The industrial and logistics sector has commenced the year on a remarkable trajectory, boasting a robust absorption rate of 13.5 million sq-ft in Q1 2024, a significant increase from 11 million sq-ft recorded in Q1 2023, marking a notable year-on-year growth of 22.7%. This surge in activity serves to bolster confidence in India’s economic outlook. Notably, Tier I cities accounted for 78% of the absorption, with Tier II and III cities contributing the remaining 22%.
The overall absorption during Q1 2024 is led by sustained demand from the 3PL and manufacturing sectors as well as a surge in demand from the FMCG sector. In addition, the uptake of manufacturing warehouses has significantly contributed to the overall absorption, according to the latest report by Savills India, an International real estate advisory firm.
The report suggests that the sector witnessed a fresh supply of 12.9 mn sq-ft in Q1 2024, indicating a 4% growth rate from Q1 2023 levels, of which 9.8 mn sq-ft (76%) was from tier I cities and 3.1 mn sq-ft (24%) from tier II and III cities.
The demand composition has remained nearly unchanged in the recent past with most demand segments growing at comparable rates. 3PL, the largest constituent of demand, accounted for 36% of the overall absorption in Q1 2024. Tier II & III cities witnessed a surge in 3PL absorption, as growing supply chain outsourcing creates avenues for more warehousing spaces.
The manufacturing sector, supported by various government incentive schemes, has played a significant role in driving demand. This is one of the demand-constituents that rose noticeably from 16% in 2022 to 23% in Q1 2023. It holds a stabilized 25% share in Q1 2024. The FMCD sector too has gained momentum and witnessed 13% of total absorption witnessed in Q1 2024 compared with 7% in Q1 2023. Others, including manufacturing warehousing, cold storage, chemical storage, FTWZs, ICDs, and Urban Warehousing, contribute around 14%.
“The growing trend of supply chain outsourcing has resulted in increased expansion of 3PL players in tier II & III cities, leading to higher demand for warehousing space. Manufacturing sector continues to account for over 25% of the total absorption, with improved manufacturing activities likely to drive increased uptake of manufacturing warehouses as well. The e-commerce sector is likely to witness a surge in activity going forward. The sector is amplifying its urban distribution and extending its reach to tier II & III cities. The tier II and III cities are likely to witness significant growth as prominent hubs for sourcing, consumption, and distribution”. Srinivas N, managing director, industrial and logistics, Savills India.
In Q1 2024, Delhi-NCR remained at the top with the highest contribution of 23% to total supply, closely followed by Bengaluru and Kolkata with 12% and 10% respectively. The tier II and tier III cities together accounted for 24% of the total supply.
In terms of absorption, Delhi-NCR lead the pack with the highest contribution of 21% in Q1 2024, followed by Pune and Bengaluru, each at 12%. The contribution of Pune to the overall absorption increased from 7% in Q1 2023 to 12% in Q1 2024, while it decreased for Mumbai from 14% in Q1 2023 to 7% in Q1 2024.
