- During the 1980s, India experienced a significant surge in exports, reaching 12.74 billion dollars, which contributed 5.74% to the GDP. However, the country faced a challenge in catering to small industries with the need to send small packages. Tushar Jani, a 30-year-old visionary, set out to address this issue.
- Armed with two friends and 30,000 Rs, Tushar established a company within a modest 200 sq ft space beneath a staircase in 1983, giving birth to Blue Dart. 🚀
- The concept was straightforward ⏩ Facilitate swift delivery of small packages through air transport. Teaming up with the UK’s Gelco Express, Tushar introduced India’s inaugural international air package express service, enabling Blue Dart to deliver as early as 10:30 AM, a feat previously unimaginable. 🤯
- Tushar encountered overnight success, yet he recognized a lingering issue: tracking. Realizing that delivery was not the sole challenge, he developed Cosmat – a tracking software offering real-time and online traceability for all packages. This innovation marked a turning point for the logistics industry. ⏰
- In 1994, a historic moment unfolded as Blue Dart went public, raising 38.25 CR from the stock markets, with its IPO oversubscribed 14 times. Tushar then shifted focus to the local delivery market, triggering a revolution in the Indian logistics sector. 🇮🇳
- By 1995, another milestone occurred as Blue Dart acquired two Boeing 737-200 freighters, becoming the first non-government company to operate cargo aircraft in India. Expanding offices in Kolkata and launching India’s inaugural jet express airline with space monitoring software, the company reached revenues of 100 CR in November 1995. 💸
- Establishing its own airline, Blue Dart served over 1000 locations in India, creating a state-of-the-art superhub near Mumbai’s airport to optimize load efficiency. In 2001, the addition of a third aircraft in the Bangalore – Delhi sector propelled revenues to 287 CR. Tushar then made a pivotal decision that reshaped the company’s destiny.
- In 2002, Blue Dart concluded its decade-long contract with Federal Express, joining forces with the world’s top Air Express Company – DHL. This move led to the addition of two more aircraft, surpassing 100,000 shipments per day, and positioning Blue Dart as India’s largest company.
- On November 4, 2004, DHL acquired Blue Dart for 730 CR, marking a momentous occasion where the world’s number 1 acquired India’s No. 1. Competitors were astonished yet proud of Tushar Jani’s achievements. 🙌
- Tushar remained on the Board, steering DHL-Blue Dart to new heights. 📉
➡️ In 2023, Blue Dart achieved a revenue milestone of 5000 CR, delivering consignments to 56,400 locations in India and 220 countries and territories. With over 60 hubs, six aircraft, and 12,000 delivery vehicles, it continues to dominate the industry four decades later. 💪
The saga of Tushar Jani – The man who constructed India’s largest logistics company beneath a simple staircase. 🇮🇳