India@Davos 2024

| 32 | | 33 | SameeraWarehouster recently struck a deal with an international real estate owner to develop three warehousing projects in Chennai, setting the stage for the next phase of growth for the company. In an interview, Sandeep Chadha, founder and CEO of SameeraWarehouster, shared details on these prestigious projects and the rapidly changing business of warehousing in India. Edited Excerpts: ‘Our new projects will unlock significant value proposition for all stakeholders’ technology solutions and will adhere to the highest international standards. We are confident that this partnership will not only unlock significant value for our stakeholders, but also contribute to the overall growth and economic prosperity of Chennai and the surrounding region. We look forward to providing further updates on the project's progress as we move forward. Acquiring land in urban areas is not an easy task. How did Sameera Warehouster go about making this land acquisition? Land acquisition in urban areas can be challenging, but we adopt a proactive approach. Our modus operandi was: • Early identification: We identified the strategic locations well in advance and initiated negotiations with landowners. • Transparency and fair compensation: We ensured fair market value compensation and clear communication with landowners. • Government support: We collaborated with TIDCO to navigate legal and regulatory requirements. As a result were able to acquire these large land parcels with speed and transparency. How you are going about developing the land? Commitment to sustainable and efficient development without compromising quality is our core philosophy. Our approach is: • Phased construction: We adopt a phased approach to minimize disruption and ensure timely completion. • Advanced construction technology: We use prefabricated structures and modular construction techniques for speed and quality. • Focus on quality and safety: We adhere to stringent quality and safety standards throughout the construction process. • How has the warehousing industry evolved in India, especially with respect to application of Information Technology? India's warehousing industry has gone through a massive transformation in recent years. We've moved from traditional, unorganized godowns to modern Grade-A facilities. This trend has accelerated due to: • E-commerce boom: The surge in online shopping fuelled demand for efficient storage and distribution networks. • Supply chain optimization: Companies are realizing the importance of efficient warehousing for cost reduction and faster delivery. • Government initiatives: Schemes like "Make in India" and "Digital India" have spurred infrastructure development and IT adoption. IT has been an integral catalyst in the overall evolution of modern grade-A warehouses. It has generated: • Efficient warehouse management systems: Be it optimum inventory control, order fulfilment, and labour management; we are witnessing the transition across the value chain. • Tracking and tracing technologies: Enhance visibility and transparency throughout the supply chain has been made possible only through the application of the stateof-art technology. • Big data analytics: Improved decision-making by analysing logistics data and predicting demand patterns, has changed the game inside out. To sum up, IT has enabled and accelerated the transition from unorganized godowns to modern Grade-A structures. In this context can you trace the growth of Sameera Warehouster in envisioning and managing these projects? Sameera Warehouster has been at the forefront of this evolution. We envision and manage projects tailored for modern logistics needs, incorporating cutting-edge IT solutions. We have enhanced our offering when it comes to delivering diverse warehousing projects. Our strengths are: • Built-to-suit facilities: We build customized warehouses meeting specific client requirements, integrating automation and IT infrastructure. • Modern Grade-A warehousing: We prioritize highquality facilities with features like temperature control, fire suppression, and advanced security systems. • Technology Partnerships: We collaborate with leading IT providers to implement best-in-class WMS, tracking systems, and data analytics solutions. There is a lot of buzz around your latest project, the logistics park in Redhills, Chennai. What is the underlying business proposition? Sameera Warehouster’s flagship Redhills Logistics Park is a prime example of our vision. This state-of-the-art facility will cater to the growing demand for efficient logistics solutions in Chennai and South India. Our USPs are: • Strategic location: Close proximity to major highways, ports, and airports ensures seamless connectivity. • Large-scale development: Over 0.5 million square feet of Grade-A warehouse space, catering to diverse needs from 3PL Operators, e-commerce giants to manufacturing companies. • Multimodal connectivity: Facilitates integration with air, sea, and road transportation for efficient cargo movement. • Value-added services: Beyond basic storage, we offer services like value-added logistics, cross-docking, and cold chain storage. We believe Sameera Warehouster has an Institutional partner for this project. Who is the partner? While we don't typically comment on speculation, we are pleased to confirm that Sameera Warehouster has recently entered into a landmark agreement with the world's leading real estate owner and asset manager to develop in excess of 5 million square feet of Grade-A warehousing space across three strategic locations in Chennai. We are particularly excited to announce that the construction shall commence soon on the first project in Redhill, Chennai, with a development potential of 5 lakh square feet. This partnership significantly accelerates Sameera Warehouster's ambitious expansion plans in South India and underscores our commitment to shaping the future of logistics infrastructure in the region. The Chennai projects will cater to the evolving needs of a diverse range of clients, including e-commerce giants, manufacturers, 3PL providers, and FMCG companies. We envision these state-of-the-art logistics parks setting a new benchmark for operational efficiency, sustainability, and connectivity. Each park will be equipped with advanced SPECIAL FEATURE: SAMEERA WAREHOUSTER Sandeep Chadha Founder and CEO of Sameera Warehouster

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