Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): Chief Minister Mohan Yadav held a significant meeting with senior officials of DP World and Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) on the third day of his visit to Dubai. He held detailed discussions regarding the ‘Bharat Mart‘ project and its associated logistics possibilities.
Yadav described Bharat Mart as a “gateway to global trade” and said that this modern trade centre will provide direct access for Indian products especially those in food processing, agriculture, and handicrafts to major markets in the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. Bharat Mart is set to become operational in 2026 and will give new direction to the ‘Local to Global’ policy.
“Bharat Mart” – A Symbol of India-UAE Trade Relations
Bharat Mart is a multi-dimensional international trade center being developed in Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA), Dubai, spread over approximately 2.7 million square feet. The foundation stone for the project was jointly laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, in February 2024. The center is being developed by DP World and will include over 1,500 showrooms, state-of-the-art warehouses, and office facilities.
Uninterrupted Logistics Connectivity from Madhya Pradesh to Bharat Mart
During the meeting, the proposed DP World rail terminal in Madhya Pradesh and the Ujjain–Nagda route were discussed as crucial enablers for seamless supply to Bharat Mart.
Chief Minister Yadav stated, “Our government considers this journey not just about trade, but as a foundation for the economic future of Madhya Pradesh. Through Bharat Mart, our state will become a strong link in the global supply chain.”
Interest in Developing Dry Ports in Madhya Pradesh
DP World has expressed strong interest in developing Inland Container Depots (ICD), Multimodal Logistics Parks (MMLP), agri-logistics hubs, and dry ports in Madhya Pradesh. This aligns with the state’s logistics and export policy and represents a significant step toward long-term infrastructure development through public-private partnership (PPP) .
