MP SMEs demand dry port in Satna, Katni, Singarauli

This region is one of the largest cement producing regions

Small scale industries want a dry port in Satna, Katni and Singarauli region. The region, which has been planned as new industrial corridor, is also known as cement producing hub in the central India. It is rich in limestone deposits and a number of companies produce ordinary and pure Portland cement.

“Katni-Satna-Singarauli region is one of the largest cement producing regions but in absence of dry port it faces tough completion from outsiders,” said Yogesh Tamrakar, president MP Laghu Udyog Sangh.

The state government has planned to develop three industrial corridors on real-estate model; Bhopal-Indore, Bhopal-Bina and Katni-Singrauli. The state would take loans from HUDCO for the purpose. However, Bhopal and Indore already have dry ports in Mandideep and Pithampur.  

“Firstly the development of corridors are necessary as they are bird projects and would offer economic opportunities to potential investors in various sectors like industrial infrastructure, tourism and even education and research.  The department of industries has already received project reports for three corridors and has consultants, a dry port may be planned at a later stage,” a highly placed government official said.

Container Corporation of Indian Limited had set up three dry ports in Madhya Pradesh; beginning with Pithamnpur in 1994. Mandideep dry port was the 56th terminal of Concor in India Firms like Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL), HEG, Nahar Spinning Mills, Anant Spinning Mills, Ralson Tyres and Tubes, VA TECH Hydro, Maxon Remedies, Lupin Bhasker Industries, Anant Spinning Mills, and Procter and Gamble export goods from the port.

“Exporters face problems of non-availability of racks and additional expenses on haulage due to poor and indirect link with Satna and Katni railway stations and exports is routed to Mumbai through roads or rail which is costlier,” Tamrakar said.

The Pithampur dry port, located near the special economic zone, Indore is now exporting and importing around 12000 containers (20000 TEUs) per annum.

MP State Industrial Development Corporation and Hudco had signed a deal in Khajuraho Global Investors meet for a loan tie-up of Rs 1,000 crore to develop the industrial infrastructure projects.

However, it is yet to be known that how much amount the government would invest in these corridors.

“If a dry port is planned it will also boost exports from the region not only to cement manufacturers but also to small scale industries in Jabalpur where food products also have no easy custom clearance options,” said another office-bearer of MP Laghu Udyog Sangh.