Bhumika Chauhan
In the fast-paced, high-stakes world of logistics, where every second counts and every detail matters, Debashis Mitra has carved a reputation as a leader who blends vision, resilience, and an unshakable commitment to service. As the Founder and CEO of Behag Overseas, he has transformed a modest start-up into a powerhouse of cross-border trade solutions—anchored in trust, transparency, and an unrelenting drive to deliver.
A Different Kind of Beginning
Most MBA graduates walk out of the classroom with resumes in hand and job offers in sight. Mitra, however, walked out with a dream—to be self-employed and to build something that would not only support his ambitions but also create opportunities for others.
Raised in a suburban town nearly 90 kilometres from Kolkata, his journey began with a post-graduate degree in Sociology, followed by an MBA that combined his understanding of people with the tools for business leadership. Starting his career in 1999 with a modest ₹2,000 monthly salary, he spent over a decade mastering the complexities of the logistics sector before taking the leap in 2011 to establish Behag Overseas.
What set him apart early on was his determination to operate with credibility from day one. By qualifying for the Ministry of Finance’s Customs Broker License—a rigorous Regulation-8 examination—he signaled to clients and industry peers that this was a company built on expertise, not just ambition.
From One Desk to Ten Offices
Behag Overseas began in a small table-space office in Kolkata. Fourteen years later, it operates from 10 strategically located offices across West Bengal and Guwahati, supported by a fully equipped headquarters in Kolkata. With a fleet of 17 in-house trucks and dedicated warehouses in Bangaon and Basirhat, the company offers both covered and open storage solutions to meet the varied demands of global trade.
Its footprint spans critical trade corridors, particularly at India’s eastern and northeastern land ports, including Petrapole-Benapole and Ghojadanga-Bhomra—key gateways for commerce with Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal.
But for Mitra, Behag Overseas is more than a logistics provider. “We don’t just move cargo—we facilitate commerce, foster trust, and power economic connectivity across borders,” he explains.
The Heartbeat of the Company – Service First
Behag Overseas’ growth is underpinned by a philosophy that is as simple as it is powerful: honesty, transparency, and relentless service. In an industry where overpromising can lead to damaging consequences, Mitra has built a culture where clear communication is the rule, not the exception.
The company’s mantra—“Service, Service, and Service”—isn’t a catchy slogan for marketing materials. It’s a way of working that ensures every interaction, deadline, and commitment is handled with precision and sincerity. Clients are treated not as transactions but as partners in long-term growth.
Rising Above Challenges
The logistics sector is no stranger to volatility—border restrictions, changing regulations, and operational bottlenecks are constant tests of capability. Behag Overseas has thrived by treating these not as obstacles but as opportunities to innovate.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, while much of the world halted operations, Behag Overseas worked 365 days a year, 24/7, keeping cargo moving for clients who depended on them. Similarly, high-stakes projects like the Adani Power Plant clearance in Godda showcased the company’s ability to execute large-scale, time-sensitive operations without compromise.
Leadership that Builds Leaders
At the core of Mitra’s leadership style is empowerment. He believes in creating an environment where team members are encouraged to take ownership and innovate. “When your team feels valued, trusted, and challenged, extraordinary outcomes follow,” he says.
This philosophy has fostered a close-knit, high-performance team that mirrors the company’s values of accountability, integrity, and excellence. Many of Behag’s operational successes can be traced back to this culture of collective responsibility.
Looking Ahead – Growth with Integrity
While Behag Overseas has established itself as a trusted logistics partner in eastern India, Mitra’s ambitions are far from fulfilled. His vision is to see the company become a cornerstone of India’s cross-border trade infrastructure—not only expanding in scale but deepening its impact on regional economies.
The goal is to align Indian logistics services with global benchmarks in speed, reliability, and innovation, while retaining the human touch that has been Behag’s signature since its inception.
A Story Still Being Written
From earning a humble salary in 1999 to leading a multi-office enterprise that facilitates international trade, Debashis Mitra’s journey is proof that resilience, values, and a clear vision can defy odds.
Behag Overseas stands today not just as a logistics company, but as a bridge-builder—connecting markets, empowering industries, and proving that service-driven leadership can transform both business and the communities it serves.
As Mitra reflects on the road ahead, his words capture the spirit that built Behag Overseas and will continue to drive it forward:
“We are still on our journey. The true turning point is yet to come.”
