Wardha Dry Port: Vidarbha's Logistics Hub Boosting Trade

thenewsdirt
May 19
4 min read

The Wardha Dry Port, located in Sindi, Wardha district, Vidarbha, stands as an inland intermodal terminal designed to streamline the transhipment of sea cargo to inland destinations. Managed by the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT), the facility serves as a satellite port, enabling businesses to complete export-import formalities without travelling to coastal ports like JNPT in Mumbai.

The project, part of the Indian government’s SagarMala initiative, focuses on enhancing port connectivity and reducing logistics costs for both export-import and domestic trade.

Development of the Wardha Dry Port began on October 3, 2017, attended by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari.

The project progressed in three distinct phases. Phase I involved developing 62 acres for an international container depot, completed by 2018. Phase II expanded the facility with an additional 42 acres for another international container depot. Phase III covered 124 acres, designated for an industrial area and logistics park, with provisions for future expansion.

The total area spans 346 acres, reflecting the ambitious scope of the project.

By October 29, 2021, the India Investment Grid reported the project’s completion. In June 2021, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) announced plans to acquire the Sindi dry port to transform it into a comprehensive logistic park, further enhancing its import and export capabilities.

The facility’s connectivity includes a four-lane Nagpur-Wardha road, ensuring seamless access to highways and rail networks. Environmental clearances were secured to support the project’s development, adhering to regulatory standards.

The total cost of the Wardha Dry Port is USD 26.48 million, equivalent to approximately Rs 353 crore.

Initial estimates suggested a higher cost of Rs 400 crore for the Wardha and Jalna dry ports combined, but official figures confirm Rs 353 crore for Wardha alone.

The investment covers infrastructure such as container depots, logistics parks, and connectivity enhancements, positioning the facility as a key component of India’s logistics network.

Economic Impact on Wardha

The Wardha Dry Port has emerged as a catalyst for economic growth in the local region. Designed to generate approximately 1,000 direct jobs, the project prioritises local employment, with a target of 90% of positions allocated to Wardha district residents.

Training programmes, supported by institutions like Symbiosis, have been implemented to equip the local workforce with the necessary skills.

Beyond direct employment, the facility is expected to create numerous indirect jobs through related industries and services.

The port’s presence is anticipated to attract industries to Wardha, fostering industrial development.

Its strategic location near Nagpur, coupled with robust road and rail connectivity, makes it an appealing hub for businesses. By enabling local completion of export-import processes, the dry port eliminates the need for businesses to travel to Mumbai, reducing both time and costs.

This accessibility strengthens Wardha’s position as a trade hub, driving economic activity and investment in the district.

For the Vidarbha region, the Wardha Dry Port offers substantial benefits. The facility significantly reduces logistics costs by improving connectivity with JNPT, allowing businesses to transport goods more efficiently.

Imported goods, such as palm oil, are expected to cost Rs 1-1.5 per litre in Vidarbha due to these savings. The port’s ability to attract industries and investments further bolsters the region’s economy, positioning Vidarbha as a key player in India’s trade landscape.

Nationally, the Wardha Dry Port aligns with the SagarMala initiative’s goal of optimising logistics infrastructure with minimal investment. By decongesting major coastal ports like JNPT, the facility enhances the efficiency of India’s trade operations. It supports the movement of goods inland, reducing pressure on coastal facilities and streamlining supply chains.

The port’s annual capacity of 20,000 TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units) underscores its role in handling significant cargo volumes, contributing to India’s ambition to become a global manufacturing and trade hub.

The project also promotes balanced regional development by fostering economic growth in inland areas.

By providing inland regions with access to port-like facilities, the dry port ensures that economic opportunities extend beyond coastal cities. Its integration into India’s broader logistics network strengthens the country’s trade competitiveness, supporting both domestic and international commerce.

Operational Details and Future Prospects

The Wardha Dry Port, located in Sindi, benefits from its proximity to Nagpur, a major transport hub with excellent land and air connectivity.

The facility’s 346-acre expanse includes container depots, logistics parks, and industrial zones, designed to accommodate future growth.

Its annual capacity of 20,000 TEU enables it to handle significant cargo volumes, serving as a critical link in India’s logistics chain.

The port’s connectivity is a key feature, with a four-lane Nagpur-Wardha road facilitating efficient transport to and from the facility. Rail connectivity further enhances its accessibility, linking it to JNPT and other key trade routes.

The NHAI’s acquisition in 2021 to develop the port into a logistics park signals its potential for expanded functionality, including advanced warehousing and distribution capabilities.

Its strategic location, robust connectivity, and significant investment position it as a cornerstone of economic development in Wardha, Vidarbha, and beyond.

As the facility continues to serve its purpose, it paves the way for a more connected and prosperous trade network, driving growth and opportunity across the region.