Maritime News, Navi Mumbai: In a major relief for importers, the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) has announced a 50% reimbursement of ground rent charges on import-laden containers that incurred ground rent beyond eight days of dwell time.
The benefit will be available for eligible containers discharged from vessels on or after 1 May 2026 and removed from port terminals before 2400 hrs on 20 June 2026. The measure comes in response to cargo evacuation delays caused by a shortage of trailer drivers during April and May 2026.
According to JNPA, the shortage of trailer drivers slowed the movement of import containers from terminals, resulting in cargo build-up, longer dwell times and increased storage costs for importers.
Who Benefits from the Reimbursement Scheme?
The relief measure is expected to benefit a wide range of stakeholders involved in India’s import and logistics ecosystem, including:
- Importers facing higher storage costs due to delayed cargo evacuation
- Direct Port Delivery (DPD) Importers affected by transport constraints
- Customs House Agents (CHAs) handling cargo clearance and delivery
- Freight Forwarders coordinating cargo movement and logistics operations
- Container Freight Station (CFS) Operators managing container transfers from port terminals
- Transporters and Trailer Operators working to clear the cargo backlog
- Shipping and Logistics Service Providers affected by congestion and extended dwell times
- Supply Chain Stakeholders dependent on the timely movement of imported cargo
Industry observers believe the reimbursement scheme will help reduce financial pressure on trade, encourage faster cargo evacuation, improve yard utilisation and support smoother cargo flows through India’s largest container gateway.
How Much Relief Will Importers Receive?
Under the special relief measure, JNPA will reimburse 50% of the ground rent paid from the ninth day after landing until the date the container is removed from the terminal.
The reimbursement is aimed at reducing the financial burden faced by importers who were unable to evacuate cargo on time due to transport-related disruptions beyond their control.
Why Was the Relief Introduced?
The decision follows operational challenges faced across the logistics sector during April and May, when trailer driver shortages affected cargo evacuation from terminals.
The disruption led to:
- Higher container dwell times
- Inventory build-up inside terminals
- Increased storage costs for importers
- Pressure on terminal yard capacity
Industry stakeholders had raised concerns about the impact of these delays on trade and requested temporary relief measures to support cargo movement.
How Can Importers Claim the Reimbursement?
Importers seeking reimbursement must submit the following documents to the office of the General Manager (Finance), JNPA:
- Ground rent payment invoices
- Container identification details
- Copy of the Delivery Order (DO)
- Bank account details
Following verification, the eligible reimbursement amount will be transferred directly to the importer’s bank account.
Relief for Trade and Logistics Community
JNPA said the initiative reflects its commitment to supporting trade and logistics stakeholders during operational disruptions while ensuring smoother cargo movement through India’s largest container gateway.
A JNPA spokesperson said the port remains committed to helping the trade and logistics community during challenging periods and ensuring efficient cargo flow across the port ecosystem.
The reimbursement scheme is expected to benefit importers, customs brokers, logistics operators, transporters and other supply-chain stakeholders by reducing storage-related costs and encouraging quicker clearance of cargo.
Industry observers believe the move will help ease congestion, improve yard utilisation and support the restoration of normal cargo movement in the coming weeks.
The trade notice was issued with the approval of the competent authority of JNPA and signed by Girish Thomas, Chief General Manager (Traffic).
