In the dynamic, unforgiving world of logistics, where precision and reliability decide winners, Debashis Mitra has built more than a business—he has built a reputation. As the Founder and CEO of Behag Overseas, he has turned a modest operation into a leading force in cross-border trade, driven by service, integrity, and vision.
A Different Beginning
For many MBA graduates, the ultimate goal is landing a well-paid job. Mitra, however, took the road less travelled. Raised in a small suburban town nearly 90 kilometres from Kolkata, he was determined to work for himself and create opportunities for others.
After earning a post-graduate degree in Sociology from the University of Kalyani, he completed an MBA, giving him both human insight and business acumen. His career began in 1999 with a salary of just ₹2,000 a month, but over the next decade, he immersed himself in every facet of logistics—from customs operations to cross-border compliance.
Armed with experience and the Ministry of Finance’s Customs Broker License, he launched Behag Overseas in 2011—not as a gamble, but as a deliberate step toward building a company anchored in credibility from day one.
From a Single Desk to a Strategic Network
What started in a small table-space office in Kolkata has grown into a network of 10 strategically located offices across West Bengal and Guwahati, supported by a modern headquarters in Kolkata. The company operates its own fleet of 17 trucks and manages dedicated warehouses in Bangaon and Basirhat, offering both covered and open storage facilities.
Behag Overseas now commands a strong presence at key land ports such as Petrapole-Benapole and Ghojadanga-Bhomra—vital gateways for trade with Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal. This strategic positioning allows the company to play a pivotal role in strengthening India’s eastern trade corridors.
“We don’t just move cargo,” Mitra says. “We facilitate commerce, foster trust, and power economic connectivity across borders.”
The Core Philosophy – Service Above All
Behag Overseas was built on three non-negotiable principles: honesty, transparency, and service. In a sector often clouded by vague promises and missed deadlines, Mitra insists on straightforward communication and accurate commitments.
The company’s mantra—“Service, Service, and Service”—is a guiding practice that ensures every transaction is delivered with precision, timeliness, and care. Clients see Behag Overseas not as a vendor, but as a trusted partner in their growth.
Rising to the Challenge
Logistics is an industry defined by its unpredictability—weather delays, border restrictions, and shifting regulations are part of the daily reality. Behag Overseas has turned these challenges into opportunities to demonstrate resilience and capability.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, when much of the world paused, the company kept operating 24/7, 365 days a year, ensuring critical shipments reached their destinations. One of its most notable achievements was the successful clearance of equipment for the Adani Power Plant in Godda—a complex, high-stakes project delivered without delays.
Leadership That Empowers
Mitra’s leadership philosophy revolves around building people as much as building processes. He believes empowered employees take greater ownership, think innovatively, and deliver exceptional outcomes.
“Leadership is about creating a culture where people feel valued, trusted, and challenged,” he says. “When that happens, extraordinary results follow naturally.”
This belief has shaped Behag Overseas into a cohesive, committed team that thrives on collaboration. Every milestone—from expanding the fleet to winning large-scale projects—is celebrated as a shared success.
Looking to the Future
While Behag Overseas has already earned its place as a trusted logistics name, Mitra’s ambitions remain high. His vision is to make the company a cornerstone of India’s cross-border trade infrastructure—expanding into new regions, integrating advanced technology, and setting global benchmarks for efficiency.
For Mitra, growth is measured not only in revenue but in the value delivered—empowering regional economies, streamlining trade flows, and ensuring that Indian logistics competes at the highest international standards.
A Journey Still Unfolding
From earning ₹2,000 a month in his first job to leading a multi-office, multi-fleet operation that spans international borders, Debashis Mitra’s journey is a testament to resilience, vision, and values.
Today, Behag Overseas is more than a logistics company. It is a bridge between nations, a trusted ally to its clients, and a model of how service-driven leadership can shape industries.
As Mitra reflects on his path forward, his words capture the essence of his journey:
“We are still on our journey. The true turning point is yet to come.”
