TIDCO invites proposals to select consultant for setting up multi-modal logistics hub in Tiruchi

The multi-modal logistics hub proposed in Tiruchi is expected give a major boost to exports and industrial development in the region. | Photo Credit: IMAGE FOR REPRESENTATIONAL PURPOSE The Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation Limited (TIDCO) has floated a tender to select a consultant to prepare a Detailed Feasibility Report and Project Structuring Options for developing the proposed Multi-Modal Logistics Hub (MMLH) in Tiruchi.The floating of the tender comes in the wake of Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay’s announcement under Rule 110 in the Assembly that TIDCO will conduct a study and prepare a project report, based on which a MMLH will be established in the Tiruchi. He had subsequently written to Union Finance Minister Nirmal Sitharaman outlining the government’s intent.The TIDCO, in its Request for Proposal (RPF), pointed out that Tiruchi, located centrally in Tamil Nadu, and its adjoining districts, have significant industrial and agricultural output, with a large number of major manufacturing industries, MSMEs, and agro-processing units.The region is broadly equidistant from the key gateway ports of Chennai, Kamarajar, Kattupalli, V.O. Chidambaranar (Thoothukudi), Cochin, and Vizhinjam. An inland container depot / dry port in the region is expected to reduce logistics cost and time for the region’s industry and strengthen its export ecosystem.The MMLH will comprise an inland container depot / dry port with Customs facilities, container handling yard, rail siding, warehousing, cold chain, and temperature-controlled facilities, truck terminal, cargo consolidation, and distribution hubs and supporting infrastructure.As per the RPF, the site for the MMLH is yet to be finalised. A land parcel of minimum 30 acres, with scope for future expansion to include value-added services, shall be identified and suggested by the consultant and approved by TIDCO, it said.The consultant will be tasked with preparing the comprehensive Detailed Feasibility Report for the MMLH covering cargo demand assessment, facility configuration, and capacity, concept master layout, road and rail connectivity, statutory and Customs requirements, capital and operating cost estimates, and financial and economic viability.The consultant will analyse the project structuring options for the MMLH, including Joint Venture and Public-Private Partnership, and recommend the most suitable option, and prepare a financial model and an implementation framework.According to the TIDCO tender notice, there will be pre-bid meeting on October 23 and the November 13 will be the last date for submission of proposals.Durai Vaiko, Tiruchi MP, who had been lobbying for the cause, expressed happiness over the floating of the tender. “The MMLH would give a big push to the economic and industrial development of not only Tiruchi district but also the central region of Tamil Nadu,” he said. Published - October 08, 2026 07:03 pm IST