The Sindi Multimodal Logistics Park, a flagship project championed by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, is poised to commence operations early next year. Sources indicate that the facility, commonly referred to as the Sindi dry port, may begin with exports to Bangladesh, leveraging the riverine route to reduce transit times and costs.
DeltaCorp, the developer managing the park under a concessionaire agreement with Maharashtra Multimodal Logistics Park Limited (MMLPM), has reportedly sought permission to launch operations using existing infrastructure. This early start would allow activities to begin ahead of the scheduled Commercial Operation Date (COD), insiders reveal.
Initial operations are likely to focus on exports to Bangladesh, with plans to transport goods via rail to Haldia in West Bengal, followed by river vessels to their destination. The riverine route offers a more efficient alternative to the congested rail and road corridors, significantly lowering transportation costs and boosting export competitiveness.
High-level discussions are also underway to utilize the park for domestic automobile transport using specialized car carriers—closed containers designed for secure vehicle movement. Sindi’s strategic central location makes it an ideal hub for distributing automobiles and other goods domestically, according to sources.
The facility is expected to support the export of a variety of goods, including Vidarbha’s cotton, transmission towers, automobile parts, two-wheelers, and three wheelers. Additionally, perishable commodities like oranges and onions, along with tractors, are anticipated to feature prominently in trade with Bangladesh.
The park was inaugurated by Nitin Gadkari in December last year, following years of planning and development. Logistics businessman Pyare Khan noted that trade with Bangladesh has resumed after a period of political disruptions, creating new opportunities for the Sindi facility.
Shiv Kumar Rao, a logistics entrepreneur and former president of the Vidarbha Economic Development (VED) Council, emphasized the park’s potential to revolutionize logistics in Vidarbha. He highlighted its ability to centralize domestic cargo operations, which are currently scattered across various railway terminals, giving the region a significant boost in economic activity.
With its operational launch on the horizon, the Sindi Multimodal Logistics Park is expected to play a pivotal role in enhancing trade efficiency, both regionally and internationally.
