Major Indian ports like Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT), Mundra, Chennai, Kamajarar, Kattupalli and 23 Container Freight Stations (CFS) near Tamil Nadu are facing cargo backlog and congestion due to COVID-19 related lockdown, state Davis Index sources.
As the fresh cases continue to rise, labour shortage has hampered transport and other businesses since drivers have left for their hometowns. Besides disrupting supply chains, it has left 50,000 sea containers uncleared at the 23 CFS and private ports in Chennai, Mundra and JNPT. Additionally, various shipping lines like Maersk, Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), Cma Cgm Agencies, Hapag-Lloyd and Cosco have skipped calls at container gateways where import cargo lies uncollected according to local media. They are likely to give preference for bookings where the clearance is quicker, and the available containers can be utilised at port linked freight stations.
For speedy evacuation of containers, the Tamil Nadu police has volunteered to help by locating truck drivers and bringing them safely to Chennai and ensure this backlog is cleared before the lockdown is lifted. If the backlog persists, it could lead to congestion on roads later.