The Indian government has launched a special nationwide drive to clear long-pending and stranded containers at ports, with authorities setting October 31, 2026 as the target date for completing the exercise.
The initiative is aimed at reducing port congestion, freeing up valuable storage space and improving the movement of import and export cargo through India’s maritime gateways. The move comes as authorities continue to address logistics disruptions and container accumulation caused by prolonged transit times and changing shipping patterns.
Government agencies and port authorities are expected to identify containers that have remained at ports, container freight stations and related facilities for extended periods and expedite their clearance through coordinated action.
The drive will involve closer coordination between Customs authorities, port operators, shipping lines, container freight stations, freight forwarders and other logistics stakeholders . Cargo requiring regulatory clearances or documentation will be processed on a priority basis, while cases involving abandoned or uncleared goods will be addressed under applicable procedures.
India has previously introduced several measures to improve container evacuation and reduce dwell times. Digital tracking systems such as the Logistics Data Bank (LDB) and the Unified Logistics Interface Platform (ULIP) have been used to improve visibility of containerised cargo and coordinate movements across ports, terminals and inland logistics facilities.
The need for faster clearance has become more significant amid recent disruptions to maritime trade. Government documents have noted cargo accumulation at ports and logistics hubs, along with longer transit cycles and higher freight costs caused by disruptions to maritime routes.
For shipping lines and exporters, quicker evacuation of old containers could improve yard availability, equipment utilisation and terminal productivity. It could also help release containers back into circulation, supporting equipment availability for new export shipments .
The October 31 deadline reflects the government’s push to address aged cargo before it becomes a persistent source of congestion. Successful implementation could improve turnaround times at Indian ports and strengthen the efficiency of the country’s wider EXIM logistics network.