The Container Freight Stations Association of India (CFSAI) has raised a red flag over what it calls a “complete disruption” of export-import (EXIM) containerized cargo movement within the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) ecosystem. The disruption stems from a newly imposed police traffic advisory that has restricted cargo movement to just six hours per day, sparking widespread logistical chaos and industry concern.
18-Hour Daily Ban on Cargo Movement
According to the CFSAI’s Trade Advisory dated September 19, the Navi Mumbai Police has enforced a traffic plan that prohibits all EXIM container traffic for 18 hours a day, allowing movement only between midnight and 6:00 AM. The restriction, aimed at easing urban congestion, has had unintended consequences on India’s busiest port ecosystem.
“This has brought cargo flow to a near standstill. Terminal yards are overflowing, and trailer turnaround times have plummeted,” said a senior official from CFSAI.
Import Backlog and Financial Strain
The ripple effect is already visible:
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Import containers dating back over a week remain undelivered.
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Terminal storage yards are at capacity, risking further pile-ups.
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Importers and CFSs are being charged penalties and ground rent, despite having no control over the police-enforced disruption.
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Local Container Freight Stations (CFSs), including Globicon, have echoed similar warnings, citing frequent police barricades and stoppages.
Industry Faces Systemic Risk
CFSAI has warned that if the current restrictions are not rolled back, the JNPA supply chain could collapse, severely impacting industries dependent on timely imports and exports. The association emphasized the national-level economic implications, given JNPA’s role in handling a significant portion of India’s container trade.
Call for Immediate Government Intervention
In response, CFSAI has urgently appealed to key stakeholders including:
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Government of Maharashtra
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Navi Mumbai Police
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JNPA & JNCH Authorities
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Ministries of Shipping, Commerce & Finance
The association is requesting immediate revocation of movement restrictions and a return to round-the-clock cargo operations.
Background: JNPA’s Strategic Importance
The Jawaharlal Nehru Port, located in Navi Mumbai, handles over 55% of India’s container cargo traffic. Disruptions at this scale risk upsetting supply chains across sectors including manufacturing, retail, and pharmaceuticals.
“This is not just a logistics issue — it’s an economic emergency in the making,” a port operator told this publication on condition of anonymity.
