Export cargo operations at Chennai airport is likely to come to a halt from Friday as customs house agents have announced an indefinite strike. Officials of Airports Authority of India estimate that the strike would cause a pile up of more than 1,500 cargo bills and tonnes of export cargo.

Representatives of customs house agents are demanding that a better and efficient system to clear cargo. They said that shortage of customs officials and the poor operational efficiency of Bhadra International, the private firm in charge of cargo operations, have caused a mess.

"Under paid workers of Bhadra International are slowing down operations. Even after spending more than 300 crore to expand the cargo terminal, no major facilities have been provided by AAI. The customs examination counters are congested and this delays clearance operations by four to six days," said a customs house agent.