Maharashtra Revenue Department Seals Jalna Dry Port Over Unpaid Tax Dues
In a significant enforcement action, revenue department authorities in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar sealed the premises of the Multi-Modal Logistics Park, commonly known as the Dry Port, located in Jalna on Saturday. The sealing was executed due to the non-payment of Rs 52 lakh towards non-agricultural (NA) tax, highlighting a financial dispute that has persisted since last year.
Authorities Cite Persistent Non-Payment as Reason for Sealing
Jalna tehsildar Chhaya Pawar explained that follow-up efforts for the necessary payment had been ongoing since December of the previous year. Despite these reminders, the dry port authorities failed to make the required payment. "While the state government has recently abolished the NA tax, the dry port authorities were defaulters on past dues. As no payment was made despite the fiscal year nearing its end, the facility was sealed," Pawar stated in an interview with TOI.
Pawar further noted that the concerned authorities have assured a partial payment on Monday. Following this, a decision on removing the seal will be considered, potentially allowing the facility to resume operations.
Background and Significance of the Jalna Dry Port
Hailed as the country's first inland dry port, the Jalna Dry Port was officially declared a Customs Port by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) under the Ministry of Finance last year. This designation marked a major milestone for trade and logistics in the Marathwada region, enhancing its economic prospects.
Operating under the aegis of the Navi Mumbai-based Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA), the dry port is part of a broader infrastructure initiative. Alongside the Nagpur-Mumbai Samruddhi Expressway and the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC), it is considered a game-changer for regional development. Spread over 400 acres of land near Jalna, the facility has been designed to handle up to 10 million TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units), positioning it as a major logistic hub.
The dry port was virtually inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 12, 2024, underscoring its national importance. However, the recent sealing has raised concerns about its operational continuity.
Industry and Official Responses to the Sealing
Office-bearers of the Chamber of Marathwada Industries and Agriculture (CMIA) indicated that they do not have immediate information about the sealing of the dry port. "We hope the issue gets fixed soon and the dry port becomes operational to its designed capacity soon," a CMIA office bearer commented, reflecting industry optimism for a swift resolution.
Efforts to reach Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) officials for comments were unsuccessful, leaving questions about their stance on the matter unanswered. The situation underscores the challenges in balancing regulatory compliance with the operational needs of critical infrastructure projects.
As authorities await the promised partial payment, stakeholders are closely monitoring developments, hoping for a prompt resolution to restore the dry port's functionality and support regional trade growth.
