Jalna Dry Port Reopens Following Partial Tax Payment
Revenue department authorities in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar reopened the Jalna dry port on Tuesday, just two days after sealing it over non-payment of taxes. The facility resumed operations after officials made a partial payment toward outstanding dues.
Payment Details and Official Assurance
Jalna tehsildar Chhaya Pawar confirmed to TOI that dry port officials have paid Rs20 lakh against a total outstanding amount of Rs52 lakh in non-agricultural tax. The officials have provided assurance that the remaining dues will be settled in the next few weeks, allowing the facility to continue functioning without further disruption.
Strategic Importance of the Dry Port
Operating under the Navi Mumbai-based Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA), the Jalna dry port is considered a game-changer for Marathwada's economic development. Alongside the Nagpur-Mumbai Samruddhi Expressway and Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC), this facility is positioned to transform regional logistics and industrial growth.
Industry Concerns and Operational Challenges
Despite the reopening, local industry leaders have expressed concerns about ongoing operational issues. An industrialist highlighted that while infrastructure is adequate, the facility still lacks effective rail connectivity and faces other logistical hurdles. Industry stakeholders are calling for organized measures to ensure the dry port functions as expected, maximizing its potential benefits.
Background and Recent Developments
The Jalna dry port, also known as the Multi-Modal Logistics Park, is hailed as India's first inland dry port. It spans 400 acres near Jalna and was virtually inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 12, 2024. With a handling capacity of up to 10 million TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units), it represents a significant investment in regional infrastructure. In February, a Nagpur-based firm secured a 15-year contract to operate the facility, underscoring its long-term strategic importance.
