New System Sees Truck Queues Build at Nhava Sheva Terminal

Why It Matters

Extended truck queues erode supply‑chain reliability and increase logistics costs, highlighting capacity strain as Indian ports surge toward fiscal‑year‑end demand.

Key Takeaways

• Trucks wait 25‑30 hours at GTI gate.
• New slot system blamed for queue buildup.
• GTI handled 212k TEU in January, 14.5% YoY rise.
• FY 2025‑26 volume reached 1.9 million TEU.
• Lower tariffs attract carriers, intensifying port competition.

Pulse Analysis

The recent implementation of a slot‑allocation mechanism at GTI was intended to streamline berth assignments, yet it has inadvertently created a choke point for inbound trucks. Drivers now endure multi‑day waits, inflating demurrage charges and disrupting just‑in‑time deliveries. For freight forwarders, the uncertainty translates into higher inventory buffers and reduced service levels, prompting calls for immediate operational adjustments or a temporary suspension of the new system.

Despite the congestion, GTI’s throughput metrics underscore a broader shift in India’s maritime landscape. Handling 212,000 TEU in January—a 14.5% year‑on‑year increase—and reaching 1.9 million TEU in the first ten months of FY 2025‑26, the terminal benefits from competitive tariff structures that undercut neighboring facilities. The launch of PSA Mumbai’s Phase 2, boosting capacity to 4.8 million TEU, has further accelerated overall port activity, pushing monthly averages above 700,000 TEU across JNPA. This volume surge reflects both a rebound from pandemic lows and strategic cargo reallocation from rival ports such as Mundra.

The confluence of rising volumes and operational bottlenecks signals a critical inflection point for Indian gateway ports. Stakeholders—from shipping lines to policy makers—must balance efficiency gains with infrastructure scalability to avoid systemic delays. Potential remedies include expanding gate lanes, integrating real‑time slot management platforms, and revisiting tariff incentives to distribute traffic more evenly. As the fiscal year closes on March 31, the pressure to maintain seamless cargo flow will intensify, making proactive capacity planning essential for sustaining India’s position in global supply chains.