10% busy season charge on container traffic roils trade
PORTS & SHIPPING

10% busy season charge on container traffic roils trade

Trade dissatisfaction is mounting in response to the Indian Railways' recent decision to impose a 10 percent Busy Season Charge on container traffic, with private ports and terminal operators actively seeking a reversal of the levy, which came into effect on October 1st.

Kevin D'Souza, the President of the Indian Private Ports & Terminals Association (IPPTA), a prominent industry advocacy group, expressed concerns in a letter dated October 5th addressed to Sushil Kumar Singh, the Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways. Singh, an officer from the Indian Railway Service of Mechanical Engineers (IRSME), is currently on deputation to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways.

D'Souza underscored the significance of rail transportation as the fastest and most efficient means of moving cargo to and from terminals and ports to the hinterland. He voiced apprehensions that the additional levy would lead to a shift of container traffic from rail to road, potentially causing adverse effects on the overall dwell time of import cargo at terminals and ports, ultimately driving up logistics costs.

This growing discontent within the trade highlights the ongoing challenges faced by stakeholders in the wake of the newly imposed charge. The debate surrounding the Busy Season Charge underscores the complexities of balancing the interests of various parties in the realm of Indian logistics and transportation.

Trade dissatisfaction is mounting in response to the Indian Railways' recent decision to impose a 10 percent Busy Season Charge on container traffic, with private ports and terminal operators actively seeking a reversal of the levy, which came into effect on October 1st. Kevin D'Souza, the President of the Indian Private Ports & Terminals Association (IPPTA), a prominent industry advocacy group, expressed concerns in a letter dated October 5th addressed to Sushil Kumar Singh, the Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways. Singh, an officer from the Indian Railway Service of Mechanical Engineers (IRSME), is currently on deputation to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways. D'Souza underscored the significance of rail transportation as the fastest and most efficient means of moving cargo to and from terminals and ports to the hinterland. He voiced apprehensions that the additional levy would lead to a shift of container traffic from rail to road, potentially causing adverse effects on the overall dwell time of import cargo at terminals and ports, ultimately driving up logistics costs. This growing discontent within the trade highlights the ongoing challenges faced by stakeholders in the wake of the newly imposed charge. The debate surrounding the Busy Season Charge underscores the complexities of balancing the interests of various parties in the realm of Indian logistics and transportation.

Next Story
Resources

Haworth India Hosts Women’s Leadership Panel Series

Haworth India marked International Women’s Day by hosting a leadership roundtable series titled ‘Give to Gain’, bringing together senior women leaders from architecture and design firms, corporates and project management consultancies. The series has been conducted in Delhi and Mumbai, with upcoming sessions scheduled in Bengaluru and Hyderabad on 27 March 2026. Structured as moderated panel discussions followed by audience interaction, the initiative examined the business impact of women’s leadership and the role of inclusive workplaces in supporting professional growth. Manish Khan..

Next Story
Real Estate

Max Estates Secures RERA For Max One Project

Max Estates has secured RERA approval (UPRERA No.: UPRERAPRJ9759) for its Max One development around Max Towers in Sector 16B, Noida, bringing renewed progress to a project previously stalled following the insolvency of its earlier developer. Spread across around 10 acres with an estimated development potential of about 2.5 million sq ft, Max One is planned as an integrated mixed-use campus combining serviced residences, premium offices, retail spaces and a private club. The project is expected to generate total sales potential of about Rs 20 billion along with an estimated annuity rental inc..

Next Story
Real Estate

Hindware Introduces Starc Smart Wall Mount Toilet

Hindware has introduced the Starc Smart Wall-Mount Toilet under its Hindware Italian Collection, designed to combine automation, hygiene and contemporary bathroom aesthetics. The model features automatic flushing, sensor-based seat opening and closing, and remote-controlled functions. It also includes an oscillating water spray and warm air dryer for cleaning, along with a self-cleaning nozzle designed to maintain hygiene. Additional features include adjustable heated seating, customisable water temperature and pressure settings, a foot-touch flush system and an LCD control interface. The wa..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement