The infrastructure that keeps e-commerce working smoothly

The past few years of the pandemic have underscored our increasing dependence on the e-commerce industry. With the significant rise in digital literacy and access to high-speed internet and smartphones, the industry has dynamically` changed how we shop. As a response, the architecture of storage warehouses has evolved in size and technology to accommodate the rapid increase in the shipping of products. A prime example of this is the warehouse development at Kulana, Haryana, which caters to the storage and distribution needs of the thriving e-commerce industry in NCR.

A central node from which shipments are regulated in the supply chain, the warehouse is used by e-commerce giants like Amazon and Future Group (Reliance). Strategically located along key travel routes, the site for the warehouse is well-connected to the NH-352 by peripheral roads and is in close proximity to a railway line. It is spread over an extensive stretch of 25 acres and encompasses two parcels of land, housing three warehouse structures. 

The crucial aspect that distinguishes the site planning for the warehouse is the need to accommodate shipping trailers that are as long as 40 feet. Their size determines the area reserved for entry and exit points, turning radii of roads, and the space required for parking. Further, a key consideration of the master plan is the provision of dedicated zones for loading and unloading shipment boxes, alongside which trailers can move smoothly. Apart from the trailers, there are parking spaces for cars, trucks and tempos. Rest areas and toilets are provided on the campus to cater to the continuous stream of workers and activity. A high boundary wall that ensures stringent site security encompasses the campus from all sides. 

The warehouse, a Grade A structure, follows standardised design norms set by the Warehousing Development and Regulatory Authority (WDRA) of India. It necessitates a minimum internal height of 11 metres with spacious column-free enclosures. This is structurally executed by adopting the Pre-Engineered Building (PEB) structure with 25 metres-wide clear-span steel trusses. In addition, pre-coated, insulated galvalume sheets are used as roofing material to ensure structural durability. A rigorously minimal and function-oriented structure, the design of the warehouse caters to optimal movement to foster an efficient chain of activities. While doing so, the prime design considerations come from the economic and structural aspects of the building. 

Sustainable measures have been implemented in the project right from the conceptual stage. An excellent example of this is the integration of cowls and skylight, which brings in natural light and fresh air in the warehouse, enabling 6-8 air changes per hour. Furthermore, provisions have been made for a stormwater drain system with a return period of 50 years, along with measures for rainwater harvesting. With an initiative to enable a healthy work environment, solid waste management with on-site segregation of garbage has been commissioned. Moreover, the treatment of liquid wastes is regulated by providing an STP, the treated water from which is used in a green belt along the perimeter of the facility.

The project is also integrated with robust technological interventions, including fire safety features such as addressable detection and alarm system, automated door openings, and internal hydrant systems. An on-site electrical substation enables efficient operations with 100% power backup. Moreover, CCTV monitoring and security alarms are incorporated with high-speed internet to ensure a secure environment.

Keeping up with the fast-evolving purchasing patterns, the development of warehouses is a vital resource that keeps the modern retail industry moving. Far from being ‘dark stores’, warehouses are the backbone of the effective working of large corporate chains like Amazon and Myntra. With its intelligent, efficient and automated design to meet the continuous demands of e-commerce, the warehouse at Kulana sets a strong precedent for modern storage facilities.