The central and Tamil Nadu governments have given in-principle approval for establishing a Multi Modal Logistics Hub (MMLH), or dry port, in Tiruchy, with the Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation (TIDCO) set to commence a detailed study for developing the facility.
Tiruchy MP Durai Vaiko said the latest development was reflected in a letter written by Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay to Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on August 24. The Chief Minister stated that the Tamil Nadu government had already taken a policy decision to establish an MMLH in Tiruchy and that TIDCO would shortly begin a detailed study for the project.
According to the letter, Tiruchy’s strategic location in central Tamil Nadu, proximity to manufacturing and agro-processing industries, strong industrial and agricultural connectivity, and international airport make it well suited for a logistics hub. The proposed facility is also expected to leverage Tiruchy’s connectivity with major seaports in Tamil Nadu and Kerala, strengthening the region’s export ecosystem.
Durai Vaiko said the Chief Minister’s communication followed an official letter he received from Union Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary on August 20. The Minister stated that once the State government submits a project proposal, it would be examined expeditiously for notification of Customs operations in accordance with the Customs Act, 1962, and the consolidated guidelines issued by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) for approval of Inland Container Depots.
The proposed dry port is expected to benefit exporters and industries in Tiruchy as well as the neighbouring districts of Karur, Ariyalur, Perambalur, Pudukkottai and Thanjavur. The facility could reduce transportation and cargo-handling costs, improve the international competitiveness of exporters and enable faster movement of cargo to seaports.
The project is also expected to attract new industrial investments, generate employment and strengthen Tiruchy and central Tamil Nadu as an emerging industrial and logistics hub.
Durai Vaiko urged the State government to complete the TIDCO study at the earliest, identify a suitable location and submit the detailed project proposal to the Centre. He said a minimum of 20 acres would be required for the facility, while up to 100 acres could be considered if land is available, allowing for future expansion.
N Kanagasabapathy, President of the Export Import Federation Trichy, said the federation had been pursuing the dry port proposal since 2019. He said the region has significant potential to emerge as an important export hub, with more than 50 containers of export cargo expected every month from the region.
Proposed MMLH Facilities
Container-handling facilities
Warehousing facilities
Cold-chain facilities
Temperature-controlled facilities
Truck terminal
Cargo consolidation facilities
Distribution hubs
Customs clearance facilities
Port Connectivity
The proposed MMLH is expected to facilitate connectivity with major ports in Tamil Nadu and Kerala, including:
Tamil Nadu: Chennai Port, Kamarajar Port, Kattupalli Port and V.O. Chidambaranar Port, Thoothukudi
Kerala: Cochin Port and Vizhinjam Port