The failure of the X-Ray scanner has resulted in the suspension of outbound consignments, leaving truckloads of cargo stranded at the airport. A sense of apprehension prevailed among businesses, with some facing the prospect of substantial losses due to the inability to ship vital consignments.
By Lenin Kshetrimayum
In a significant setback to essential logistics, the Imphal International Airport’s sole cargo service provider, Indigo Cargo, has been facing a paralyzing predicament due to the malfunction of their X-Ray scanner since August 7th. The repercussions of this breakdown have rippled through the region, causing considerable disruption to businesses and highlighting pressing concerns about the state’s reliance on a single cargo service provider.
The failure of the X-Ray scanner has resulted in the suspension of outbound consignments, leaving truckloads of cargo stranded at the airport. A sense of apprehension prevailed among businesses, with some facing the prospect of substantial losses due to the inability to ship vital consignments. The urgency of the situation is underscored by the impending cancellation of orders worth substantial amounts, leaving businesses in a precarious situation.
Attempts to reach Indigo Cargo’s customer care, a pivotal avenue for resolution, have been met with frustration as multiple stakeholders encountered difficulties connecting with them. It remains imperative for service providers to ensure effective communication channels, especially during challenging times when immediate support is crucial.
Sources close to the facility have confirmed that the X-Ray scanner’s breakdown is attributed to a malfunction in the machine’s drum roller, requiring the expertise of an external technician. Regrettably, the technician’s delayed arrival has prolonged the resolution process, exacerbating the logistical impasse.
The ramifications of this breakdown extend beyond Indigo Cargo’s immediate clients. The scarcity of alternatives in Manipur’s cargo service landscape underscores the need for diversified options to prevent such situations from exerting disproportionate impact on regional commerce.
In the face of these challenges, concerns emerge regarding the region’s dependence on a solitary cargo service provider. Questions arise about the lack of competition and the implications it holds for service quality, responsiveness, and redundancy in times of crisis. Moreover, the predicament draws attention to the need for a comprehensive contingency plan that can address similar incidents in the future.
As the situation persists, businesses grapple with the harsh realities of an already beleaguered environment. In a landscape shadowed by political turmoil, internet bans, and curfews, the burden is amplified for businesses dependent on the internet and road transport. Amidst these hardships, financial commitments such as EMIs, taxes, and compliances compound the woes of an already fragile economic landscape.
Given the gravity of the situation, it is incumbent upon relevant authorities, regulatory bodies, and industry stakeholders to collaborate toward swift and comprehensive resolutions. The recovery of essential logistics is pivotal not only for businesses but also for the economic sustenance and well-being of the populace.
Ultimately, this predicament serves as a poignant reminder of the need for resilient infrastructural frameworks, diversified service providers, and collaborative efforts to fortify regions against disruptions that could otherwise prove debilitating.
(Lenin Kshetrimayum is Director Keithel Express Pvt. Ltd.)