Extracted Data Points
- A high-level meeting was held by Union Minister of Commerce & Industry Piyush Goyal and Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal with representatives of the All India Liquid Bulk Importers and Exporters Association.
- The meeting addressed container congestion arising from CFS trailer driver shortage which led to delays in evacuation of 25,000 containers of import cargo.
- JNPA implemented operational interventions including evacuation of containers through rail movement to nearby Container Freight Stations (CFSs) equipped with railway sidings.
- Simultaneous scanning of double containers was introduced to reduce processing time.
- Intern-Terminal Railway Handling Operation (ITRHO) charges and Change of Mode of Transport charges were waived.
- Port terminals extended waivers and discounts on ground rent charges on a case-to-case basis.
- Dedicated green channels for empty trailers were established across terminals.
- Leading CFS operators pooled nearly 100 trailers to lift entire container stacks, enabling evacuation of long-pending and buried containers.
- These efforts reduced the number of containers lying at terminals for more than 14 days.
- Further efforts include allowing importers direct access to port terminal yards and matching export trailers with import containers.
- Long-term measures include intensified efforts by CFS operators and transporters to increase driver availability.
- Enhanced cargo evacuation through railways is planned.
- Engagement with motor driving training schools to build a larger pool of trained trailer drivers.
- Gradual transition to electric vehicles to improve operational sustainability and driver comfort.
- Introduction of a Truck Appointment System to reduce congestion at terminal gates.
- Terminals are being encouraged to deploy additional handling equipment to support rising cargo volumes.
This press release is Relevant as it contains specific operational data, numerical figures (25,000 containers, 100 trailers), and detailed measures implemented to address port congestion and supply chain issues.