Under the directive, shipping lines and other stakeholders will be required to move empty containers to designated depots located within the Mundra Port area. APSEZ said the measure is intended to reduce road congestion, improve truck turnaround times and strengthen safety and security controls.   The move has drawn strong opposition from container freight station and empty-yard operators, who argue that restricting carrier-nominated off-dock depots would disrupt established logistics arrangements and reduce operational flexibility. The Container Freight Stations Association of India has urged APSEZ to reconsider the decision.   The Mundra Empty Container Yards & Allied Services Provider Association has warned that its members could suspend operations if the restriction is not withdrawn. Customs brokers have also cautioned that a shutdown could create difficulties for importers and exporters and lead to additional supply-chain disruptions.

Mundra is one of India’s major container gateways, and industry stakeholders are concerned that disruption to empty-container handling could affect cargo movements, equipment availability and overall supply-chain efficiency at the port.