Tiruchi Member of Parliament Durai Vaiko has called on the Union government to establish an inland container depot in Tiruchi to address the demand for local trade and industry. Vaiko met with Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal in New Delhi. Tiruchi is a key industrial and trade hub in Tamil Nadu, producing 112.62 million tonnes of fruits and 204.96 million tonnes of vegetables. A local dry port would allow exporters to increase their exports The demand for a dedicated dry port in Tiruchi has gained momentum after the local Member of Parliament urged the Union Government to establish a facility that can streamline trade logistics and reduce
The dependency on distant seaports. A dry port functions as an inland terminal directly connected to major seaports, allowing exporters to complete customs clearance and container handling close to their production hubs. For a region like central Tamil Nadu, which contributes significantly to exports in textiles, engineering goods, and agriculture, such an infrastructure addition can (Ports) bring about transformative economic growth. Currently, exporters from Tiruchi and surrounding districts depend on ports located in Chennai, Thoothukudi, and Ennore, which involves high transportation costs and logistical delays. The lack of a nearby dry port means that small and medium.
Enterprises (SMEs) struggle to compete with exporters who have access to better logistics facilities in other regions. By having a dry port within Tiruchi, the industries can save considerable time, enhance supply chain efficiency, and improve global competitiveness. This demand aligns with India’s vision of improving its logistics performance index, which is crucial for boosting the export economy. Tiruchi has long been recognized as a hub for fabrication, textiles, and agricultural processing. The city’s engineering cluster supplies equipment for power plants, heavy industries, and global projects.
At the same time, its agricultural belt produces bananas, flowers, and rice, which have a strong export demand. The proposed dry port will serve as a centralized hub for customs, warehousing, and container handling, enabling these industries to scale up exports. Similar models have already proven successful in other regions where inland ports have accelerated trade growth and reduced logistic bottlenecks. One of the major advantages of setting up a dry port in Tiruchi is the city’s strong connectivity. Located at the heart of Tamil Nadu, Tiruchi has access to major highways, rail routes, and an international airport. This multi-modal transport network provides exporters with seamless.
Movement of goods, ensuring faster turnaround and better access to international markets. If integrated with the proposed Bharatmala highway corridors and the Southern Railway freight routes, the dry port could function as a pivotal trade hub not only for Tiruchi but also for nearby districts such as Karur, Perambalur, and Ariyalur, which are heavily dependent on exports. Beyond trade facilitation, a dry port has significant potential for creating employment opportunities. From logistics professionals and warehouse operators to customs agents and transport workers, the project would open up a new ecosystem of jobs. It would also encourage ancillary industries like cold storage.
Packaging, and freight forwarding to establish operations in the region. By attracting new investments and reducing export bottlenecks, Tiruchi could see a rise in industrial activity, which in turn would strengthen the overall economy of Tamil Nadu. The call from the Tiruchi MP is timely, especially when the Indian government has been actively pushing for better logistics infrastructure under initiatives like Gati Shakti and Make in India. Establishing a dry port would not only align with national policy but also strengthen India’s position in global trade. Local representatives believe that central support, combined with state government collaboration, can ensure timely approval and implementation of the project.
Similar projects in northern and western India have already demonstrated how inland ports can reduce congestion at seaports and provide exporters with a more efficient supply chain. If the proposal is approved, the dry port could become a game-changer for central Tamil Nadu’s economy (Cookie) Exporters will benefit from reduced costs, faster customs processes, and easier access to international shipping lines. It would also encourage foreign buyers to source more products from the region, given the improved logistics reliability. In the long run, Tiruchi could evolve into a major inland logistics hub that complements Tamil Nadu’s existing seaport network.
The demand for a dry port in Tiruchi is not merely a political proposal but a genuine need for strengthening the region’s trade ecosystem. With strong industrial presence, agricultural exports, and strategic connectivity, Tiruchi has all the ingredients to become a logistics hub of southern India. The call by the MP highlights the urgency of addressing exporters’ challenges and ensuring that the region gets the infrastructure support it deserves. If executed effectively, the project will not only boost exports but also bring lasting benefits in terms of jobs, investments, and economic growth.
Q1. Why is a dry port needed in Tiruchi?
A dry port will improve export logistics, reduce costs, and support local industries.
Q2. How will it benefit exporters?
It will provide faster customs clearance and better connectivity to ports.
Q3. Which sectors will gain the most?
Textiles, engineering goods, and agriculture products will benefit greatly.
Q4. What impact will it have on regional trade?
It will boost exports from central Tamil Nadu and attract new investments.
Q5. Has the proposal been submitted to the Centre?
Yes, the MP has urged the Union Government to consider and approve the project.
