CONGESTION AT JAWAHARLAL NEHRU PORT
LOK SABHA
There was 16% increase
in container traffic in JNPT during the current financial year
from April to July, 2003 as compared to the corresponding period
of the previous year. The sharp rise in container traffic, intense
rain during the monsoon period and consequential fall in productivity
have contributed some congestion at JNPT. This was stated by Shri
Dilipkumar Mansukhlal Gandhi, Minister of State in the Ministry
of Shipping in a written reply to Shri Brahma Nand Mandal, Smt.
Prabha Rau and Shri Vilas Muttemwar in Lok Sabha today.
He further stated
that the clearance of containerized import/export cargo was not
affected at Jawaharlal Nehru Port Container Terminal (JNPCT).
However, it had been partially affected at Nhava Sheva International
Container Terminal (NSICT) in respect of both import and export.
In reply to another
question the Minister stated that in order to meet the expectation
of importers and exporters and improve the service levels, JNPT
has taken a series of measures to facilitate speedy evacuation
of containerized cargo from J.N. Port. The significant steps taken
include eleven trains per day on an average were handled against
an average of nine trains per day during the preceding year; operation
on Rail Line No.6 in JNPT was discontinued since March 203 as
it required repairs. However, special permission was granted for
handling of Inland Container Depot (ICD) containers from 12th
June, 2003 to 12th July, 2003 on Rail Line No.6; exclusive
facility given for back loading of NSICT’s import ICD containers
on Rail Lines 6 & 8 operated by JNPT, for a period of two
weeks from 12th June to 26th June, 2003;
augmentation of container handling equipment at JNPCT by induction
of additional reach stackers; augmentation of tractor-trailers
by NSICT for ICD operations; allocation of bulk berth Nos.2 &
3 for handling of geared container vessels; diversion of all traffic
related to movement of road vehicles, carrying cars and buses
meant for export, through JNPT, from container road to bulk road
etc.
