Loading delays at Mundra port are affecting trade, truckers complain

An association of over 15,000 truckers has written to the Centre seeking an end to delays in the allotment of containers that is pushing up the cost of the logistics at Mundra, India's largest container port.

- Ravi Dutta Mishra & Subhash Narayan

The Kandla Mundra Container Transport Welfare Association in its letter to the ministry of road transport & highways said the primary cause of major trade loss is the denial of access for export laden containers, as the gate does not adhere to the booking schedule.

"Moreover, vehicles face delays in unloading at the terminal, exacerbating inefficiencies, and leading to substantial financial losses. These issues demand urgent attention and resolution to mitigate the adverse impact on trade operations and overall profitability," the truckers said.

They said the current average loading time for imports is 6 to 12 hours and the extended turnaround time adds to operational challenges, hindering the smooth flow of goods in the supply chain.