The IC Centre for Governance had the privilege of hosting Shri Vijay Singh Chauhan, Former Commissioner of Customs, JNPT, who delivered a compelling presentation titled “Streamlining Cargo Clearance at Indian Ports: An Evidence-Based Approach to Trade Facilitation.”
IC Centre for Governance Hosts Expert Session on Trade Facilitation at Indian Ports
📅 Event Date: Thursday | July 31, 2025
The IC Centre for Governance (ICCfG) had the privilege of hosting Shri Vijay Singh Chauhan, Former Commissioner of Customs, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT), for an insightful and thought-provoking session on Thursday, July 31, 2025. His presentation, titled “Streamlining Cargo Clearance at Indian Ports: An Evidence-Based Approach to Trade Facilitation,” offered a deep dive into the evolving landscape of India’s port and customs ecosystem.
Drawing upon his extensive experience in customs administration and port operations, Shri Chauhan highlighted the operational, procedural, and policy-level challenges that continue to influence cargo clearance efficiency at Indian ports. He emphasized the growing importance of data-driven decision-making, robust digital infrastructure, and effective inter-agency coordination in strengthening transparency, predictability, and speed in port operations.
A key focus of the session was the transformative role of digitization in reducing cargo dwell time and improving overall trade efficiency. Shri Chauhan shared practical examples of reforms implemented during his tenure at JNPT, illustrating their measurable impact on operational performance and stakeholder confidence. He also discussed the challenges associated with aligning domestic port procedures with global best practices, underlining the need for continuous policy adaptation and institutional collaboration.
Key Highlights of the Session
-
Digitization as a critical enabler for reducing cargo dwell time
-
Practical reforms at JNPT and their tangible outcomes
-
Policy and operational challenges in harmonizing with global standards
-
Evidence-based recommendations for sustainable trade facilitation reforms
The session attracted a diverse and engaged audience, including policy professionals, trade and logistics practitioners, port and customs stakeholders, and academic scholars. The event concluded with an interactive Q&A session, where participants explored actionable strategies and practical pathways to enhance India’s trade facilitation framework.
The IC Centre for Governance extends its sincere gratitude to Shri Vijay Singh Chauhan for sharing his valuable insights and expertise. The Centre looks forward to continued dialogue and collaboration on advancing port efficiency, customs reforms, and trade facilitation in India.