The Bridge Builder – Debashis Mitra: How Behag Overseas™ is Redefining Indian Logistics

by IS_Indust
Debashis Mitra

Almost all the graduates and post-graduates begin searching for employment the moment they finish their studies or even before it. Debashis Mitra was the exception.

In his words, “While pursuing an MBA, all my batch mates were only interested in getting a job. Whereas my motivation has always been to become self-employed and empower myself and others.”

Today, as the Founder and CEO of Behag Overseas, Debashis is transforming the logistics industry with his new generation logistic company that harnesses the energy of its young and vibrant team, complemented by a wealth of expertise and an unwavering dedication to serving customers 24X7. Accredited by the Govt. of India as a trusted Customs House Agent with License No: AIKPM5609DCH001, Behag Overseas™ embodies excellence like none other.

The success of Behag Overseas™ can be attributed to its unwavering focus on delivering high-quality services consistently. “We got the name Behag Overseas™ and the logo registered under Trademark Act 1999,” says Debashis, with whose vision and passion for excellence, the company continues to thrive and set new benchmarks in the logistics industry.

He spoke in an exclusive interview with CIOLook India, the highlights of which are given herein.

Sir, as a visionary leader in the industry, could you take us back to the beginning of your journey? What motivated you to step into this dynamic ecosystem?

I come from a humble, lower-middle-class background and was raised in a suburban town approximately 90 kilometres from Kolkata, West Bengal. After completing my post-graduation in Sociology from the University of Kalyani, I further pursued a degree in Business Administration, combining a deep understanding of people and society with the skills required for effective business leadership.

My professional journey began in September 1999 with a modest salary of ₹2,000 per month. Over time, with relentless dedication and a firm belief in the principle of “live and let live,” I navigated the complexities of the logistics industry. By 2011, after gaining over 26 years of rich and diverse experience in the sector, I took a bold step forward and founded Behag Overseas™.

Establishing the company was not merely a business decision but a calling to contribute meaningfully to the industry. As part of this journey, I qualified under Regulation-8, an examination conducted by the Ministry of Finance, to obtain the Customs Broker (CB) License — a testament to my expertise, credibility, and commitment to upholding the highest standards in logistics and trade facilitation.

Today, in 2025, I am proud to lead Behag Overseas™, with six fully operational offices located at strategic land borders across West Bengal and our registered head office in Kolkata. This journey has been defined not just by milestones but by a consistent dedication to service, integrity, and shared growth. It’s a privilege to build something that not only reflects personal ambition but also creates opportunities and value for others across the ecosystem.

Debashis, could you share more about Behag Overseas™, including its history, operations, and unique strengths in the logistics ecosystem?

Behag Overseas™ was founded in 2011, beginning its journey from a modest table-space office in Kolkata. What started as a humble vision has, through years of dedication, perseverance, and strategic foresight, evolved into a robust and dynamic logistics enterprise. Today, as of 2025, we are proud to operate not only from our fully established head office in Kolkata but also from 10 strategically located offices across various land customs stations in West Bengal and Guwahati.

One of our key operational strengths lies in our growing fleet — we now own 17 trucks, which significantly enhances our capacity to manage and respond to a diverse range of client logistical needs with efficiency and agility.

In line with our commitment to service excellence, we’ve also expanded into infrastructure development by establishing a modern warehouse spanning 4,000 sq. feet, along with a 3,000 sq. foot open storage area in Bangoan and Bashirhat. These facilities are designed to provide efficient, secure, and seamless goods handling — ensuring that our clients benefit from both speed and reliability in every transaction.

Strategically headquartered in Kolkata, Behag Overseas™ has positioned itself as a trusted name in import-export logistics services, especially across the eastern and northeastern corridors of India. Our operational reach covers critical land ports such as Petrapole-Benapole, Ghojadanga-Bhomra, and others — enabling smooth cross-border trade with neighbouring countries, including Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal.

What truly sets us apart is our unwavering focus on delivering end-to-end logistics solutions that are not only operationally sound but also deeply aligned with the evolving needs of regional and international trade. At Behag Overseas™, we don’t just move cargo — we facilitate commerce, foster trust, and power economic connectivity across borders.

Debashis, Behag Overseas™ has emerged as one of India’s leading transformational companies in logistics. Could you share the guiding philosophy that has propelled your organization’s success?

At the heart of Behag Overseas™’ success lies a simple yet powerful philosophy: honesty, transparency, and service above all. From day one, we have consciously chosen a path of integrity — never overpromising or misleading our clients. In an industry where vague commitments can often cloud expectations, we’ve built our reputation on clear, open, and candid communication.

We believe that trust is earned, not claimed. That’s why our team remains committed to establishing strong, transparent relationships with every client. Whether it’s timelines, compliance, or pricing, we ensure our partners always have a clear understanding of what to expect — and we deliver accordingly. This approach has not only fostered long-term loyalty among our clients but has also distinguished us in a competitive and fast-evolving market.

Our entire team operates with a singular mantra: “Service, Service, and Service.” It’s not just a slogan — it’s a mindset that guides every interaction, every transaction, and every decision we make. We view ourselves not merely as service providers but as dependable partners in our clients’ growth journeys. This commitment to genuine, consistent, and value-driven support is what continues to drive Behag Overseas™ forward as a transformational force in India’s logistics ecosystem.

Debashis, the industrial landscape is continually evolving. Please brief our audience about your firm’s USPs and how you are currently positioned as one of the most transformational companies in your sector.

In an industry as dynamic and challenging as logistics and supply chain, survival and growth demand more than just tradition — they require transformation. At Behag Overseas™, we’ve recognized this from the outset and have deliberately taken a forward-thinking, transparent, and solution-oriented approach to our operations.

