Archive · 20 Aug 2026
Government launches drive to clear India’s port congestion
India’s ports have too many containers waiting to be moved or cleared.
The customs authority has started a special drive to remove cargo that has been stuck for a long time.
The drive will continue until October 31.
It includes cargo that is unclaimed, uncleared, seized or confiscated.
Clearing these containers should create more room at ports and storage centers.
It may also make more containers available to exporters.
Shipping has been disrupted because vessels moved away from important routes after the West Asia conflict escalated on February 28.
Some ships were diverted or returned to Indian ports, while shipping companies skipped calls or accepted fewer containers.
The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs ordered a mandatory drive to clear long-pending containers at major Indian ports.
The drive runs until October 31 and covers unclaimed, uncleared, seized and confiscated cargo.
Authorities aim to free storage space, reduce logistics costs and improve container availability for exporters.
West Coast ports and inland container depots are operating near capacity, delaying incoming and outgoing cargo.
Shipping disruptions linked to the West Asia conflict have led to diversions, skipped port calls and stranded export consignments.
- Who
- The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs, along with affected port and shipping-sector operators.
- What
- A mandatory, high-priority drive to clear long-pending containers and cargo from major Indian ports.
- When
- The drive continues until October 31; shipping disruptions began after the West Asia conflict escalated on February 28.
- Where
- Major Indian ports, particularly those on the West Coast, as well as inland container depots.
- Why
- To release storage and terminal capacity, reduce logistics costs and improve container availability for exporters amid congestion and shipping disruptions.
- Lead agency
- Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC)
- Deadline
- October 31
- Cargo covered
- Unclaimed, uncleared, seized and confiscated cargo
- Most affected areas
- Major Indian ports, especially West Coast ports, and inland container depots
- Main objective
- Free storage capacity and make containers available for exporters
- Shipping disruption
- Vessels have been diverted, some returned to Indian ports, and scheduled port calls have been skipped
- Exporter impact
- Export consignments have remained stranded, with some firms waiting weeks for alternative sailings