focus on mega infrastructure projects is expected to further propel growth in the W&L sector. However, limited availability of skilled workforce, regulatory challenges, and land acquisition costs may pose a challenge.”

Yearly Absorption Trend    
Year Absorption (Mn sq ft) Annual Change (%)
2019 33.0
2020 21.0 -36%
2021 30.2 44%
2022 31.2 3%
2023 37.8 21%
2024 44.9 19%

Source: Vestian Research

Majority of the absorption in 2024 was concentrated in 3PL companies, accounting for 33% of the pan-India absorption. However, the share has dropped from 44% a year earlier. This shift underscores the increasing fragmentation of the warehousing market and a growing trend among large conglomerates to establish greater control over their logistics operations. Conversely, the share of engineering and manufacturing sector increased from 18% in 2023 to 24% in 2024, propelled by various government initiatives such as ‘Production Linked Incentive (PLI)’ scheme and ‘Make in India’ campaign.

Sector-wise Absorption

Sectors 2024 2023
3PL 33% 44%
Engineering & Manufacturing 24% 18%
Consumer Goods & Services 7% 6%

Source: Vestian Research

City-wise Analysis

  • Mumbai reported the highest absorption of 18.6 Mn sq ft in 2024 as it grew by 82% compared to the previous year. The significant rise in absorption could be attributed to improved intercity connectivity through Navi Mumbai airport and the rise of quick commerce in major tier-1 cities.
  • Pune’s absorption increased by 85%, the highest rise amongst the top seven cities, reporting 13 Mn sq ft absorption in 2024. Average rentals depreciated by 3% in the city to INR 22.9/sq ft/month.
  • Chennai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata accounted for 15% of the pan-India absorption during 2024, indicating a decline from 22% a year ago.
  • NCR registered the highest decline of 55% in absorption among the top seven cities in 2024. As a result, the share of NCR in the pan-India absorption declined from 23% in 2023 to a mere 9% in 2024.
  • Chennai holds the highest rentals of INR 24.2/sq ft/month in 2024, registering an annual appreciation of 11%. Limited availability of land within the city peripheries pushed the rentals northwards.
  • Mumbai has emerged as the most affordable warehousing market in 2024 with an average rental of INR 18.1/sq ft/month.

City-wise Share in Absorption

City 2024 2023
Bengaluru 6% 10%
Chennai 6% 9%
Hyderabad 7% 8%
Pune 29% 19%
Mumbai 41% 27%
Kolkata 2% 4%
NCR 9% 23%

Source: Vestian Research

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