Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal announced that nearly 90% of backlog cargo at India’s major ports has been cleared, restoring normalcy in operations that were disrupted due to geopolitical tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.
Chairing a high-level review meeting with senior officials and port authorities, the minister stated that the evolving situation in West Asia had initially impacted cargo movement and vessel traffic. However, timely intervention, continuous monitoring, and coordinated efforts helped stabilise operations swiftly, ensuring minimal disruption to trade.
“We acted swiftly and in a coordinated manner to address emerging challenges. Continuous monitoring and timely intervention have helped us regularise port operations and clear the backlog efficiently, ensuring that India’s trade remains resilient,” Sonowal said.
The minister reviewed port-wise operational status and expressed satisfaction over the significant improvement. He commended port employees and authorities for maintaining seamless operations and preventing congestion during a critical period marked by global uncertainty.
Reiterating the government’s commitment to stakeholders, Sonowal emphasised that ensuring operational continuity and protecting the interests of exporters, importers, and logistics players remains a top priority. He directed all port authorities to implement financial relief measures announced by the ministry — including waivers on ground rent and concessions on reefer charges — without delay or procedural hurdles.
In a strong message to the sector, Sonowal instructed the Directorate General of Shipping to ensure transparency in shipping-related charges. “This crisis must not become an opportunity for profiteering. All charges must be clearly documented and monitored to protect trade interests,” he said.
The review also assessed grievance redressal mechanisms at ports, with directions issued to strengthen systems for faster resolution of stakeholder concerns during disruptions.
Officials informed that major ports such as Jawaharlal Nehru Port, Deendayal Port Authority , New Mangalore Port Authority, and Mumbai Port have largely cleared cargo stranded due to the disruptions. Innovative operational strategies, enhanced yard capacity, and coordinated logistics planning played a key role in resolving the backlog.
Reaffirming the government’s proactive approach, the minister said the Ministry will continue close monitoring and remain prepared to respond to any further developments. He added that under the leadership of Narendra Modi, India remains committed to safeguarding its trade interests and ensuring a resilient and efficient maritime sector despite global challenges.
