According to members of the NhavaSheva Container Operators’ Welfare
Association (NSCOWA), drivers have faced significantly longer turnaround times
since the update was introduced at the terminal operated by APM Terminals under
the Gateway Terminals India (GTI) concession. The association said the extended delays have impacted business
operations and increased waiting times for container pickups and deliveries.
Transporters say the new
system, which seeks to streamline and schedule truck arrivals, has
inadvertently contributed to congestion at the gate and on access roads leading
into the port complex. Vehicles have reportedly been queuing for hours,
complicating logistics planning for exporters, importers and truck owners who
operate on tight schedules.
The issue comes amid broader concerns over landside congestion at
India’s busiest container gateway, which has been the subject of infrastructure
enhancement discussions, including proposed road link improvements to ease
traffic flow into and out of the port.
Stakeholders are urging port authorities
and terminal operators to fine-tune the system and improve coordination with
transport associations, so that efficiency goals are met without penalising the
road transport segment that is critical to container evacuation and delivery.