The process of identifying a suitable land for establishing a dry port, an inland container depot, is likely to pick up pace in Tiruchi.

It has been a long-felt need of the trade and industry in the region. In the recent past, Tiruchi has emerged as one of the fastest growing export hubs in the State. A wide range of goods, including engineering equipment, spare parts, fabricated materials, food products, millets, and perishables such as vegetables and fruits are exported. While the exporters use the excellent air connectivity from Tiruchi to export vegetables and fruits, they depend on Chennai, Thoothukudi, Karaikal, or Kochi port to export other items.

According to industry sources, it is estimated that about 40 to 50 containers, with a capacity of 25 tonnes each, are transported by road every month from Tiruchi to these seaports. Industrialists and exporters from the region face high transport and handling costs, along with time-consuming formalities at the ports. If a dry port is established in Tiruchi, exporters can complete the required documentation and other procedures locally, significantly reducing cost and time. To press their demand, the representatives of trade and industrial bodies had sent several representatives to the Union and State government authorities and the elected representatives.

Tiruchi MP Durai Vaiko, who is keen to establish the facility, had taken up the issue and met Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitaraman in New Delhi. Upon receiving representations, the revenue officials also began the process of identifying 21 acres of land at a suitable location. However, they found it difficult to find a large tract of land at a place. The proposal slowed down after the announcement of elections to the State Assembly.

After the new government assumed office in the State, Mr. Durai Vaiko again met Ms. Sitaraman in New Delhi and suggested the floating of a special purpose vehicle (SPV) to establish the facility at the SIPCOT industrial estate at Manapparai on the Tiruchi - Dindigul Highway. The SPV could be formed in a partnership between SIPCOT and either the Chennai Port Authority or the V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority for establishing the dry port with the financial support of the Union government.

Collector Pratik Tayal, who recently assumed office, told The Hindu that he would study the status of establishing the dry port. Tiruchi had a great potential to be one of the pioneering regions in the industrial corridor of the State. He had a number of plans to create an ecosystem for promoting industrial activities. He would soon hold discussions with all stakeholders. All needed steps would be taken to establish the dry port.