Sanand (Gujarat), Oct.14 A private firm has launched a dry port with the latest facilities here that includes state of the art inland container depot (ICD) services to both importers and exporters.

Hasti Petro Chemical and Shipping Limited (HPCSL) has launched its second inland container depot (ICD) named the Thar Dry Port at Sanand, on the outskirts of Ahmedabad.

This privately operated ICD has assured a wide range of services including logistics, transportation and provision of facilities for bonded and non-bonded warehousing.

The company is expecting to do a business of both import and export of around 2000 to 3000 laden containers in the initial six months of its operation.

"We are expecting an initial business of around 2000-3000 containers after the period of six months. Thereafter we are targeting of having a volume of around 3500 to 5000 containers and finally leading to 5000 to 7000 containers over the next two years," said Ruchir Parekh, Managing Director, Hasti Petro Chemical and Shipping Limited (HPCSL).

The Thar Dry Port is an inland inter-modal terminal directly connected by road or rail to a seaport and operates as a nodal centre for the trans-shipment of marine cargo to inland destinations.

"Gujarat has a good volume of trade, both for exports and imports. This facility has been launched for the benefit of importers and exporters so that they don't need to visit a sea port and can get clearances close to their workplace," observed Lipika Majumdar Roy Chowdhury, Commissioner of Central Excise and Customs, Ahmedabad.

HPCSL set up its first ICD at India's northwestern city of Jodhpur in 2001. (ANI)