Blue Dart strengthens operations in Kolkata and announces new Indo-Bangladesh trade lane

* 25th year of operations in the country

Kolkata: 23rd July, 2008 Blue Dart Express Limited, South Asia’s premier No.1 express air and integrated transportation, distribution and logistics company, announced the opening of a new warehouse in Kolkata which would also be vital to their new India-Bangladesh service route, launched in association with DHL. The warehouse will increase storing and handling capacity of shipments coming to and from Kolkata and would act as a hub for the shipments to and from Bangladesh. This would further ensure better service quality offered to customers situated in the Eastern region.

The Indo-Bangla route will leverage on DHL’s established International expertise and Blue Dart’s domestic dominance to enable Indian customers to send or receive documents and packages of any size.

Calling this initiative another effort to serve customers as an integrated logistics service provider, Anil Khanna, Managing Director, Blue Dart Express Limited said, “DHL and Blue Dart are two strong brands with premier offerings in the express and logistics arena. Since inception, Blue Dart has taken innovative steps to provide its customers with convenience and competitive edge. I am sure this new route will provide a logistical link between the two countries, serving as a catalyst for growth in these areas.” “We have recently entered our 25th year of operations and we take pride in building a business model which still remains unmatched in the country. We have raised the bar and would continue to reinvent ourselves to be able to provide best-in-class services to our customers. We stand committed to our role of a trade facilitator and would continue to bring people and markets together for a greater India”, added Anil Khanna.

Blue Dart has earmarked Rs. 200 crore capex to be invested for infrastructure development across the country.

Meanwhile, the new warehouse will further boost trade as the company caters to major industry segments like Consumer Electronics, Jewellery & Watches, Computer/IT – Software, Electrical Machinery, Banking Services, RMG/Made ups, Financial Services, Advertising/Marketing, Tea. Blue Dart is already servicing all major players in this segment and going ahead will further add value to their business.

Speaking on the occasion, Amod Dasgupta, Vice President – East Region, Blue Dart Express Limited said, “Kolkata and the Eastern region are of strategic importance to us. Blue Dart has been witnessing over 100% growth in both inbound and outbound shipments handled. Kolkata and West Bengal is anticipated to remain strong growth areas for Blue Dart. The growing business sentiments will open up a plethora of business opportunities to explore.”

The eastern region overall has seen increased investments from the company. This year, Blue Dart plans to open 11 new facilities of the 120 planned across the country. The company had launched its independent ground service, ‘Dart Surfaceline’ to strengthen its unique capability to offer the entire spectrum of express distribution solutions. The launch of ‘Dart Surfaceline’ will enable Blue Dart to expand its reach in the East.

About Blue Dart:

Blue Dart, South Asia’s premier No.1 express air and integrated transportation, distribution and logistics company, offers secure and reliable delivery of consignments to over 20,955 locations in India.

As part of the DHL Group (DHL Express, DHL Global Forwarding & DHL Exel Supply Chain), Blue Dart accesses the largest and most comprehensive express and logistics network worldwide, covering over 220 countries and offers an entire spectrum of distribution services including air express, freight forwarding supply chain solutions and customs clearance.

Blue Dart was selected as a Business Superbrand from over 1,699 brands. It also received the Readers Digest’s Most Trusted Brand Gold Award and is listed in the Dun & Bradstreet top 500 companies in India. The Blue Dart team drives marketplace leadership through its motivated people force, dedicated air capacity, cutting-edge technology, innovation, and value-added services to deliver unmatched standards of service quality to its customers. For further information, please visit our website at www.bluedart.com

For Further Information:

Krishnamoorthy R

Piyali R

Image Inc- Mumbai

Blue Dart Express

0967067542

022- 28396444