The upcoming Multi-Modal Cargo Hub (MMCH) at Noida International Airport in Jewar is poised to become a game-changer for India’s air freight and logistics ecosystem, with operations expected to begin later this year in tandem with the airport’s launch of international flight services.
Spanning 87 acres, the MMCH will be India’s first integrated logistics zone with direct connectivity between an International Cargo Terminal (ICT) and an Integrated Warehousing and Logistics Zone (IWLZ). The facility is designed to handle 2.5 lakh tonnes of cargo annually in its first phase.
Developed by Air India SATS (AISATS)—a joint venture between Air India Limited and Singapore Airport Terminal Services—the cargo terminal is nearing completion. “The ICT Phase 1 building is ready. Caster decks and motorised workstations for handling Unit Load Devices (ULDs) are installed, and screening equipment will be ready by April,” confirmed Ramanathan Rajamani, CEO, AISATS.
Infrastructure at the IWLZ includes a parking facility for 42 trucks and a dedicated docking zone for 27 heavy vehicles at the ICT. The ICT itself covers 30 acres and is built to handle a diverse cargo mix—ranging from general freight, perishables, express courier shipments to specialised cargo such as dangerous goods, high-value items, and temperature-sensitive consignments.
A key component of the ICT is its cloud-based cargo management system, which will include end-to-end track-and-trace capabilities aimed at significantly reducing shipment turnaround times.
Positioning itself as a crucial pillar in India’s “China Plus One” logistics strategy, MMCH is expected to serve as a gateway for Northern India and offer companies an efficient alternative to over-reliance on Chinese supply chains. “MMCH’s next-gen infrastructure has the potential to make Noida International Airport a vital link within global supply chains, especially for electronics, agri-perishables, and other temperature-sensitive cargo,” said Rajamani.
To further expedite time-sensitive deliveries—such as e-commerce shipments—the hub will include express cargo lanes and a robust single-window airport cargo community system. This system will enable seamless integration and real-time data exchange between stakeholders including airlines, freight forwarders, customs brokers, importers/exporters, and regulatory bodies.
AISATS is actively engaging with e-commerce platforms, third-party logistics (3PL) providers, and global freight forwarders to position MMCH as a preferred air cargo destination. “The response from leading logistics players has been highly encouraging, with strong interest from electronics majors and global freight companies,” Rajamani shared.
In alignment with the Uttar Pradesh Food Processing Industry Policy 2023, MMCH is also set to become a hub for agricultural logistics. A state-of-the-art coolport, part of Phase 2 development, will cater to cold storage, agri-processing, and export of perishable goods. The UP government is planning a fruit-based processing unit near the cargo zone, which will integrate with the coolport developed by AISATS.
To fund this initiative, a dedicated panel has been formed to finalise a financial model, and the World Bank is expected to invest Rs 350 crore in the facility. The processing unit will focus on exports of tinned fruits and juices sourced from farmers in Jewar and surrounding districts.
As India pushes to modernise its logistics infrastructure, the MMCH at Jewar stands out as a critical node designed to deliver world-class cargo handling capabilities, enhance global competitiveness, and drive regional economic development.
