In a bid to accelerate the movement of export consignments and streamline India’s trade processes, the government is taking a multi-pronged approach to address bottlenecks at ports and facilitate smoother cargo handling. A recent meeting between the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and stakeholders from the shipping and cargo industry resulted in several key decisions aimed at easing the burden on exporters and importers.
One of the major outcomes of the meeting was the decision to establish a “multidisciplinary help desk” at major ports. This dedicated resource will provide support to exporters, address their concerns, and guide them through the necessary procedures.
Recognizing the crucial role of container availability, the meeting also resolved to allow empty containers to be stored in the yard at Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA), India’s largest container handling port. This move aims to alleviate the shortage of containers and ensure timely availability for exporters.
Furthermore, the meeting addressed the issue of high handling and loading costs for empty containers by the Container Corporation of India Ltd. (CONCOR). Steps will be taken to reduce these costs, thereby easing the financial burden on traders and making exports more competitive.
To further minimize delays, the meeting decided to implement measures to reduce traffic congestion in and around JNPA. This includes facilitating simultaneous scanning of containers to expedite clearance processes and reduce turnaround time.
Beyond addressing immediate concerns, the government is taking a long-term approach to enhance India’s port infrastructure and capacity. The Ministry of Shipping is actively working on modernizing and strengthening port infrastructure to facilitate trade and commerce. They are also aiming to reduce ship turnaround time at ports from the current 48 hours to less than a day, aligning with global best practices.
India’s commitment to boosting its port capacity is evident in the ongoing efforts to increase container terminals and create transshipment facilities at ports. The goal is to transform some of India’s major ports into mega ports, capable of handling vast volumes of cargo and placing India among the top 10 port nations globally.
To ensure a consistent supply of containers for exporters, the government is exploring a production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme for container manufacturing. This move aims to encourage domestic container production, boost the ‘Atma Nirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India) initiative, and guarantee a steady supply of containers to Indian exporters, regardless of global market fluctuations.
These comprehensive measures highlight India’s determination to streamline its export processes, optimize port operations, and establish a more robust and competitive trade environment. By addressing the concerns of exporters and importers, and investing in infrastructure and capacity expansion, India is laying the foundation for a thriving export-oriented economy.
