The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has granted customs port status to the Jalna Dry Port.
This move is poised to transform the logistics and trade landscape of the region, offering a strategic advantage to industries and businesses operating in and around Jalna. Located approximately 10 km from Jalna city, the dry port is strategically positioned near key industrial hubs such as Aurangabad. Developed by the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT), the facility is being operated by Container Corporation of India Ltd. (CONCOR) under a 9-year operation and maintenance contract initiated in March 2024 .
The dry port is being developed as a multi-modal logistics park over an area of 182 hectares. The first phase of the development, estimated at ₹327 crore, includes essential infrastructure such as rail yards, container yards, warehouses, and administrative facilities. The project is expected to enhance connectivity and reduce logistics costs for businesses in the region . The designation of Jalna Dry Port as a customs port is expected to provide a significant boost to local industries, particularly the steel manufacturing sector. The Jalna Steel Manufacturing Association has expressed optimism that the facility will streamline export processes, reduce turnaround times, and lower transportation costs, thereby enhancing the competitiveness of local products in domestic and international markets
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, has emphasized that the dry port will facilitate direct import and export operations, further integrating the region into national and global supply chains. The presence of customs and excise offices at the port is expected to expedite clearance processes, making it a vital node in India’s logistics network . Looking ahead, the development of the multi-modal logistics park at Jalna is expected to attract further investments and foster industrial growth in the Marathwada region. The integration of road, rail, and customs facilities at the dry port aligns with the government’s vision to enhance logistics efficiency and reduce costs, contributing to the broader objectives of the National Logistics Policy.
The granting of customs port status to Jalna Dry Port marks a pivotal moment in the region’s economic development. By enhancing trade facilitation and reducing logistical bottlenecks, the facility is set to play a crucial role in the industrialization and economic growth of Marathwada. As infrastructure continues to develop and industries leverage these new capabilities, Jalna is poised to emerge as a key logistics and industrial hub in Maharashtra.
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