Why Amritsar Can Become North India’s Next Export & Logistics Hub
Amritsar sits at a rare crossroads: an international airport, a major national highway corridor, a strong rail network, and the Attari Integrated Check Post, a key land route for trade with Afghanistan and Central Asia. Yet for decades, the city’s industry has had to work around the very geography that should be its biggest advantage. ADCCI believes it is time to turn that around.
The opportunity
Few cities in North India combine so many trade routes in one place. With the right infrastructure, goods made in Amritsar and across Punjab could move to global markets faster and at lower cost than through distant ports and air hubs.
- Air cargo: Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport connects the city directly to the Middle East, Central Asia and beyond, which is ideal for high-value and perishable exports.
- Road and rail: National highway and rail links connect Amritsar to Delhi, the dedicated freight corridors and the western ports.
- Border trade: The Integrated Check Post at Attari gives the region a natural land gateway for trade.
What is holding industry back
Being a border district brings its own challenges. Units here face higher logistics costs, limited cargo handling and cold-chain capacity, and a shortage of container and warehousing facilities. Many exporters still route their goods through Delhi or Mumbai, which adds time and cost and makes them less competitive.
What ADCCI is asking for
In its memorandum to Sunil J. Singhvi, Chairman of the National Traders’ Welfare Board, ADCCI proposed developing Amritsar as a dedicated export and logistics hub, with:
- stronger air-cargo handling and cold-chain facilities at the airport
- modern warehousing and an inland container depot
- an Integrated Export Facilitation Centre offering DGFT services, customs clearance, packaging and quality support under one roof
- dedicated export clusters for textiles, handicrafts, food processing, engineering goods and furniture
Why it matters beyond business
A strong industrial base in the border belt means local jobs for young people, investment that stays in the region, and greater economic stability. In that sense, building Amritsar’s logistics capacity is as much about regional development as it is about trade.
Have a logistics or export challenge? ADCCI members can share their issues with the Chamber so they can be raised with the right authorities. Get in touch with us or become a member to add your voice.