Transportation and Logistics Consulting in India
Where we work across the Transportation and Logistics Value Chain?
- Ports and Maritime Logistics: We support major ports, non-major ports and private developers on port master planning, traffic and tariff studies, corporate plans, performance improvement and transaction support. Our work spans greenfield ports, capacity augmentation at existing ports and port linked industrial and logistics clusters.
- Coastal shipping and inland waterways: We advise shipping companies, cargo owners and policymakers on coastal cargo strategies, vessel deployment and the economics of shifting cargo from road to coastal or inland waterways. Assignments have included coastal cargo traffic studies, coastal trade entry strategies and support for disinvestment and restructuring of inland waterway organisations.
- Logistics Parks, CFS, ICDs and Container Terminals: We work on feasibility studies, Detailed Project Reports (DPR) and business plans for multimodal logistics parks, ICDs, CFSs, tank container facilities and container terminals. This includes traffic and catchment analysis, operating model design, tariff strategy, location assessment and recommendation, capex and opex estimation, and preparation of bankable reports for lenders and approval authorities.
- Urban Transport and e-bus, Bus Systems: We assist governments and transport departments in improving public transport systems through PPP and performance improvement initiatives. This includes impact assessments of changes in public transport, PPP structuring for bus terminals and services, and development of wayside amenities. We also help companies with Feasibility Studies, DPR for manufacturing of e-buses, e-cars, and air conditioners for e-buses, e-vehicles, HVAC components, Battery Thermal Management Systems (BTMS) for e-vehicles / Battery Cooling Systems (BCS) and high capacity DC Chargers for e-buses, electronic vehicles, Charging Infrastructure.
- Shipyards and Maritime related Services: We support maritime and shipyard players on corporate plans, new business entry, DPR / feasibility studies for setting up new Shipyard, due diligence and valuation for maritime assets.
How Hmsa supports Transportation and Logistics Clients
We support developers, operators, investors and government entities across the full lifecycle of transportation and logistics assets, from first concept to transaction and performance improvement. Our work in this sector is closely integrated with our firmwide offerings in feasibility studies, DPR preparation, PPP advisory, financial modelling and organisation transformation.
Project Development, Feasibility and DPRs
Detailed Project Reports
We prepare integrated techno-commercial Detailed Project Reports that combine market assessment, technical design, phasing, capex and opex, environmental and regulatory aspects, financial analysis and risk allocation. These DPRs are structured to meet lender expectations and board approval requirements.
Techno Economic Feasibility Studies
We undertake focused techno economic feasibility studies where clients require decision grade analysis without full DPR detail. These studies validate the business case, size capacities, evaluate technical and location options and provide clear go or no go recommendations with sensitivity tests around key assumptions. They are often the precursor to a full DPR mandate.
Traffic Study and Demand Assessment
For ports, jetties, logistics parks, ICDs and coastal shipping ventures, we carry out detailed hinterland and catchment analysis, commodity and route mapping, stakeholder interactions and secondary research to estimate realistic traffic potential. This traffic work feeds directly into our feasibility and DPR assignments and can also be commissioned as a standalone engagement.
Competition and Market Assessment
We identify and profile competing facilities and services in the relevant corridor or market, benchmark their offerings, tariffs and performance, and assess their likely evolution. This helps position the client’s project, estimate achievable market share and shape differentiated value propositions and pricing strategies.
Infrastructure Needs Assessment
Based on proposed cargo, volumes, handling methods and regulatory requirements, we assess the infrastructure needed: berths and jetties, storage yards and warehouses, rail and road interfaces, utilities, equipment, IT systems and support facilities. We also highlight dependencies on technical studies and approvals such as hydrographic surveys, navigational studies, water tranquillity studies and environmental clearances.
Performance Benchmarking
We compare existing or proposed operations with peer ports, terminals and logistics facilities on throughput, productivity, asset utilisation, manpower, cost and service levels. This fact based benchmarking identifies gaps and improvement levers for both brownfield and greenfield projects and links directly to our performance improvement work.
Operations, Logistics Audit and Performance Improvement
Logistics Audit and Network Optimisation
We perform end to end logistics audits for manufacturers, traders, 3PLs and asset owners, covering sourcing flows, plant to warehouse movements, export and import chains, modal mix, routing, dwell times and handling costs. Using operational data and site visits, we identify quick wins and structural changes in network design, mode choice and contract structure that reduce cost and improve reliability. These assignments often lead into detailed implementation roadmaps or subsequent feasibility work for new logistics assets.
Operations and Process Performance Reviews
For ports, terminals, ICDs, CFS and logistics parks, we review yard planning, gate operations, vessel or train turnarounds, asset scheduling and maintenance practices. We highlight bottlenecks, quantify the impact on capacity and cost, and recommend practical improvement measures, including whether technology investments or incremental capex are justified.
Organisation, Process and Regulatory Support
Organisational Restructuring
We help port authorities, terminal operators and logistics companies realign their organisation structures with strategy, growth plans and regulatory responsibilities. This includes clarifying roles, spans of control, governance mechanisms and accountability, and is often linked to broader change management and HR interventions.
Process Documentation and Process Recast
We document and recast key operational and support processes to standardise work, strengthen controls and improve efficiency. This covers development of SOPs, process manuals and flowcharts, and alignment with ERP or Port Management Systems so that processes, data and controls reinforce each other. These assignments tie in closely with our wider SOP and performance manual development capability.
Tariff Applications and Regulatory Submissions
For entities under tariff regulation or government oversight, we support preparation of tariff applications and related submissions, including traffic and revenue forecasts, cost allocation, justification of proposed tariffs and scenario analysis. We help ensure that applications are analytically sound, consistent with regulatory frameworks and supported by robust documentation.
