Chennai logistics stands out with world-class port infrastructure, strong industrial output, and rising investment in various important and high growth sectors.
On September 11, 2025
With strong port access, industrial output, and rising investment in various important and high growth sectors, Chennai is emerging as a key hub for trade and exports.
Chennai is the main entry point to international trade in South India. The city is one of India’s leading port cities, handling more than 50 million tonnes of cargo annually. Its advantageous location on the East Coast of India gives easy access to important maritime lanes throughout Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and beyond.
Unlike other Indian cities, Chennai logistics combines strong port infrastructure with a competitive industrial base and lower operational costs compared to Mumbai or Bengaluru according to Savills (2024). The city plays a central role in India’s global export strategy, supported by extensive multimodal connectivity via sea, road, rail, and air, all within close proximity.
Chennai has built a global reputation as both an industrial powerhouse and a major export centre. It is known as the Detroit of India, producing over 30% of India’s automobile exports. Global giants like Hyundai, Renault-Nissan, Foxconn, and Samsung rely on Chennai logistics for efficient manufacturing and export operations according to Reuters (2024).
With direct access to ports, transport corridors, and global markets, Chennai helps businesses stay competitive in today’s fast-moving supply chains. For companies seeking speed, reliability, and strategic global access, the Chennai trade gateway delivers an unmatched advantage.
In FY 2023-24, Chennai Port handled 51.53 million tonnes of cargo, including 1.59 million TEUs of containers, marking an 8% increase from the previous year. With 26 berths, including deep draft terminals for iron ore, oil, containers, and vehicles, the port plays a critical role in South India’s export network.
Nearby Ennore Port (Kamarajar) handled 31.1 million tonnes of cargo between April and November 2024 and 671,000 TEUs in FY 2023-24, up from 550,000 TEUs the year before. Together, both ports crossed 100 million tonnes in annual throughput, underscoring their combined strength in Chennai logistics.
A 20.6 kilometre elevated expressway from Chennai Port to Maduravoyal is under construction. Once operational, it will increase port capacity by 48% and reduce vessel wait times by approximately six hours. The National Highways Authority of India reports that of 650 pillars, over 500 are already installed, with full project completion expected by 2027.
Chennai connects directly to the Bengaluru-Chennai Expressway, cutting travel time between the two cities to roughly three hours over 260 kilometres. This forms part of the larger Chennai-Bangalore Industrial Corridor, enhancing regional trade routes.
Major highways such as NH-16, NH-48, NH-32, and the South-West Iconic Corridor connect Chennai’s ports to industrial hubs and inland markets, reinforcing Chennai logistics links across India. The Tamil Nadu Logistics Policy is accelerating upgrades to the Ennore Port access road, Chennai Peripheral Ring Road, and Pallavaram-Kundrathur route to further ease cargo movement.
Chennai Port has direct rail sidings linked to Indian Railways, improving bulk cargo transport inland. A proposed Chord Line connecting Ennore and Puttur will enhance regional rail connectivity. Chennai International Airport, located 20 kilometres away, provides integrated air freight solutions, supporting multimodal efficiency.
With over 100 million tonnes of combined port capacity, seamless road, rail, and air links, Chennai logistics offers businesses reliable access to global markets while reducing transit times and operational costs.
Chennai stands at the centre of South India’s industrial landscape. Its reputation as the “Detroit of India” reflects the strength of its manufacturing base and its critical role in exports.
The city produces nearly one third of India’s vehicles and over 60% of the country’s automotive exports, according to Livemint (2024). Global manufacturers including Hyundai, Renault Nissan, BMW, and Ford operate large factories near the city, relying on Chennai logistics to move vehicles and components efficiently to global markets.
But Chennai’s industrial reach extends far beyond the automotive sector. Tamil Nadu’s electronics production reached 5.37 billion USD in 2023, with Chennai leading the state’s exports of smartphones, semiconductors, and hardware. The region is also a key player in pharmaceuticals, textiles, and fast-moving consumer goods.
This industrial strength is driving demand for modern logistics. Savills reports a 34% year-on-year increase in industrial space absorption in Chennai, fuelled by the growth of e-commerce, FMCG, electronics, and manufacturing sectors. Chennai offers manufacturers immediate access to ports, multimodal transport, and global supply chains. Every vehicle, electronic product, or pharmaceutical shipment depends on efficient Chennai logistics to reach its destination.
For companies seeking competitive production costs and fast export options, Chennai delivers. Its mix of manufacturing scale, infrastructure, and reliable Chennai logistics makes it one of India’s strongest export platforms.
Chennai has become one of India’s fastest growing warehousing markets. Its strategic location, industrial strength, and cost advantage make it an ideal hub for companies requiring reliable storage near production sites and export gateways.
According to Savills, demand for Grade A warehousing space in Chennai increased by 34% in 2024. Most new developments are concentrated around ports and major industrial zones, including Oragadam, Sriperumbudur, and Ennore. These areas have become preferred locations for automotive, electronics, FMCG, and third-party logistics (3PL) companies seeking efficient storage solutions.
This warehousing boom plays a critical role in supporting export supply chains and improving the speed of Chennai logistics. Manufacturers rely on proximity to storage facilities to manage inventory, consolidate shipments, and reduce lead times to international markets.
The growth of e-commerce is further accelerating demand. Leading online platforms and retailers are expanding their warehouse footprints in Chennai to meet rising expectations for faster deliveries.
Chennai’s expanding network of modern warehouses gives companies a strategic edge. Whether managing production flows, export volumes, or e-commerce inventory, Chennai logistics provides the space, speed, and cost efficiency needed to keep supply chains running smoothly.
FM Logistic operates a modern Grade A Multi-Client Facility in Chennai, designed to deliver efficient, compliant, and scalable solutions for diverse customer needs. The warehouse sits near NH-16, ORR, and Chennai Port, making it ideal for regional and export logistics. It offers 6 air changes per hour and a 12-metre clear height, supporting scalable and efficient storage. Key features include dock levellers with all-weather canopy, fire protection with sprinklers and hydrants, 24/7 CCTV surveillance, and ERP/WMS integration for real-time visibility. With energy-efficient LED lighting, SOP-driven operations, and expansion-ready infrastructure, the facility is designed to deliver high service level compliance. FM Logistic provides a full suite of transport, co-packing and value-added services, and omnichannel fulfilment solutions, strengthening Chennai logistics with reliable, end-to-end support.
With the right partner in the right place, your supply chain moves further, faster, and smarter from Chennai.
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