TIDCO Floats Tender for Multi-Modal Logistics Hub in Tiruchi

The Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation Limited (TIDCO) has invited tenders to appoint a consultant for the proposed Multi-Modal Logistics Hub (MMLH) in Tiruchi, marking a step towards strengthening freight movement and export infrastructure in central Tamil Nadu.

The selected consultant will prepare a Detailed Feasibility Report and recommend suitable project structuring options for the proposed facility. The study will assess cargo demand, infrastructure requirements, connectivity, project costs and financial viability before the government decides how the hub should be developed.

The tender follows an announcement by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay under Rule 110 in the Legislative Assembly. He had said TIDCO would conduct a study and prepare a project report for establishing the logistics hub. The Chief Minister subsequently wrote to Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman outlining the state government’s intent.

Tiruchi’s Strategic Location

TIDCO’s tender document highlights Tiruchi’s central location in Tamil Nadu and the industrial and agricultural activity across neighbouring districts. The region has a presence of major manufacturing industries, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and agro-processing units that depend on efficient transport and distribution networks.

The region is also positioned at a relatively accessible distance from major ports, including Chennai, Kamarajar, Kattupalli, V.O. Chidambaranar in Thoothukudi, Cochin and Vizhinjam. A dedicated inland container depot or dry port could help businesses move cargo more efficiently, potentially reducing logistics costs and transit times while improving access to export markets.

Facilities Planned for the Logistics Hub

The proposed MMLH is expected to include a dry port with Customs facilities, a container handling yard, rail siding, warehouses, cold-chain and temperature-controlled storage, a truck terminal, cargo consolidation facilities and distribution hubs.

The location has not yet been finalised. TIDCO has asked the consultant to identify and recommend a suitable land parcel of at least 30 acres, with scope for future expansion and value-added services. The proposed site will require approval from the corporation.

The consultant will also examine possible project structures, including a joint venture and public-private partnership (PPP), before recommending an appropriate model. A financial model and implementation framework will form part of the assignment.

Tender Timeline

According to the tender notice, the pre-bid meeting is scheduled for October 23, while November 13 is the deadline for submitting proposals.

Tiruchi MP Durai Vaiko welcomed the tender, saying the proposed hub could support industrial and economic development across Tiruchi district and central Tamil Nadu. The project’s eventual impact will depend on the feasibility findings, site selection, investment structure and implementation timeline.