Dry port at Hirnoda to cut logistics cost, boost exports

Jaipur: The Thar Dry Port Inland Container Depot (ICD) at Hirnoda near Jaipur, developed at an investment of around Rs 300 crore and operationalised last week, is expected to significantly reduce logistics costs, improve export competitiveness and attract fresh industrial investments across the state.

Spread over more than 100 acres and located just 55km from Jaipur, the dry port is strategically positioned to function as a gateway connecting Rajasthan’s industries directly to international markets through seamless rail links to Gujarat’s ports of Mundra Port and Pipavav Port.

The facility is also connected to the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor, enabling faster and more cost-effective movement of goods.

Industry representatives said the project could be a game-changer for Rajasthan’s export-oriented sectors such as handicrafts, textiles, garments, marble, engineering products, agro-processing and renewable energy equipment.

Suresh Agarwal, president of Federation of Rajasthan Trade and Industry, said, “Until now, exporters often had to bear higher transportation costs and longer transit times due to the state’s landlocked geography. The dry port is expected to bridge this gap by bringing port-level infrastructure and customs clearance facilities closer to manufacturing centres.”

The facility is expected to benefit major industrial clusters including Mahindra SEZ, VKIA, Sitapura, Bagru, Dadu and Alwar.