Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal on Friday said that nearly 90% of cargo backlog at India’s major ports has been cleared following swift government intervention amid disruptions linked to tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.
Chairing a high-level review meeting with senior officials and port authorities, the minister said timely monitoring and coordinated action helped restore normal port operations and minimise the impact on trade.
“We acted swiftly and in a coordinated manner to address emerging challenges. Continuous monitoring and timely intervention have helped us regularise port operations and clear the backlog efficiently,” Sonowal said.
The disruptions, triggered by geopolitical developments in West Asia, had initially affected cargo movement and vessel traffic. However, officials noted that proactive measures ensured rapid stabilisation, preventing prolonged congestion at key ports.
Major ports including Jawaharlal Nehru Port, Deendayal Port Authority, New Mangalore Port Authority and Mumbai Port have largely cleared stranded cargo. Authorities attributed this to improved logistics coordination, expanded yard capacity and innovative operational strategies.
Emphasising stakeholder welfare, Sonowal directed port authorities to ensure that financial relief measures—such as waivers on ground rent and concessions on reefer charges—are passed on promptly to exporters, importers and logistics operators.
In a strong warning, the minister also asked the Directorate General of Shipping to maintain transparency in shipping-related charges and cautioned against profiteering during the crisis. “This situation must not be exploited. Charges must remain fair and clearly documented,” he said.
The minister further reviewed grievance redressal mechanisms and instructed officials to strengthen systems for faster resolution of stakeholder concerns during disruptions.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to safeguarding trade, Sonowal said the ministry will continue close monitoring of the situation and remain prepared to respond to any further global developments affecting maritime operations.
