JNPA Offers 50% Ground Rent Refund To Ease Importers’ Container Backlog

The Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) has announced a 50% reimbursement of ground rent on import-laden containers that stayed at its terminals beyond eight days, offering relief to cargo owners hit by evacuation delays triggered by an acute shortage of trailer drivers in April and May. The move is aimed at cushioning importers from additional logistics costs that arose due to factors beyond their control.

According to a trade notice, the concession will apply to import containers destined for Container Freight Stations (CFSs) or cleared under Direct Port Delivery (DPD) that were discharged from vessels on or after May 1 and removed from the terminals on or before June 20. Containers landed after June 12 have been excluded from the scheme’s ambit.

JNPA said the driver shortage had led to congestion and inventory build-up at the port, as CFS operators and DPD importers were unable to evacuate boxes within the normal free period. To mitigate the impact, the port will reimburse half of the ground rent accrued from the ninth day after landing until the date the container is taken out.

“JNPA remains committed to facilitating trade and supporting the logistics community during operational challenges,” a port spokesperson said, noting that the measure is designed to ensure smoother cargo movement through the port ecosystem. The trade notice has been issued with the approval of the competent authority and signed by Girish Thomas, Chief General Manager (Traffic).

Importers seeking the refund must submit ground rent payment invoices with container details, a copy of the Delivery Order and bank account particulars to the office of the General Manager (Finance), JNPA. After verification, the eligible refund amount will be credited directly to the importer’s bank account.