CDC announces $25m boost to Indian logistics infrastructure

CDC, the UK’s development finance institution (DFI), is making a $25 million direct investment in Pristine Logistics, a growing Indian company that develops and operates vital infrastructure to transport and handle railway freight in rural and under-served parts of the country.
Pristine Logistics is developing, constructing and operating greenfield rail freight terminals across northern, central and eastern India, where infrastructure is important for economic growth. The terminals provide handling, warehousing and transport services for businesses using the Indian Railways network for freight transport. The company also plans to develop a food park in Bihar to handle and process agricultural products, bringing market connectivity to the region.
Commenting on the announcement, Rajnish Kumar, Director, Pristine Logistics, said, “CDC is a natural investment partner for us and this development will unlock the full potential of Pristine.”
The food park in Bihar will create a further 1,800 jobs. The lack of fast, reliable and temperature-controlled transportation means that many Bihar farmers cannot bring their produce to market. The food park will bring much-needed food processing, storage and modern transport services to local farming communities.
CDC will also support Pristine Logistics as the company develops its procedures around environmental and social policies. In this way, CDC can contribute to the sustainable development of the company and build management capability in this field.

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