Exporters flag congestion, slow movement of containers at Mumbai’s JNPT

Nashik: Exporters have raised serious concerns over escalating congestion at Mumbai's Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNPT), citing heavy traffic at GTI (Gateway Terminal India), BMCT (Bharat Mumbai Container Terminal) and various toll plaza entry points. The delays stem from ongoing road construction and the partial operation of several port gates.According to the exporters, trucks are stuck in long queues at the Parking Plaza, where all containers must undergo mandatory documentation. Reefer containers carrying perishable goods are the worst affected — taking over 24 hours to clear the plaza and an additional 12-24 hours to reach terminal gates. "These extended delays exceed the 48-hour deadline for perishable cargo, leading to frequent shut-outs, financial losses and missed shipment schedules," an exporter said.Alarmed by the worsening situation, a delegation from the Horticulture Produce Exporters Association (HPEA) met customs commissioner Sanjay Pai on Thursday, seeking urgent intervention. The delegation also submitted a memorandum outlining the operational bottlenecks and appealed for immediate corrective action. Pai assured the group that the issue would be taken up on priority and steps would be initiated to ease traffic and expedite the movement of containers across all port gates.HPEA vice-president Vikas Singh said the recurring congestion has become a serious challenge, emphasising that smooth operations at JNPT — one of India's key export gateways — are vital to sustaining the country's export momentum.The exporters have requested the opening of all available gates, better coordination during ongoing road work, and the creation of a dedicated fast-track lane for reefer cargo to prevent further disruptions. Many of the stranded containers are loaded with perishable commodities such as onions and grapes, increasing the risk of spoilage.