Indian Railways Exempt Demurrage and Wharfage Charges During Force Majeure

Ministry of Railways (Govt of India) yesterday announced relaxation in demurrage and wharfage rules and said that the spread of coronavirus should be considered as a case of natural calamity and that Force Majeure Clause may be invoked.

Indian Railways in its circular said that the period between 22 Mar'20 to 14 Apr'20 shall be treated under 'force majeure' and during this period, various freight charges, including demurrage, wharfage, stacking, stabling, detention and ground usage charges shall not be levied.

Ministry ordered zonal railways to coordinate with state governments to ensure logistics support in order to keep up the essential goods transportation.