Ludhiana, Nov 7 (KNN) The Chamber of Industrial & Commercial Undertakings (CICU) has said that stalled rail operations have aggravated the situation as exporters are facing losses.

''Industry in this region was already going through a lot of stress post lockdown amidst COVID and stalled rail operations have further aggravated the situation,'' said S Upkar Singh Ahuja, President, and CICU in a statement on Friday.

CICU further said that as the quantum of shipments is huge and owing to a deficit of bonded trucks, the region is facing a huge pendency, around 4,000 export containers are believed to be stranded at various inland container depots in Punjab.

Pankaj Sharma, General Secretary, CICU emphasized that as a normal trade practice, all shipping lines are giving 10 days of free time to stuff such as custom seal and handover the containers at any of the inland container depots at Ludhiana.

''We have been approached by a number of exporters of this region claiming that a few shipping lines taking benefit of the current situation are trying to pull a fast one on,'' he added.

The industry body claimed that at present scenario, the shipping lines are not charging any detention if the container is handed over within the stipulated time but due to non-availability of trains, containers lying there.

''Industry appreciates the good gesture of the shipping lines but a few stray cases have been noted where containers are handed over on time but  due to the prevailing circumstances there is a delay in railing out of the same,'' the CICU said.

''A few shipping lines are allegedly found promoting monopolistic market practices by charging detention to customers which is exploitation, unethical and unlawful activity,'' it claimed.

''This is a matter of concern as we all know that trains are non-operational in Punjab and the local industry is already reeling under huge losses. The dearth of raw material has already escalated the cost of manufacturing. Prolonged delay of export containers is worrisome for exporters as it is making their Buyers go jittery over timely supplies,'' said Sarvjit Singh, Co-convener, CICU Export Promotion Committee.

''Buyers are now thinking of making alternate arrangements from other countries. This may result in the cancellation of export orders and strain their relations with overseas buyers permanently,'' he added.

''The objectives of the trade are the same and need to be promulgated. We call upon the erring shipping lines to abstain from exploiting the hapless exporters. It is the need of the hour for all to come together and face the tiring times collectively,'' CICU added.