The Lok Sabha on Tuesday passed the Indian Ports Bill, 2025, paving the way for modernising port governance, enhancing trade efficiency, and aligning India’s maritime sector with global best practices.
The legislation replaced the 1908 Indian Ports Act with contemporary regulations aimed at simplifying procedures, digitising operations, and cutting logistics costs through faster cargo movement and improved connectivity. It also introduces uniform safety standards, sustainable development measures, and transparent tariff policies to make ports more competitive.
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping & Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal described the bill as a “decisive step” towards building a future-ready maritime sector, in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Ports for Prosperity vision.
A key feature is the creation of the Maritime State Development Council (MSDC), which comprises central and state representatives to coordinate on national port development strategies. State Maritime Boards will get greater authority over non-major ports, while new dispute resolution mechanisms will speed up conflict settlements.
The Bill also supports green initiatives, requiring ports to provide waste reception facilities, adopt pollution control measures in line with international conventions, and implement renewable energy and shore power systems to cut emissions.
Provisions encourage private and foreign investment through public–private partnerships, while promoting coastal shipping and integration with inland waterways and multimodal transport systems. Exporters and MSMEs are expected to benefit from streamlined processes and upgraded infrastructure.
“The reforms would strengthen cooperative federalism, empower coastal communities, and help position India among the world’s leading maritime nations by 2047,” Sonowal added.
