India News
The Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025—renamed the UMEED Act—seeks to address the mismanagement and encroachment of waqf properties by streamlining governance and bringing transparency. With over 9.4 lakh acres of waqf land now open for productive use, this move has been seen as a major opportunity for India’s warehousing and logistics sectors. Experts believe this reform could unlock land worth over USD 14 billion, supporting infrastructure development and enabling transactions for many property holders previously restricted by outdated waqf regulations.
Industry leaders have welcomed the Act, citing its potential to solve long-standing land access issues that hindered warehouse development. With rising e-commerce and retail growth, the demand for Grade A warehousing is expected to reach 400 million sqft by 2027. Experts say the bill will help simplify legal procedures, reduce land shortages, and support national logistics goals, including cost reduction and improved connectivity under initiatives like PM Gati Shakti.
Despite protests and legal challenges, experts view the bill as a progressive step. They argue that even with administrative delays, the warehousing industry is likely to thrive due to booming demand. The opening of waqf lands is seen as a catalyst that could attract private investment, accelerate project timelines, and contribute to job creation, provided the land meets necessary logistical criteria.
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