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.