In the bustling world of Indian logistics, where speed meets complexity and reliability is the currency of trust, few names shine as brightly as Debashis Mitra, Founder and CEO of Behag Overseas. A man whose journey began far from corporate boardrooms, Mitra has built an enterprise that doesn’t just move goods—it connects economies, nurtures trust, and fuels cross-border growth.
From Humble Beginnings to a Bold Vision
Raised in a suburban town nearly 90 kilometres from Kolkata, Debashis Mitra’s early life was rooted in modesty but rich in ambition. After earning a post-graduation degree in Sociology from the University of Kalyani and an MBA, he could have easily followed the well-worn path of job security. But Mitra had other plans.
“While pursuing my MBA, my batchmates were busy chasing job offers. My motivation was always to be self-employed—empowering myself and others,” he recalls. That belief became the foundation of Behag Overseas, launched in 2011 after more than a decade of hands-on industry experience. Before starting out, he earned his Customs Broker License from the Ministry of Finance, signalling not just capability but credibility in a tightly regulated field.
Behag Overseas – More Than Logistics
Today, Behag Overseas operates from its headquarters in Kolkata, with 10 strategically located offices across West Bengal and Guwahati, plus an extensive in-house fleet of 17 trucks. The company manages warehousing facilities in Bangaon and Basirhat, offering both covered and open storage spaces that meet the demands of modern trade.
Specializing in import-export services, Behag Overseas has become a key player in connecting India with Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal. Critical land ports like Petrapole-Benapole and Ghojadanga-Bhomra fall within their operational reach, ensuring smooth cross-border movement even in complex regulatory landscapes.
But for Mitra, logistics isn’t simply about transporting goods. “At Behag Overseas, we don’t just move cargo—we facilitate commerce, foster trust, and power economic connectivity across borders.”
The Philosophy: Service Above All
At the heart of Behag Overseas’ success lies an unwavering commitment to honesty, transparency, and relentless service. Mitra’s philosophy is clear: never overpromise, never mislead, and always deliver exactly what’s committed. In an industry where delays and vague assurances can erode client confidence, Behag Overseas stands out for its clarity and dependability.
The company’s mantra—“Service, Service, and Service”—is more than a slogan; it’s a cultural pillar. Every project is approached with the mindset of being a partner in the client’s growth journey, rather than just a service provider.
Resilience in the Face of Adversity
The path to success has not been without challenges. The logistics sector is an intricate web of regulations, weather unpredictability, cross-border coordination, and shifting market demands. Yet Behag Overseas has embraced these hurdles as opportunities.
During the global COVID-19 pandemic, when the world came to a standstill, the company kept its operations running 24/7—even on public holidays—ensuring critical cargo moved without disruption. “We understood our clients depended on us more than ever. We couldn’t stop,” says Mitra.
The company has also handled high-stakes assignments, such as the Adani Power Plant clearance project in Godda, which demanded seamless coordination and precise execution. These successes have not only strengthened client trust but also reinforced Behag Overseas’ reputation for reliability under pressure.
Leadership Built on Confidence and Collaboration
Mitra’s leadership philosophy is rooted in self-belief and empowerment. He nurtures a company culture where employees are encouraged to take ownership, innovate, and lead from within. “When your team feels valued, trusted, and challenged, extraordinary outcomes follow,” he says.
His focus on people is evident in Behag Overseas’ low attrition and high engagement levels. The organisation thrives on a collaborative spirit—building people, not just processes.
Looking Ahead – Growth with Purpose
While Behag Overseas has already cemented its place in the logistics ecosystem, Mitra’s eyes are firmly set on the future. His goal is not just numerical growth but a deeper impact—empowering regional economies, facilitating seamless trade, and ensuring that Indian logistics stands for innovation, integrity, and efficiency.
He envisions Behag Overseas becoming a cornerstone of India’s cross-border trade infrastructure, leading transformation in a sector where agility, technology, and human commitment must work hand-in-hand.
As he puts it, “Our true turning point is yet to come. We remain hungry to improve, ready to adapt, and committed to serving with honesty, consistency, and excellence.”
The Legacy in the Making
From earning ₹2,000 a month in his first job to leading a multi-office, multi-fleet enterprise that influences trade flows across borders, Debashis Mitra’s journey is a testament to what vision, integrity, and determination can achieve.
Behag Overseas is more than a logistics company—it’s a bridge between markets, a beacon of trust in turbulent waters, and a living example that with the right values, business can be both profitable and purposeful.