Welspun Partners with WTC to Develop To Build India’s Tallest Urban Distribution Centre in Thane with ₹800 Crore Investment

Welspun One, logistics and industrial real estate manager, has entered into a strategic agreement with the World Trade Centers Association (WTCA) to launch the World Trade Center (WTC) in Thane. As a licensee of the WTC brand, Welspun One will build India's tallest and first-of-its-kind mixed-use facility integrating an Urban Distribution Center (UDC).

Project Overview and Location

The new facility will span 1 million square feet and will be built in Wagle Estate, a key commercial hub in Thane. The property will feature a total of 14 levels, with each floor having a height between 4.2 and 4.5 meters. The lower floors will be dedicated to retail and food & beverage outlets, while the upper floors will provide Grade A office spaces and experience centres. The adjacent urban distribution center will have a floor loading capacity of 1.0 ton per square meter, making it suitable for large-scale operations.

The WTC Thane project is designed to cater to the growing demand for just-in-time delivery and micro-fulfilment centres within the MMR. It will serve as a key location for logistics, retail, and office spaces, targeting businesses that require efficient distribution channels. The strategic location, coupled with the development’s scale, is expected to play a significant role in addressing the increasing need for modern warehousing solutions.

Investment and Economic Impact

With an estimated investment of ₹800 crore, the WTC Thane project aims to set a benchmark in India’s urban logistics and distribution sector. The development will be India’s first Grade A platinum-rated UDC, meeting the rising demand for modern logistics infrastructure in the country. The project will integrate various functions, including warehousing, retail, office spaces, and experience centres, under one roof, creating a multifunctional business environment.

As businesses continue to seek efficient and cost-effective ways to manage their supply chains, WTC Thane will offer a unique value proposition. The proximity to the Eastern and Western Express Highways, along with upcoming infrastructure developments like the Thane-Borivali and Goregaon-Mulund tunnels, will further enhance the accessibility of the site. The connectivity improvements are expected to streamline operations and make it easier for businesses to serve the growing population of Thane and nearby areas.

On signing the License Agreement, Mr. Robin van Puyenbroeck, Executive Director-Business Development, WTCA, said, “As the WTCA is focusing on expanding its presence in the Indian market leveraging the country’s incredible growth and economic opportunities, we are proud to welcome Welspun One to our global organization. Mr. Singhal and his team bring incredible energy and innovation to the Welspun One developments, which align very much with WTCA’s ethos of fostering innovation and driving economic growth. WTC Thane will be unique and set a standard for the domestic and global markets alike.”

Commenting on the development, Mr. Anshul Singhal, Managing Director, Welspun One, said, “Consumer behaviour is evolving rapidly, with quick commerce expanding beyond groceries to include electronics, apparel, and more, demanding modern warehousing solutions. Building India’s tallest Urban Distribution Center has been a key milestone for us, and partnering with the WTC brand, known for its global standards and trade facilitation, elevates this achievement. With WTC Thane, we are setting a new benchmark for integrated and sustainable urban logistics, enabling businesses to stay ahead in supply chain dynamics while ensuring operational excellence and end-user convenience”.

Expected Impact on Rentals and Market Demand

The facility will address the growing demand for warehousing and office spaces in Thane. As the commercial property market in the region expands, the WTC Thane project is expected to drive up rentals. Current warehouse rents in the area start at ₹135 per square foot, while office spaces are priced from ₹145 per square foot. With the completion of the WTC Thane project, rental prices are likely to rise, given the quality and scale of the facility. The project will also contribute to the overall development of Thane as a prominent business and commercial hub.

Prospects for Thane and the MMR

Thane has emerged as a focal point for development within the MMR due to its strategic location and increasing commercial activity. The city's proximity to Mumbai, combined with its improved infrastructure, has made it an attractive destination for businesses seeking affordable space with easy access to key transportation routes. The completion of new infrastructure projects, such as the Thane-Borivali and Goregaon-Mulund tunnels, will further enhance connectivity between Thane and other parts of the MMR, making the city an even more attractive destination for commercial development.

As Thane continues to evolve into a major commercial and industrial hub, the WTC Thane project is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the city's future. The facility will cater to a range of industries, including retail, logistics, and office-based businesses, all of which are expected to benefit from the project’s location and infrastructure.

WTC Thane’s Role in the Supply Chain

Once completed, businesses at WTC Thane will be able to serve 50% of Thane’s households within 30 minutes, making it a central hub for logistics and retail distribution. The facility will have the capacity to service up to 10 million square feet of commercial space, further establishing WTC Thane as a major player in the region's supply chain network. This efficiency will make it easier for businesses to reach their customers, improving overall service delivery times.

The development will cater to both local and international businesses, offering a mix of retail, office, and industrial spaces. This integrated approach is expected to attract a wide variety of tenants, ranging from large-scale logistics companies to small businesses looking for flexible office space.

WTC Thane is a flagship addition to the company’s growing transformative portfolio, alongside the recently announced JNPA SEZ project in Navi Mumbai.