Shortage of workers in clearing cargo clogs airports, ports, railways

A severe shortage of workers and transport in clearing cargo has clogged airports, ports, and, to some extent, railway stations. This is despite the fact that freight movement by air and rail and even trade cargo handled at ports face no lockdown restrictions.

The ambiguity surrounding the definitions of essential and non-essential commodities is lending impediments to the process. Waiving demurrage charges at airports is acting as a disincentive for importers in taking their goods.

The civil aviation ministry had last month ordered a 50 per cent waiver in demurrage charges in order to unclog import warehouses at airports and facilitate a smooth movement of essential items during the lockdown period. However, the customs department is saying this will discourage more importers and brokers from lifting their consignments and cause further congestion at ports and airports.