Customs brokers at Mundra port are seeking a series of infrastructural changes to expedite loading and clearance of export import (exim) shipments.
A representation was recently made by the Mundra Customs Brokers’ Association (MCBA), saying inefficiencies in container movement and slow clearances have led to a surge in logistics costs for exporters and importers.
Customs brokers have also alleged that poor infrastructure conditions — waterlogging and muck in cargo transport areas — are making movement of transport vehicles difficult. “There are issues with allotment of empty containers at ports and delays in delivery of import containers. This is aggravated by insufficient manpower and loading equipment,” said Manoj Kotak, secretary, Mundra Customs Brokers’ Association. “There are longer waiting times for vehicles to enter terminals which is causing delays.”
Bhaven Thacker, who runs a container freight station, said, “Infrastructure improvement is a major concern at yards and in areas around the port, as it is hampering the shipping process.”
After Cyclone Biparjoy made landfall in Gujarat, there was a major container pile up at Mundra which continued for over a fortnight. After that, Adani Ports and SEZ Limited and the customs authorities expedited clearances, and the pile-up has dropped from 12,000 containers a fortnight ago to around 2,400 now, sources said.