On Friday, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, responsible for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, announced that approximately 90% of the cargo backlog at Indian ports, which resulted from the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, has been successfully addressed due to proactive measures and ongoing oversight.
During a high-level review meeting with senior officials and port authorities, Sonowal highlighted that the situation in West Asia had initially caused disruptions in cargo transportation and vessel operations.
“We responded promptly and collaboratively to tackle the challenges that emerged. Our consistent monitoring and timely actions have enabled us to normalize port operations and effectively clear the backlog, ensuring the resilience of India’s trade,” Sonowal stated.
A ministry source informed The Indian Express that due to vessels not heading towards West Asia, cargo containers had accumulated at various ports. These containers have since been distributed either to domestic markets or returned to their countries of origin.
In his review, the minister evaluated the operational status of different ports and commended the efforts of port staff and authorities in mitigating congestion during this critical phase.
Sonowal emphasized that the Modi Government is committed to maintaining operational continuity while protecting the interests of exporters, importers, and logistics participants.
The minister instructed all port authorities to ensure that the financial relief measures announced by the Ministry, which include waivers on ground rent and reductions in reefer charges, are promptly conveyed to stakeholders without any delays or bureaucratic hurdles, according to a ministry statement.
The statement further noted, “The minister directed the Directorate General of Shipping to uphold complete transparency regarding shipping-related fees. This crisis should not be exploited for profit. All charges must be properly documented and monitored to safeguard trade interests.”
The meeting also addressed the grievance redressal systems at ports, with Sonowal urging officials to enhance these mechanisms to ensure quick resolution of stakeholder issues during such disruptions.
