As per directives from the Ministry of Shipping, Government of India, the port sector has been declared as essential services, for maintaining of supply chain link within the country. Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT), India’s premier container port falls within the ambit of essential services and all terminals of JNPT continues to remain operational.
JN Port authorities have ensured free movement of container from/to CFSs & Port by getting the requisite amendments in the Prohibition Orders issued by Central & State Govt and by this various other agencies such as Shipping Lines, Container Fright Stations (CFSs), Custom House Agents (CHAs), Transporters, CONCOR, Private Container Train Operators, Truck Transporters, BPCL Liquid Cargo Jetty & associated Tank Farms, Empty Yard Operators, Partner Government Agencies like FSSAI, Plant Quarantine linked to Port Operations remain operational and continue to operate as per schedule to help the port perform its duties during these difficult times.
JNPT has also taken some proactive measures at JNPCT and extended reliefs to the trade in order to support Port users and end users like – No dwell time charges will be levied for all import containers moved by road (CFS/DPD/Empty) which were discharged from 22.03.2020 till 14.04.2020; No shifting charges levied for import containers for which change of mode activity (from truck to rail) is performed to facilitate movement of CFS/DPD containers by Rail and Delivery of DPD containers will be allowed from Terminals beyond the 48 hour period.
Port has provided accommodation for the staff of terminals, drivers etc. in Port township, Free Bus Service for the staff of essential services stakeholders for movement in the port area and CFSs, Empty Yards along with the drivers being provided with meal packets and water at the parking plazas.
JN Port is equipped with sufficient storage capacity and can store the containers beyond the free period to keep the movement of cargo hassle free.
This has resulted in ZERO congestion at the port and has helped in protecting the trade channel from any disruption. Port has also set up a control room for resolving issues faced by Port customers, they can reach at 022-27244077/67814022 between 8am to 8pm or email controlroom@jnport.gov.in. As a result of above efforts all the five containers and a liquid terminal are functioning smoothly and the movement of containers to/from CFSs has crossed 8000 TEUs plus as on 31st March.
Shri Sanjay Sethi, IAS, Chairman, JNPT said, “The Novel Coronavirus is one of the biggest challenges that our economy is facing. The perseverance of our employees and the support of all stakeholders over the last couple of weeks, shows our commitment towards ensuring that trade doesn’t come to a standstill. I hope, together as a nation we will come out from this crisis and emerge stronger”.
The port also joined the fight against COVID-19 pandemic by contributing Rs. 16.40 Crore as CSR fund along with one day’s salary to ‘Prime Minister’s Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations Fund’ (PM CARES Fund) which has been created to provide relief to Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic affected people.
The port has undertaken several preventive measures to equip and protect its workforce against respiratory viruses and other potential diseases. Social distancing measures are being followed in the work areas, and overcrowding has been restricted. JNPT Hospital has also implemented several infection control, prevention, and preparedness measures for COVID 19 disease. The hospital has regular interactions with local and district health authorities, providing all possible support extended to them. JNPT hospital also set up an 18-bed quarantine centre right from the beginning of the pandemic and caters to persons requiring to be observed for the disease, especially seamen. Home quarantine is also being done for asymptomatic persons with recent history of travel with proper stamping and monitoring. The JNPT Officers’ Club has also been converted into a 20 bedded JNPT COVID 19 isolation facility. The hospital has tied up with approved laboratories for testing and records are maintained for all suspect patients.
Port is also carrying out extensive community disinfectant spraying and sanitation drive in all its nearby villages too to help put a strong fight against COVID 19.
