Mumbai: The Lok Sabha has passed the Indian Ports Bill, 2025, a landmark legislation set to modernise the country’s port governance, replace the 116-year-old Indian Ports Act, 1908, and align India’s maritime infrastructure with global standards.
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping & Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal said the bill will “strengthen India’s position as a leading maritime nation” and aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Ports for Prosperity’.
The bill focuses on digitalisation, simplified procedures, environmental safeguards, and disaster management to boost efficiency, cut logistics costs, and attract investments. It also aims to integrate ports with inland waterways and multimodal transport, creating seamless cargo movement and enhancing export competitiveness.
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Key provisions include:
- Maritime State Development Council (MSDC) for coordinated national port strategy.
- Greater autonomy for ports and transparent tariff setting.
- Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) and foreign investment encouragement.
- State Maritime Boards to oversee non-major ports.
- Dispute Resolution Committees for speedy conflict resolution.
- Green measures like waste reception facilities, renewable energy adoption, and shore power systems.
The bill builds on initiatives like Sagarmala and Maritime India Vision 2030, aiming to generate employment in port operations, logistics, and allied sectors while boosting India’s share in global maritime trade.
With sustainability, efficiency, and competitiveness at its core, the Indian Ports Bill, 2025 is poised to transform India’s maritime sector and position it among the top global maritime powers by 2047.
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