Mid-sized warehouses are becoming the backbone of India's evolving supply chain. This blog explores seven major reasons behind their growth — including e-commerce expansion, regionalized distribution models, 3PL networks, infrastructure upgrades, automation, and sectoral demands.
India’s warehousing industry is undergoing a significant transformation, and mid-sized warehouses — typically ranging from 25,000 to 100,000 sq. ft. — are at the heart of it. These facilities are fast emerging as vital nodes in the country’s supply chain, catering to both B2B and B2C demand across geographies.
Here are 7 key reasons why mid-sized warehouses are growing in India:
1. Demand for Faster Delivery
In both e-commerce and B2B supply chains, customers now expect faster delivery period. This has created a need for mid-sized fulfillment hubs near urban centers, helping brands reduce delivery time and increase service levels.
2. Regionalization of Supply Chains
Companies are moving from large, centralized warehouses to multi-node distribution networks. This shift enables lower freight costs, faster restocking, and localized service – all of which make mid-sized warehouses essential.
3. E-commerce & D2C Expansion
With the rise of e-commerce and direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands, particularly in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, there’s growing demand for decentralized fulfillment. Mid-sized warehouses allow businesses to serve local demand without massive infrastructure investment.
4. Rise of 3PL & On-Demand Warehousing
Third-party logistics providers and warehouse aggregators like Delhivery, Shiprocket, and Stellar are offering pay-as-you-grow storage models. Mid-sized, shared-use warehouses are ideal for startups, SMEs, and fast-scaling businesses.
5. Government & Infrastructure Push
Initiatives like PM Gati Shakti and the National Logistics Policy are improving connectivity across smaller cities. New expressways, freight corridors, and inland ports are making it viable to operate mid-sized facilities outside major metros.
6. Cost-Effective Automation
Mid-sized warehouses are increasingly adopting technologies like WMS, barcode/RFID tracking, and IoT sensors. These upgrades deliver efficiency without the need for heavy capex.
7. Growth of Key Sectors
Sectors like FMCG, pharma, and electronics require fast-moving, compliance-ready and sometimes temperature controlled storage facilities. Mid-sized setups offer the right balance of cost, scale, and operational control for these industries.
As Indian economy grows, and logistics networks evolve, mid-sized warehouses are becoming indispensable. They provide the agility, scalability, and speed needed in a high-growth, high-expectation environment. For companies and brands looking to expand regionally or optimize supply chains, tapping into mid-sized warehousing could be a smart strategic move.