What truly sets us apart is our unmatched geographic footprint and operational autonomy. Behag Overseas™ is the only Customs House Agent (CHA)/Customs Broker (CB) in Kolkata, and we have our own offices not just in Kolkata but across all key Bangladesh and Bhutan Land Customs Stations. This expansive and strategic presence gives us the unique capability to deliver consistent, fast, and efficient services across borders — something very few can offer.

We don’t rely on third parties for critical functions. Our in-house fleet and dedicated warehouse facilities give us full control over timelines, costs, and service quality. By eliminating dependency on external vendors, we offer our clients a seamless end-to-end logistics experience — whether it’s import, export, or multi-modal supply chain solutions.

At Behag, our success formula is rooted in two fundamentals: hard work and clear communication. We are passionate about building streamlined, comprehensive solutions that save time, reduce costs, and ensure reliability for our clients. Our Products & Services division is built with the future in mind — agile, customer-centric, and technologically progressive.

In short, Behag Overseas™ isn’t just adapting to change — we’re leading it with a bold commitment to efficiency, accountability, and value-driven service that places us among the most transformational logistics companies in the region today.

Debashis, your outstanding leadership style is often recognized as a driving force behind your company’s achievements. Could you shed light on your approach to leadership and team building within the organization?

At the heart of my leadership philosophy is an unwavering belief in the power of self-confidence. I truly believe that when individuals are empowered with self-belief, they can overcome limitations, reshape the world around them, and drive meaningful success — both personally and professionally.

At Behag Overseas™, this mindset fuels not only my approach as a leader but also defines our company culture. We operate with a logistics-driven, growth-oriented approach, constantly pushing boundaries, seeking new opportunities, and encouraging our team to take ownership and lead from within.

I see leadership as a collaborative force — one that builds people, not just processes. I focus on cultivating a team that shares our vision, understands the importance of accountability, and remains aligned with our values of integrity, transparency, and service excellence.

Our recent projects speak volumes about this synergy. Currently, we are managing two to three active logistics projects at the Kolkata Sea Port and various land ports across Bangladesh, each requiring precision, adaptability, and collective effort. These operations reflect not only our technical expertise but also the resilience and commitment of our team.

One of our proudest accomplishments was the successful clearance operation for the Adani Power Plant in Godda — a large-scale project that demanded coordination, trust, and top-tier execution. This achievement was not just a milestone for Behag Overseas™; it was a reflection of the confidence, unity, and capability of our people.

Ultimately, leadership is about inspiring others to believe in themselves, to strive for excellence, and to grow with purpose. When your team feels valued, trusted, and challenged, extraordinary outcomes naturally follow.

Debashis, as a leader in India’s industrial sector, your company has likely faced its share of challenges. Could you share an instance where your team’s resilience and ingenuity triumphed over adversity?

At Behag Overseas™, we don’t look at challenges as roadblocks—we view them as opportunities for engagement and growth. In fact, one of our core beliefs is that if there isn’t a sense of enjoyment in tackling complex logistics problems, sustaining success in this demanding industry becomes incredibly difficult. That mindset has served us well over the years.

Operating in the intricate and ever-evolving world of international logistics presents us with daily challenges—from regulatory complexities to cross-border coordination. Yet, we’ve embraced this vast playing field with passion and a proactive spirit. From the outset, we’ve been aware that while we may not be the largest player in the industry, we have a distinct strength in our agility, customer commitment, and relentless drive.

This strength was especially evident during the global COVID-19 pandemic, one of the most trying times for every sector worldwide. While much of the world paused, Behag Overseas™ never took a single day off. Our operations remained active 24/7, 365 days a year—even on government holidays—because we understood that our clients depended on us more than ever. Our team rose to the occasion with resilience, delivering uninterrupted service when others couldn’t.

Another instance that highlights our unwavering commitment was in managing complex cross-border logistics, where our seamless end-to-end service ensured swift clearance of import shipments and prompt delivery of exports—a process where delays can have costly ripple effects. Our team’s ability to communicate transparently, act decisively, and support our clients with consistency is what sets us apart.

At Behag Overseas™, honesty and transparency aren’t just values—they are our foundation. We never overpromise or mislead our clients. Instead, we prioritize candid communication and dependable support, which has earned us enduring trust and loyalty in a highly competitive market.

Our story is not just about overcoming adversity—it’s about doing so with joy, integrity, and an unshakable belief in the work we do. That’s what makes our journey not just sustainable but truly rewarding.

Debashis, finally, looking ahead, what is your vision for your company? How do you aspire to continue making a significant impact on India’s transformational future landscape?

When Behag Overseas™ began its journey, we were a name known only to a few. The early days were marked by intense financial strain and operational uncertainty. But through unwavering determination, long hours of effort, and what I often describe as a stroke of divine grace, we slowly started overcoming those formidable obstacles.

One of our greatest achievements has been the building of a strong, diverse, and committed team—individuals who bring unique talents, perspectives, and a shared sense of purpose. Together, we’ve transformed Behag Overseas™ into a recognizable and respected brand within the logistics ecosystem. And yet, I say this with humility—we are still on the journey. Our true turning point is yet to come.

The vision ahead is both ambitious and grounded. We are striving to become a cornerstone of India’s evolving logistics and trade infrastructure, especially in the cross-border domain. Our goal is not just growth in numbers but in impact—enabling smoother trade, empowering regional economies, and ensuring that Indian logistics solutions are synonymous with reliability, innovation, and integrity.

We remain hungry to improve, ready to adapt, and committed to serving with honesty, consistency, and excellence. As we look to the future, every effort we make is guided by one clear aspiration: to contribute meaningfully to India’s transformational story—not just as participants but as purposeful enablers of progress.

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