DHL is a global logistics company, part of the Deutsche Post DHL Group. In India, DHL operates through several business units: DHL Express, DHL Global Forwarding, DHL Supply Chain / Contract Logistics, and through its majority ownership of Blue Dart.
It handles international express, freight (air/ocean), supply chain/contract logistics, customs clearance etc.
DHL first entered India in 1979.
Over the years, it has built up substantial infrastructure: express gateways, air-side facilities, export express terminals.
Their facility in Delhi has been expanded, and they have recently (2024) opened their first automatic shipment sorting hub in New Delhi (Delhi Gateway) to improve speed & efficiency.
DHL Supply Chain India announced plans to invest EUR 500 million (~INR 4,000 crore) over a few years to significantly increase its warehousing capacity and workforce, plus pursue sustainability goals.
As part of that, the warehouse space will increase by ~12 million sq ft (towards a total of ~22 million sq ft by ~2026).
They are also expanding Business Support Centers (for services like analytics, freight bill audit, etc.).
Also, in 2025, DHL ITS (IT services) opened a center in Indore — their fifth in India. This also includes a training academy for tech employees.
DHL India has introduced non-contact deliveries using OTP-based systems to minimize physical interaction (especially relevant during/post COVID-19).
They use digital platforms for shipping & tracking (e.g. MyDHL+), on-demand delivery services etc. The new sorting hub uses automatic sorting machines able to handle ~2000 pieces/hour, telescopic conveyors, etc. This helps speed up transit times and improves productivity by ~30%.
DHL India (and group more broadly) has set goals around decarbonization: using sustainable aviation fuels, electrifying last-mile delivery fleet, making buildings more energy efficient.Their new hubs are being built with environmental certifications (LEED gold etc.), using energy efficient lighting, recycled materials etc.
The DHL + Blue Dart combined domestic network covers over 21,000+ locations in India via Blue Dart.
DHL serves tens of thousands of customers across India.
They are strengthening regional presence (for example, the relocation / upgrade of their Agra service centre) to serve MSMEs better and improve export transit times in North India.
Meeting speed and reliability expectations in a large country with varied infrastructure is a continual challenge (e.g. for remote/rural deliveries).
Regulatory & customs clearance processes can add delays.
Competition from domestic and international logistics players, especially with rapid growth of e-commerce.
Sustainability pressures (fuel costs, emissions etc.) are pushing for more investment in greener operations.