Nhava Sheva container transport operators to suspend operations from August 20

Container transport operators at Nhava Sheva in Maharashtra have announced a voluntary suspension of vehicle operations starting August 20, 2024. This decision stems from ongoing issues faced by members, including unfair practices at storage yards and the worsening condition of tolled highways, among others.

In a letter addressed to the members of the Container Transporters Association of Nhava Sheva-Maharashtra, President Pravin Paithankar highlighted several significant concerns that led to the decision to withdraw vehicles from service.

He mentioned the raising concerns regarding the storage facilities managed by shipping lines. Members have reported unfair practices at these yards, such as various charges for container loading, offloading, damage, parking, and CPP parking fees. The association has appealed to the Container Shipping Lines Association (CSLA) and the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) to instruct these storage facilities to cease collecting such charges from transporters. Instead, they suggest that these fees be collected directly from importers, exporters, or their authorized agents at the time of issuing the Delivery Order, to avoid vehicle detentions.

Additionally, the deteriorating condition of tolled highways, especially on the Mumbai-Gujarat and Gujarat-Nashik routes, has led to severe vehicle damage and prolonged traffic jams, effectively doubling turnaround times and lowering trip averages. The association has called for the suspension of toll collections on these routes since July 1, 2024, with a request for the refunded toll amounts to be credited back to users’ wallet accounts.

The misuse of the e-challan system by traffic police has also been highlighted as a significant concern. Operators allege that the system is being misused by traffic police for revenue generation, rather than for enforcing justice, with numerous penalties being imposed. This practice has reportedly shifted the traffic police’s focus from ensuring smooth traffic flow to targeting vehicle number plates. The association’s voluntary suspension of operations is intended to bring attention to these critical issues and seek resolution