Rentals increased on key routes such as Delhi–Kolkata–Delhi by around 2.4 per cent and Kolkata–Guwahati–Kolkata by about 2 per cent
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KSL
India’s mobility and logistics sector witnessed relatively stable trucking activity during April, following the strong momentum seen at the close of the financial year. Truck rentals across key trunk routes remained firm, with marginal month-on-month changes and continued resilience on a year-on-year basis.
Rentals increased on key routes such as Delhi–Kolkata–Delhi by around 2.4 per cent and Kolkata–Guwahati–Kolkata by about 2 per cent, while Delhi–Mumbai–Delhi, Mumbai–Chennai–Mumbai and Bengaluru-led corridors, which recorded modest increases.
Fuel consumption trends reflected this cooling in activity. Petrol consumption declined by about 3 per cent month-on-month, while diesel consumption fell by nearly 5 per cent, indicating relatively lower freight movement.
On a year-on-year basis, growth in vehicle sales remained robust across segments, with two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and passenger vehicles rising by 69 per cent, 106 per cent, and 125 per cent, respectively, underscoring sustained expansion, the bulletin said.
Air cargo trends provided a broader macro perspective, indicating steady year-on-year growth in logistics activity. Freight movement across key airports remained strong, with Chennai recording growth of over 11 per cent, followed by Hyderabad at nearly 10 per cent and Bengaluru at close to 6 per cent.
Passenger traffic also remained robust in markets such as Bengaluru and Hyderabad, reflecting continued strength in economic and travel activity, even as trends varied across cities, the bulletin said.
Sudarshan Holla, Joint Managing Director & Chief Operating Officer – Commercial Vehicles, Shriram Finance, said the fiscal year has seen a stable start, with truck rentals holding firm. Peak summer heat, however, could affect trucking activity in May.
Published on May 6, 2026