Transactions, PPPs and Investments
Financial Modelling and Model Reviews
We build and review financial models for ports, logistics parks, coastal shipping ventures and related assets, covering capex and opex projections, revenue build up, funding structures, returns and covenants. For client built models, we undertake independent review, reconciliation and stress testing so that management, boards and lenders can rely on the numbers with confidence. This capability is common to our transaction support and feasibility work.
PPP Bid Advisory
We advise both public authorities and private bidders on PPP projects. On the authority side, this includes project structuring, draft concession frameworks, bid documents, evaluation criteria and support through the bid process. On the bidder side, we support opportunity screening, bid strategy, risk assessment, formulation of the business plan and determination of bid ranges and walk away points.
Target Search and Acquisitions
For clients seeking inorganic growth in the maritime and logistics space, we help identify potential targets, shortlist candidates, develop initial business cases and support commercial and business due diligence. We also assist in valuation perspectives, transaction structuring options and integration considerations post-acquisition, in coordination with the client’s legal and tax advisors.
Why clients choose Hmsa for Transportation and Logistics
- Integrated understanding of policy, markets and project finance: We combine sector knowledge across ports, shipping, logistics parks and public transport with a clear view of evolving national policies such as the National Logistics Policy, Sagarmala and Maritime Vision 2030. This allows us to design projects that are aligned with policy priorities and attractive to investors.
- Bankable studies and DPRs that stand up to scrutiny: Our feasibility studies and DPRs are built with lender requirements in mind, combining realistic traffic forecasts, transparent assumptions, well structured financial forecasts and clear risk analysis.
- Deep PPP and transaction experience: From concession agreement reviews to sell side bid process management and technical due diligence, we understand how to balance the interests of government, private developers and financiers in PPP and transaction structures.
- Hands on advisory for promoters and boards: We work closely with promoters, boards and CXOs as a sparring partner, helping sharpen strategy, challenge assumptions and translate high level intent into implementable, phased plans.
Representative Transportation and Logistics Assignments Executed by Our Consultants
Ports, Terminals and Maritime Cities
- Traffic Assessment for a port and maritime city at Okhamadhi for GVK Power and Infrastructure Limited, covering traffic and tariff analysis for a greenfield port and the identification of maritime businesses for a port-based city.
- Business potential study for Meghavaram Port with focus on cargo potential, competition and development strategy.
- DPR and long term Business Plan for Chennai Port Trust, including traffic projections, capacity planning and financial analysis.
PPP and transaction advisory
- Review of PPP concession agreement for an upcoming port at Jaigadh, advising the private developer on risk allocation, clause rewording and negotiations with the state maritime board
- Sell side PPP bid process management for Port of Alewadi, including evaluation framework, bid evaluation and presentations to the board and government stakeholders.
- Technical due diligence of a port for IL&FS Maritime Infrastructure Company Private Limited
Logistics parks, ICDs and Terminal Operations
- Techno economic feasibility study for a tank container cleaning, repair and maintenance facility in India, covering demand assessment, competitive landscape, service pricing and bankable financial analysis
- Feasibility study for development of a jetty and logistics park at Karanja and Khopta, including demand assessment, operational planning, capex and opex estimation, tariff strategy and business model
- Systems manuals for container terminal operations at Kolkata Port for Cardinal Logistics, covering operational procedures and controls.
Coastal shipping and inland waterways
- Coastal cargo traffic study and tariff analysis to develop an expansion strategy for a shipping client, including origin destination analysis, modal shift opportunities and tariff strategy.
- Coastal trade entry strategy for a foreign shipping company evaluating coastal bulk carrier deployment, including tax implications, tonnage tax considerations and operational feasibility
- Study on viability of disinvestment of Central Inland Water Transport Corporation Limited, including manpower analysis and restructuring options.
How Hmsa can help?
If you are evaluating a new port, jetty, logistics park, ICD, CFS, purchasing a second-hand ship or want to get a new ship built, start coastal shipping venture or public transport project, or considering expansion or restructuring of an existing operation, Hmsa Consultancy brings hands-on support across strategy planning, performance improvement and transaction support. We develop evidence based business plans, size markets with defensible assumptions, design operating models and KPIs, optimise cost and working capital, and run end to end diligence and deal support. To explore how these levers apply to your context, reach out for a focused discussion with us.
FAQs
Typically, clients engage us at three points:
- Concept stage (to validate the business idea and market),
- Pre investment stage (for detailed feasibility and DPR before approaching lenders or investors) and
- Pre transaction stage (for PPP structuring, bid strategy or due diligence). Early engagement usually leads to better project design and fewer surprises later.
We normally request basic information on the proposed location, land status, intended capacity and configuration, target commodities or services, any prior studies, and the client’s funding and timeline expectations. Where data is not available, we supplement it with secondary research, stakeholder interviews and site visits (if needed)
Timeframes depend on complexity and data availability. For a conventional port or multimodal logistics park feasibility study, a full cycle including market assessment, technical concept, financial feasibility and report typically takes about 4 -6 weeks. Complex PPP or multi stakeholder projects may require more time for consultations and iterations.
Yes. Many clients retain us through the full project lifecycle. After the feasibility phase, we can support DPR refinement, interactions with lenders, PPP structuring, bid documentation, evaluation or negotiation support, and later performance improvement or restructuring if needed.
We work in India and globally. We support global clients and help Indian Clients evaluating overseas opportunities and international clients looking at the Indian transportation and logistics market.
We are pleased to present Opportunities in Logistics. Want to know how we can help you grow your business and beat your competition?
