Micro, small and medium scale entrepreneurs (MSMEs) and exporters have urged the State government to make an announcement on establishing a dry port, an inland container depot, in Tiruchi during the ongoing Budget session of the Assembly.It is one of a long-felt need of the trade and industry in the region. In the recent past, Tiruchi has emerged as one of the fastest growing export regions in the State. A wide range of goods, including engineering equipment, spare parts, fabricated materials, food products, millets, and perishables such as vegetables and fruits are exported. While the exporters use the excellent air connectivity from Tiruchi to export vegetables and fruits, they depend on Chennai, Thoothukudi, Karaikal, or Kochi port to export other items.It is estimated that about 40 to 50 containers, with a capacity of 25 tonnes each, are transported by road every month from Tiruchi to these seaports. Industrialists and exporters from the region face high transport and handling costs, along with time-consuming formalities at the ports. If a dry port was established in Tiruchi, exporters could complete the required documentation and other procedures locally, significantly reducing cost and time. To press their demand, the representatives of trade and industrial bodies had sent several representatives to the Union and State government authorities and the elected representatives.Tiruchi MP Durai Vaiko, who is keen to establish the facility, had taken up the issue and met Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitaraman twice in New Delhi. He placed his demand with Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay when he met him in Chennai recently.An announcement was expected in the State Budget for establishing a dry port in Tiruchi. However, it did not have any announcement in this regard. Industrial and trade bodies had urged the State government to make an announcement during the demands for grants on Industries, Investment Promotion and Commerce in the ongoing budget session.N. Kanagasabapathy, president, Tiruchi, Micro Small and Medium Enterprises Association, said the role of Union and State governments was important in establishing a dry port. The State government had to make a formal announcement in this regard and allotment of suitable lands to the project. The State government should make an announcement during the budget session. The Central government should also take steps to extend necessary financial support to the project by involving all stakeholders mainly the Chennai Port Authority and the V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority, Mr. Kanagasabapathy added. Published - August 07, 2026 06:50 pm IST