India’s pharmaceutical sector continues to stand out as the “pharmacy of the world,” supplying over 50% of global vaccine demand and holding 20% of the global generic medicine export volume. In FY 2023–24, pharma exports surged to USD 26.5 billion, underscoring the critical global role of Indian pharma.
Cold Chain Logistics: Industry Scale & Growth Trajectory
- India’s total cold chain logistics market reached USD 11.5 billion in 2024, projected to nearly double to USD 27 billion by 2033 at a CAGR of 8.9%.
- The healthcare-specific cold chain logistics segment was USD 1.6 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow to USD 2.0 billion by 2033 at a CAGR of 2.2%.
- For pharma cold‑chain packaging alone, the market was valued at USD 97.8 million in 2022 and is anticipated to reach USD 197.6 million by 2032, with biologics being the biggest segment.
Challenges on the Cold‑Chain Horizon
- Only about 8–10% of cold‑chain operators are WHO‑GDP compliant—most of the market is fragmented, with over 3,500 players and limited pharma‑grade capabilities.
- Nearly 20% of temperature‑sensitive healthcare shipments arrive damaged or degraded due to insufficient infrastructure and transit disruptions.
- India suffers from extreme heat (averaging 30°C, 45°C+ in summer) and relies heavily (71%) on road freight, complicating pharma transport across vast terrain.
- Logistics and warehousing costs in pharma are about 15% higher than in developed economies, and poor management results in annual losses exceeding USD 14 billion—mostly in food, but indicative of systemic cold‑chain inefficiencies.
Government Initiatives & Infrastructure Developments
- The National Centre for Cold‑chain Development (NCCD) leads capacity building, standards development, and sustainable tech adoption across cold‑chain segments.
- The Delhi Logistics and Warehousing Policy 2025 proposes subsidies for upgrading cold chains, green energy adoption (solar), development of logistics hubs, digital delivery systems, and warehouse consolidation under PPP models—benefiting pharma logistics in the capital region.
- Ahmedabad airport’s Centre for Perishable Cargo (CPC) has resumed operations in mid‑2025, restoring a dedicated cargo terminal for temperature‑sensitive goods including pharmaceuticals, with annual handling up to 40,000 MT in ranges from –20 °C to 18 °C.
Technology & Innovation in Pharma Cold‑Chain
- AI, IoT, blockchain, RFID, and predictive analytics are increasingly deployed to monitor temperature, track routes, and prevent spoilage—ensuring compliance and transparency.
- The launch of QR‑coded pharmaceutical packaging by the CDSCO (rolled out in October 2024 across leading brands like Allegra and Calpol) enhances authenticity and traceability in export consignments.
- Academic innovations, e.g. ALIVE—an IoT‑based low‑cost vaccine storage module, demonstrate potential for last‑mile cold delivery in remote or off‑grid areas.
- Studies like those using blockchain‑enabled UAV systems for warehouse traceability show the promise of industry 4.0 for making cold‑chain inventory both automated and audit‑friendly.
How Tiger Logistics is Delivering Value to Pharma Exporters
Here’s how Tiger Logistics elevates pharma cold‑chain performance:
- WHO‑GDP Compliant Cold‑chain Network: With specialized warehousing, temperature‑controlled vans, and pharma‑trained teams across key hubs like Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Delhi.
- Real‑Time Monitoring Tech Stack: IoT sensors, GPS tracking, remote alerts, and blockchain‑grade audit logs to secure regulatory compliance and shipment integrity.
- Pharma‑Grade Packaging Solutions: We partner with validated providers using advanced thermal containers and phase‑change materials for multimodal transit.
- Strategic Logistics Hubs: Access to major cold‑chain terminals (e.g. Ahmedabad CPC, Bengaluru Coolport, Hyderabad GDP‑standard facility) ensures seamless outbound export flows—reducing reroutes and delays.
- Sustainability & Green Logistics: Use of solar‑backed warehouses, electric/CNG last‑mile vehicles, and energy‑efficient practices to help pharma exporters reduce carbon footprints.
- Customs & Regulatory Support: Dedicated export clearance specialists streamline documentation, regulatory approvals, and temperature‑trace audits.
The Road Ahead: Scaling India’s Pharma Cold‑Chain
The convergence of:
- A booming pharma export market (projected to reach USD 130 billion by 2030),
- Government push for technology‑driven logistics infrastructure
- Heavy private investment (e.g. Celcius Logistics’ Rs 250 crore fundraise to scale pharma‑grade operations)
…will shape a future where India’s cold‑chain logistics becomes leaner, smarter, and more resilient than ever.
Why Cold Chain Still Matters
For India’s pharma exports—which comprise vaccines, biologics, insulin, and high‑value specialty drugs—the cold chain is not optional. It is the bedrock of product efficacy, regulatory trust, and global competitiveness. Without it, entire shipments fail, reputations erode, and lives are put at risk.
Tiger Logistics is committed to transforming this landscape. Through advanced infrastructure, digital oversight, regulatory compliance, and sustainability-focused operations, we ensure Indian pharma exports are delivered safely, efficiently, and credibly across the globe.
