The Maratha reservation agitation on Monday brought cargo movement across Maharashtra to a grinding halt, choking all major routes to South Mumbai and leaving exporters and importers in panic as ships waiting at port missed crucial loading deadlines. With the Atal Setu, Navi Mumbai approaches, Panvel junction, and the Eastern Freeway sealed for heavy vehicles and ODC (over-dimensional cargo) consignments, time-bound shipments were stranded on highways.

“Among the worst-hit is heavy equipment machinery meant for the vessel Jabel Ali Nine, scheduled to sail Tuesday morning. The shipment was due to reach Mumbai Port on Monday evening, but loaded trucks were denied entry. Missing the sailing will not only mean crores in penalties and cancellations but also dent India’s credibility in global trade,” said Bal Malkit Singh, former president & advisor, All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC).