Steel Exchange India Limited (SEIL), a leading integrated steel producer in South India known for its SIMHADRI TMT brand, has entered into a non-binding strategic collaboration with Vizag Profiles Logistics Pvt. Ltd. (VPL) and Hind Terminals Pvt. Ltd. (HTPL). The partnership aims to explore the development of a General Cargo Terminal (GCT) and a Multi-Modal Logistics Park (MMLP) in Visakhapatnam.
This move represents a significant step towards enhancing cargo movement across coastal and inland routes. The three parties plan to jointly evaluate opportunities in areas including the operation of container trains from the proposed GCT, coastal shipping using domestic barges and containers, and rail-based inland transport for steel and general cargo. Additionally, the collaboration will assess the development of endto-end multimodal logistics services.
The proposed initiatives combine SEIL’s ongoing GCT rail siding development, VPL’s strong regional logistics infrastructure, and HTPL’s portlinked cargo handling expertise. Together, the partners aim to boost logistics efficiency, shorten transit durations, and deliver scalable cargo handling solutions across the Visakhapatnam region.
While the agreement is currently non-binding, it lays the groundwork for conducting feasibility studies, initiating pilot operations, and potentially establishing long-term commercial partnerships.
For SEIL, this initiative is seen as a strategic extension beyond its core steel manufacturing operations. It is expected to unlock greater value from the company’s logistics assets and enhance supply chain competitiveness.
Commenting on the announcement, Mr Suresh Kumar Bandi, Joint Managing Director of Steel Exchange India Limited, said, “This collaboration is a strategic step forward in our efforts to expand beyond steel manufacturing and strengthen our presence in infrastructure and logistics. With Vizag’s growing role as a logistics hub, aligning our GCT project with the capabilities of VPL and HTPL presents a strong opportunity to enable efficient, multimodal cargo movement. We are confident this initiative will significantly enhance operational efficiency and contribute meaningfully to our long-term growth plans.”