JNPA offers 50% ground rent relief for delayed import containers

The Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) has introduced a temporary relief measure for importers facing delays at port terminals. Containers stuck for over eight days will now qualify for a 50% reimbursement of ground rent charges. The move comes after congestion issues disrupted normal operations. The shortage of trailer drivers caused severe delays, leaving many import-laden containers stranded at JNPA terminals. As a result, operators of Container Freight Stations (CFSs) and Direct Port Delivery (DPD) facilities struggled to clear cargo within the usual timeframe.

To ease the burden, JNPA will cover half the ground rent from the ninth day after landing until the container’s removal. This applies only to containers discharged from vessels on or after May 1 and cleared by June 20. Those arriving after June 12 do not qualify.

Importers must submit their ground rent invoices, a copy of the Delivery Order (DO), and bank details to the General Manager (Finance) for processing. Once verified, the reimbursed amount will be transferred directly to their accounts.

The scheme was officially announced in a trade notice approved by JNPA’s competent authority. Girish Thomas, Chief General Manager (Traffic), signed the directive. The reimbursement aims to reduce financial strain on importers affected by recent port congestion. Eligible containers must meet the specified landing and removal dates. Payments will be processed after document verification and credited to the provided bank accounts.