In the first phase, seven terminals are coming up, the construction of which is expected to be completed in the next 18-24 months. The sites that have been identified are Latur, Patalganga, Chakan, Taloja, Waluj, Talegaon and Ranjangaon.

Dr K Shivaji, CEO, MIDC, said, “The road transport network is a virtual lifeline for trade, industry and the common man. In Maharashtra, we transport millions of tonnes of cargo to their destinations daily traversing the length and breadth of the State. The truck terminal project is thus an important ingredient to maintain an unhindered supply-chain. “

“MIDC’s proposed terminals will provide jobs as well as an integrated state-of-the-art facility including amenities like truck parking, transit and transhipment for goods and trucks, communication and networking, amenities and facilities to crew, transport agency offices, vehicles repairs and maintenance and related activities,” the CEO added.

The modern terminals will have a range of facilities including ample parking, warehousing, loading/unloading, boarding/lodging for drivers, Aids counselling centres and medical facilities, public toilets and eateries. Additional facilities like vehicle servicing and support infrastructure services are also on the anvil. These terminals will also act as logistic centres for goods, warehousing, inter-modal transport, container transport and freight forwarding services.

Bids for eight more such truck terminals as part of the second phase will be invited soon, the MIDC said in a press release. The MIDC claims to be the only state-owned industrial development corporation in India that provides a wide range of support infrastructure services.