Transporters announce Indefinite Strike at Kandla and Mundra Ports from September 12

GANDHIDHAM: Trade operations at two of India’s busiest ports, Kandla and Mundra, are set to come to a standstill as transporters in the region announced an indefinite strike starting September 12, according to a Official Trade Circular issued by Joint Forum of Truck Owners & Operators.

The Joint Forum of Truck Owners & Operators in the Kandla–Mundra region has resolved to suspend all cargo movement in protest against what they describe as long-ignored grievances related to road infrastructure, highway safety, and pending demands of the transport community.

In the meeting held at the The Gandhidham Chamber of Commerce & Industry by the members of All-Transport association on 9 September, it was unanimously decided that despite repeated reminders to NHAI over the past year, the condition of the roads has not improved – in fact the situation has worsened.

Therefore, members of the All-Transport Association were left with no other option and have decided to go ahead with the “No Road No Toll” protest against the NHAI. Until the roads are properly repaired, the association has decided not to pay any tolls and to continue with the protest.

The protest will begin at 10.00 Hrs on 12th Sept from Shamkhiyali Toll Plaza. Until the demands of the All-Transport Association are accepted by the NHAI, transport movement will be halted.

Complete Suspension of Cargo Movement

The strike will impact both import and export shipments, with a blanket halt on truck operations. Activities at Container Freight Stations (CFSs), empty container yards, liquid terminals, and allied industrial units are also expected to be suspended. No inward or outward truck movement will be permitted until the strike is officially withdrawn.

Reasons Behind the Protest

Transport associations said the decision follows repeated but unaddressed appeals to authorities regarding:

• Poor road infrastructure in the region
• Lack of proper highway maintenance and safety measures
• Unresolved long-pending demands of the transport sector

“Despite several representations, these issues remain unattended, leaving us with no option but to take this collective step in the interest of sustainable trade and transport operations,” the forum said in its statement.

Advisory to Trade and Industry

The associations have urged exporters, importers, freight forwarders, and other stakeholders to pre-plan their logistics and complete urgent shipments before the strike begins. Industry players have also been advised to stay in touch with respective associations for real-time updates.

Call for Cooperation

While acknowledging the inconvenience that the strike may cause, the transporters appealed for patience and solidarity. “This action has been taken in the larger interest of all stakeholders connected to the Kandla–Mundra trade ecosystem. Collective support is essential to achieve sustainable solutions for the benefit of trade, industry, and the transport community alike,” the statement added.

The strike is expected to have significant repercussions on cargo movement through Kandla and Mundra, both key gateways for India’s international trade.