Kolkata, once the beating heart of British India’s industrial might, is undergoing a fresh wave of industrial transformation. As businesses look eastward for cost-effective industrial locations, Kolkata is making a strong comeback, particularly in industrial zones and warehousing hubs.
As it is strategically located, with availability of land and infrastructural improvements, the city is becoming an essential point in India’s logistics and supply chain map. In this specific blog, we take a closer look at Kolkata’s key industrial area in Kolkata, and the surging demand for warehouses in Kolkata, all around the city.
Major Industrial Areas in Kolkata
Kolkata has a mix of old and new industrial areas. Certain areas are legacy industrial hubs with decades of presence, while others are significant developments positioned near expressways or corridors.
1. Howrah Industrial Belt
According to experts from Ganesh Complex, the majority of the Howrah industrial belt is situated just across the Hooghly River from Kolkata, and this region has long been a stronghold of industry. It is home to engineering, foundry, textile, and metal-based units.
Over the past few years, several old factories have been converted into warehousing spaces near the Ragudebpur and Uluberia stretch.
Why is it important?
Having direct access to NH-16 (Kolkata to Mumbai highway), easier access to the port, and rail routes.
Warehouse Hotspots
The hotspots are mostly around Uluberia, Ranihati, and Ragudebpur.
2. Ragudebpur Industrial Area
Ragudebpur is a central logistics and industrial node on the Delhi and Kolkata corridor.
Furthermore, the presence of large logistics parks, container depots, and FMCG units made it a strong choice for warehouse investment.
It is located at the intersection of NH 2 and NH 6 roads, which is close to the Eastern Freight Corridor.
Warehouse Users
Some of the warehouse users include e-commerce giants, logistics firms, and cold chain storage providers.
3. Uluberia
Uluberia primarily developed mixed-use areas that combine industrial and warehousing hubs. The location is known for its large warehousing zones.
Trending Use:
These warehouses are primarily used for chemical storage, textile processing, and mid-sized warehouses.
The Rise of Warehousing in Kolkata
The warehouse in Kolkata is continually booming with both institutional investors and businesses looking to either build or buy ready-to-move warehouses. However, the demand is primarily being driven by:
- Third-party logistics (3PL) expansion
- Retail and FMCG distribution needs
- Cold storage requirements for food and pharma
- E-commerce growth in Eastern India
As per the ‘Make in India’ initiative, there has been increased industrial activity in the Tier 2 industrial area of Kolkata. According to recent statistics, Kolkata has recorded a significant increase in industrial and warehousing space over the past few years, with nearly 5.2 million square feet added. This trend is expected to continue in 2024 and beyond.
Who’s Investing in Warehouses?
The most prominent warehouse occupiers and investors in Kolkata include:
- Britannia, ITC, and Coca-Cola straight from the FMCG storage and logistics
- DHL, Blue Dart, and Delhivery for all sorts of 3PL services
- Amazon, Flipkart, and Reliance Retail (for e-commerce fulfilment centres)
According to experts from Ganesh Complex, several local developers offer built-to-suit warehouse solutions. Additionally, REITs and logistics funds are increasingly eyeing Kolkata as a strategic warehousing hub, making it a promising asset class for investors.
What to Consider Before Buying a Warehouse?
When planning to buy or lease a warehouse in Kolkata, consider the following key points.
- Always check land use zoning (it should be industrial and commercial in nature)
- Do verify clear legal title and tax records
- Look out for access to the highways and transportation hubs
- Assess the quality of warehouse infrastructure (floor load, ceiling height, and dock levels)
Evaluate the rental potential if buying becomes an investment option.
Final Thoughts
The industrial area in Kolkata is undergoing rapid transformation, with warehousing at its centre. From Uluberia to Ragudebpur, unique zones cater to several types of warehousing needs, large-scale logistics, regional distribution, and cold storage.
As demand rises, infrastructure improves, and affordable land becomes comparable to other metro cities. Investing in industrial areas and warehouses in Kolkata does offer excellent long-term potential. Whether you are a business seeking your next logistics hub or an investor looking for stable returns, the industrial zones of Kolkata are worth exploring.
FAQ
1. Why is warehouse demand rising in Kolkata?
Warehouse demand is increasing due to:
- Growth in e-commerce and online retail
- Expansion of logistics and 3PL companies
- Rising need for cold storage (especially for food and pharma)
- The government promotes infrastructure and industrial development in Eastern India.
2. Is it better to lease or buy a warehouse in Kolkata?
- Lease if you need flexibility, shorter-term use, or want to reduce capital investment.
- Buy if you’re looking for long-term use, rental income, or property appreciation.
Many businesses utilise a built-to-suit leasing model to obtain custom-built warehouses without purchasing land.
