Mechanization and Outsourcing of transhipment, loading and unloading at the Mini Dry Port in Phuentshogling have created hue and cry among the importers. The operation of the mini dry port was mechanized on Wednesday this week and outsourced earlier this month to reduce the loading and unloading charges and reduce time to clear commodities. But, it did not go as intended.
Usually, over 60 vehicles come from India at the mini dry port every day. But following the mechanization and outsourcing, the port wore a desolate look. And this is delaying the transhipment, as per the importers.
From nearly150 loaders, only 20 stayed back after the operation was outsourced and mechanized.
According to the loaders, the machines are taking more time to tranship, load and unload compared to them. 12 of them left the mini dry port yesterday. With lesser loaders at the mini dry port, it is taking more time to clear the vehicles.
Wangchuk, one of the drivers said, “when the loading was done manually, the loading charges were high but the vehicles could be transshipped on the same day. Now since it’s mechanized, we haven’t been able to transship for the past two days.”
“When we can’t transship on the same day, we have to return to the low-risk zone at Sorchen with our empty vehicles. It was better when it wasn’t mechanized and outsourced,” he added.
“I came all the way from Wangdue Phodrang day before yesterday. I came here with an escort yesterday morning to load consignment. I couldn’t load and had to return to Sorchen,” said Mahabir Darji, another driver.
The loaders added that they received a call from the customs officials to continue working at the mini dry port from tomorrow.
Sonam Penjor, Phuentshogling
