India Road Freight Transport Market Outlook to 2028

India Road Freight Transport Market Overview

The India Road Freight Transport Market is valued at USD 136 billion, driven by robust economic activity, the rapid expansion of e-commerce, and ongoing infrastructure developments like highway construction and logistical hubs. The sector benefits from an extensive network of national and state highways, which facilitates seamless inter-state goods movement.

Mumbai, Delhi, and Chennai dominate the market due to their strategic location as industrial and logistics hubs. Mumbai serves as a major entry port for imports, while Delhi benefits from connectivity through the Golden Quadrilateral. Chennais proximity to the southern industrial belt and its extensive port facilities ensures its dominance.

The Indian government has introduced the National Logistics Policy to create a more integrated and efficient logistics ecosystem. This policy aims to reduce logistics costs, improve efficiency, and promote the seamless movement of goods across the country, thereby enhancing the competitiveness of the road freight transport sector.

India Road Freight Transport Market Segmentation

By Truckload Specification: The market is segmented into Full-Truck-Load (FTL) and Less-than-Truck-Load (LTL). FTL dominates the market as it caters to industries requiring dedicated transportation for bulk goods. This segment's appeal lies in its cost efficiency and faster delivery times, making it indispensable for large-scale manufacturers.

By End-User Industry: The market is segmented into Agriculture, Manufacturing, Retail, and E-commerce. Manufacturing dominates due to the sheer volume of goods transported, including raw materials and finished products. Industries such as steel, cement, and textiles rely heavily on road freight transport for operational efficiency.

India Road Freight Transport Market Competitive Landscape

The market is characterized by intense competition among domestic and international players. The market is dominated by both organized players and smaller, unorganized firms that cater to niche segments.

India Road Freight Transport Market Analysis

Market Growth Drivers

Infrastructure Development: India's government has increased infrastructure spending, with expenditures on road construction rising twelvefold over the past decade. This surge in investment has led to the construction of nearly 90,000 kilometers of national highways since 2014, almost doubling the amount built in the prior decade. Such extensive development enhances connectivity and efficiency in road freight transport, facilitating smoother and faster movement of goods across the country.

E-commerce Expansion: The Indian e-commerce sector has experienced substantial growth, marking a year-over-year growth of 4.3%. This expansion has increased the demand for efficient road freight services to ensure timely delivery of goods to consumers nationwide. The rise of online retail platforms necessitates a robust logistics network, thereby driving growth in the road freight transport market.

Manufacturing Sector Growth: India's manufacturing industry is anticipated growth will require extensive transportation of raw materials and finished goods, thereby increasing the demand for road freight services. The manufacturing sector's expansion underscores the need for a reliable and efficient logistics network to support production and distribution activities.

Market Challenges

Fuel Price Volatility: India's trucking industry faces significant challenges due to fluctuating fuel prices. The soaring fuel costs, driven by rising benchmark Brent prices and numerous tax hikes, have impacted truckers significantly, as fuel accounts for 70% of the cost of operating a truck. This volatility affects operational costs and profitability for freight operators.

Regulatory Constraints: The Indian Road freight sector is subject to various regulatory challenges, including compliance with emission standards and road safety regulations. The implementation of policies such as restricting trucks over 15 years old aims to phase out older, polluting vehicles, but also requires operators to invest in newer fleets, impacting their financial resources.

India Road Freight Transport Market Future Outlook

Over the next five years, the India Road Freight Transport industry is set to experience growth, driven by continued investment in infrastructure, adoption of digital logistics platforms, and the expansion of organized retail and e-commerce.

Future Market Opportunities

LNG-Fueled Trucking Initiatives: India plans to switch a third of its heavy-duty long-haul trucking fleet to liquefied natural gas (LNG) in the next five to seven years. This initiative is part of India's broader goal to reduce pollution and achieve net-zero emissions by 2070. The shift to LNG from diesel is anticipated to decrease diesel consumption, impacting global markets positively.

Infrastructure Investments: India has significantly increased its infrastructure spending under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with expenditures on road construction up twelvefold over the past decade. Over the last five years, infrastructure investments have totaled around $800 billion, reflecting efforts to make India a global manufacturing hub and generate employment.