In a significant move to boost economic activity in Tamil Nadu's central region, Trichy Member of Parliament Durai Vaiko held a crucial meeting with Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi on Monday. The central agenda was to secure a pivotal approval from the finance ministry for the establishment of a major dry port in Trichy.
Seeking the Final Nod for Trichy's Export Hub
The MP urgently appealed to the finance minister to issue a formal letter expressing the central government's willingness to support the dry port project. This letter is a critical requirement for the Tamil Nadu government to move forward. Durai Vaiko's representation highlighted that three other key Union ministries—Ports, Shipping and Waterways; Road Transport and Highways; and Commerce—have already pledged their support for the ambitious infrastructure plan.
How a Dry Port Will Transform Local Exports
During the meeting, the MP detailed the transformative potential of the inland port. He explained that a fully-equipped dry port, featuring storage facilities and housing offices for crucial departments like Customs and GST, would allow local exporters to complete all their documentation and container stuffing within Trichy itself. This localisation of export procedures is expected to drastically reduce both logistical costs and transit time for goods, making industries in the region more competitive in international markets.
Durai Vaiko had previously initiated groundwork at the district level, asking the local administration to identify a suitable land parcel of approximately 21 acres for the project. He emphasized that the dry port would be a game-changer for several key local industries, providing a direct boost to food-based businesses, engineering units, and fabrication industries that form the economic backbone of the central Tamil Nadu region.
The Road Ahead for the Project
The push for the dry port underscores a focused effort to decentralize export infrastructure and stimulate industrial growth beyond major coastal cities. With the finance ministry's willingness letter being the last major central approval needed, stakeholders are optimistic. The project promises to streamline export logistics, create employment, and position Trichy as a vital node in India's trade and export network, empowering local businesses to reach global markets more efficiently.
