Developing ready-to-use industrial parks and improving logistics infrastructure are now central to India’s strategy to strengthen its manufacturing sector. A new report by Cushman & Wakefield outlines how pre-approved plug-and-play zones, enhanced multimodal logistics, and skilling initiatives can bridge longstanding gaps and boost production capacity.
Industry confidence rising, but gaps remain
The report, Elevating India’s Manufacturing Resilience: Charting the Path to Self-Reliance, is based on responses from 94 senior leaders in India’s manufacturing and logistics sectors. According to the findings, 88% of manufacturers are expanding operations due to improved infrastructure support, while 95% report better logistics access.
However, the sector still faces persistent challenges. The report identifies four core issues: high logistics costs, insufficient warehousing capacity, low value addition, and a pronounced skill gap. These are particularly acute for MSMEs, which struggle with scaling due to lack of integrated support.
Plug-and-play parks can accelerate production
Cushman & Wakefield executives say that plug-and-play industrial parks—zones with pre-built infrastructure, pre-clearances, and integrated logistics—offer a key solution. These parks reduce upfront capital costs, mitigate operational delays, and speed up time-to-market.
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“Plug-and-play industrial parks, multimodal logistics networks, and improved land aggregation frameworks are not just enablers, they are essential levers,” said Gautam Saraf, Executive Managing Director, Cushman & Wakefield. He added that these solutions are crucial to converting policy momentum into actual production outcomes.
A five-point strategy for resilience
The report outlines a five-pronged approach to sustain long-term growth:
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Accelerate development of plug-and-play parks.
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Reassess MSME classification criteria to encourage scale.
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Fast-track multimodal logistics parks across key regions.
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Invest in targeted skill development tailored to industry needs.
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Enable MSME exports through digital platforms and incentive frameworks.
Abhishek Bhutani, Managing Director for Logistics & Industrial Services, emphasized that companies expanding into newer regions will increasingly depend on turnkey ecosystems that offer integrated facilities, connectivity, and a skilled workforce.
As the government continues to invest in ‘Make in India’ and production-linked incentive (PLI) schemes, private sector preparedness and infrastructure alignment will determine how effectively India can capitalize on its manufacturing potential.
