India's Cold Chain Logistics: Growth and Infrastructure

India's cold chain network serves as a critical link in transferring perishables from farms and manufacturing units to domestic consumers and international export markets. By utilizing a connected process of cold storage, cold transport, and cold processing infrastructure, the system minimizes post-harvest losses and connects domestic agricultural production with global trade channels. India remains a leading producer of milk, fruits, and vegetables, creating a steady and rising demand for reliable temperature-controlled transport and storage facilities across the country.

According to IMARC Group, the value of India's cold chain logistics market reached Rs. 1.09 lakh crore, or US$ 12.56 billion, in 2025. The market is estimated at Rs. 1.32 lakh crore, or US$ 14.16 billion, in 2026, and is projected to scale up to Rs. 2.56 lakh crore, or US$ 27.45 billion, by 2034. This expansion is expected to proceed at a compound annual growth rate of 8.62% during the 2026 to 2034 period. Growth factors include the rise of organised food retail, quick commerce dark stores, increased pharmaceutical logistics, higher consumption of frozen foods, and export requirements for temperature-certified storage.

India's cold chain logistics market is projected to reach Rs. 2.56 lakh crore by 2034.

Infrastructure and Fleet Expansion

Physical cold chain infrastructure continues to develop alongside market demand. As of June 30, 2025, India operated 8,815 cold storage facilities with a combined capacity of 402.18 lakh metric tonnes, which is approximately 40.22 million metric tonnes, according to data from the National Centre for Cold-chain Development. Projections indicate that total cold storage capacity will reach roughly 440 lakh metric tonnes by 2031. Simultaneously, the number of refrigerated transport vehicles, or reefer vehicles, is expected to grow from approximately 10,000 currently to around 33,000 by the year 2031.

The Ministry of Food Processing Industries functions as the nodal ministry, overseeing the policy structure for storage, transportation, and value addition within the industry. Central sector schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana provide financial outlays to support food processing and preservation infrastructure. Specific components like the Integrated Cold Chain and Value Addition Infrastructure scheme further support multi-product food irradiation units and food testing laboratories, which add millions of metric tonnes of annual preservation capacity.

Sector growth is also visible in key commodities. India maintains its position as the world's largest milk producer by volume, recording 239.30 million tonnes in financial year 2024. Per capita milk availability surpassed 471 grams per day during the same period. Meanwhile, exports of marine products hit record levels of Rs. 72,325.82 crore, or US$ 8.28 billion, in financial year 2026, with frozen shrimp generating over two-thirds of this export revenue.

Why it matters

This expansion directly impacts agricultural producers, food processors, and exporters across India by reducing post-harvest losses and opening up wider domestic and international distribution channels. Enhanced cold chain capabilities ensure that perishable goods like dairy, horticulture, and marine products maintain their quality during transport, strengthening India's position in global agricultural trade.