JNPA states that Container Terminal Operations continue smoothly without congestion

Mumbai, 7 May 2026

Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) has clarified the operational status of its container terminals in light of recent advisories issued by CFSAI and BCBA. All five container terminals at JNPA are functioning smoothly, without congestion, and continue to operate at full efficiency. On an average, JNPA receives 10–12 container vessels daily and handles approximately 22,000 TEUs of containerized import and export cargo every day. Gate operations remain steady, with around 20,000 TEUs moving by road and 2,000 TEUs by rail.

JNPA states that port operations remain uninterrupted and that there is no congestion within the port terminals. The current challenge pertains to the shortage of trailers and drivers arranged by Container Freight Stations (CFSs) and Custom Brokers (CBs).

Import containers stacked at terminal yards are delivered only when trailers are placed by CFSs or CBs. JNPA has stated that ensuring adequate trailer availability is the responsibility of CFSs and CBs. In case drivers are unavailable due to leave or absenteeism, immediate alternative arrangements are required to be made by them.

JNPA further clarifies that there is no backlog of trailers waiting for loading at terminals. The terminals have deployed additional manpower to expedite container delivery. However, the number of trailers arriving at the terminals has reduced due to shortage of drivers.

To facilitate smooth evacuation of containers, JNPA is taking several proactive measures, including facilitating movement of containers by rail to nearby CFSs having rail sidings, coordinating with Customs authorities for expedited approvals, and assisting trade by arranging dedicated trains from West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh to facilitate the return of drivers currently on vacation.

JNPA’s total container storage capacity stands at 1.76 lakh TEUs. Under normal conditions, occupancy ranges between 90,000-1,00,000 TEUs. Due to increased transshipment cargo following geopolitical disturbances in the Middle East, the occupancy level as on May 7, 2026 stands at 1.18 lakh TEUs, which is about 67 per cent of the total storage capacity. Out of the total occupancy, only 26,000 TEUs are transshipment containers, which are not causing congestion. The higher occupancy is solely due to delays in trailer mobilization by CFSs and CBs.

JNPA reiterates that port operations are functioning normally and without congestion. However, the pendency of import containers can be resolved only when CFSs and Customs Brokers urgently mobilise adequate trailers and drivers for container evacuation.

* * *

PIB Mumbai | Edgar Coelho/Darshana Rane

Follow us on social media:@PIBMumbai    /PIBMumbai    /pibmumbai  pibmumbai[at]gmail[dot]com  /PIBMumbai    /pibmumbai