Union of Major Port Dock Workers in India to strike from 28 August 2024

13 September 2024

As the Indian government has come to an agreement with the Union of Major Port Dock Workers, the strike has been called off.

Vincy Sebastian
Ocean Freight Product Head - Indian Subcontinent
Toll Global Forwarding

28 August 2024

The port workers' union reached a five-year agreement with the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. As such, the action scheduled to commence today (28 August 2024) has been deferred.

All major ports in India are expected to operate normally without disruptions, and we do not anticipate any delays or complications for your shipments.

Please contact your local Toll Global Forwarding representative or office if you require any support with your freight forwarding requirements.


Vincy Sebastian
Ocean Freight Product Head - Indian Subcontinent
Toll Global Forwarding

21 August 2024

The Union of Major Port Dock Workers in India has called a strike from 28 August 2024 until the Government of India and the union reach an agreement.

This action is expected to impact ports that are fully or partially operated by India's Central or State Governments -categorised as 'Major Ports':

  • Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT), one of five terminals in Nhava Sheva
  • Chennai Old Port, one of three terminals in Chennai
  • Kamarajar Port, one of three terminals in Chennai
  • Visakhapatnam (Vizag)
  • Kolkata
  • Cochin

Privately owned terminals are expected to run normally.

If the strike occurs, it will likely have a negative impact on India’s exports and imports. Hence, we highly recommend our customers to consider the following alternatives:

  • To/from South India: 
    • Use Kattupalli terminal instead of Chennai or Ennore
    • Truck to/from terminals, particularly privately operated ones, on the western coast, e.g., Nhava Sheva
  • To/from Kolkata
    • Consider Krishnapatnam or Kattupalli

Shipments to/from the western region of India can proceed as planned if bookings are with terminals other than JNPT.

We will provide updates as the situation develops. 


Please contact your local Toll Global Forwarding representative or office to discuss your requirements, so we can advise you on the most appropriate solution for your supply chain.

Vincy Sebastian
Ocean Freight Product Head - Indian Subcontinent
Toll Global Forwarding

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