Tiruchi MSMEs, exporters renew demand for dry port in State Budget session

Micro, small and medium scale enterprises (MSMEs) and exporters in Tiruchi have urged the Tamil Nadu government to announce the establishment of a dry port, also known as an inland container depot, in the region during the ongoing Budget session of the State Assembly. The demand, which has been a long-standing need for local trade and industry, has gained urgency as Tiruchi emerges as one of the fastest growing export hubs in the State.

Tiruchi exports a wide range of goods, including engineering equipment, spare parts, fabricated materials, food products, millets, and perishables such as vegetables and fruits. While the city's excellent air connectivity supports the export of perishables, exporters rely on seaports in Chennai, Thoothukudi, Karaikal, and Kochi for other items. According to estimates, about 40 to 50 containers, each with a capacity of 25 tonnes, are transported by road from Tiruchi to these seaports every month.

Industrialists and exporters say the current arrangement leads to high transport and handling costs, along with time-consuming formalities at the ports. A dry port in Tiruchi would allow exporters to complete documentation and other procedures locally, significantly reducing both cost and time. Over the years, representatives of trade and industrial bodies have repeatedly submitted representations to Union and State government authorities and elected representatives pressing for this facility.

Tiruchi Member of Parliament Durai Vaiko has taken up the issue and met Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman twice in New Delhi. He also placed the demand before Chief Minister C. Vijay when he met him in Chennai recently. Trade bodies had expected an announcement in the State Budget, but the Budget did not mention the project. They are now hoping for a commitment during the discussion on demands for grants for Industries, Investment Promotion, and Commerce in the ongoing session.

N. Kanagasabapathy, president of the Tiruchi Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Association, said that both the Union and State governments have important roles in establishing a dry port. The State government needs to make a formal announcement and allot suitable land for the project. He added that the Central government should extend necessary financial support by involving all stakeholders, particularly the Chennai Port Authority and the V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority.

The establishment of a dry port in Tiruchi is seen as a crucial step to boost the region's export potential and reduce the logistical burden on local businesses. While the demand has received political support, a formal announcement is still awaited. The ongoing Budget session provides an opportunity for the State government to signal its commitment to this infrastructure project, which could have significant economic benefits for the region.