Lok Sabha Passes Indian Ports Bill, 2025 Ushering in A New Era for India’s Maritime Future

Lok Sabha Passes Indian Ports Bill, 2025 Ushering in A New Era for India’s Maritime Future

In a historic moment, the Lok Sabha passed the Indian Ports Bill, 2025 ushering in a new era of India’s maritime future. The act will modernise India’s port governance, enhance trade efficiency, and solidify India’s position as a global maritime leader. ‘Replacing colonial-era regulations, the bill reflects Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of a self-reliant, world-class maritime sector’, said the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, who introduced the bill earlier.

The bill replaces outdated provisions of the Indian Ports Act, 1908, with modern & contemporary regulations. It aims to simplify port procedures & digitalise operations to enhance ease of doing business (EODB). The legislation also emphasises sustainability, incorporating green initiatives, pollution control, and disaster management protocols for sustainable port development. Furthermore, it seeks to improve port competitiveness through transparent tariff policies and better investment frameworks, while ensuring uniform safety standards and planning across all Indian ports.

The Indian Ports Bill, 2025 will reduce logistics costs by speeding up cargo movement and enhancing connectivity. The bill is also expected to generate significant employment opportunities in port operations, logistics, warehousing, and allied industries. Additionally, the bill outlines strict anti-pollution measures and eco-friendly port practices, contributing to a cleaner environment. Exporters & MSMEs will benefit from streamlined procedures and improved infrastructure, reducing bottlenecks & facilitating smoother operations.

“This Bill marks a decisive step toward making India’s ports globally competitive while safeguarding the environment and empowering coastal communities. It embodies the Honourable Prime Minister Shri Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Ports for Prosperity’ and ensures our maritime sector remains future-ready,” said the Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal.

For ports themselves, the bill provides greater autonomy with accountability, allowing ports to set competitive tariffs within a transparent framework. It introduces integrated planning for long-term port development, ensuring cargo growth and improved hinterland connectivity. A boost to coastal shipping is also envisioned, with seamless integration with inland waterways and multimodal transport systems. The bill provides flexibility in funding, making clear provisions for Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) and foreign investment in port projects.

The bill establishes a strong institutional framework to support its objectives. The Maritime State Development Council (MSDC), comprising representatives from both Central and State governments, will coordinate national port development strategies. State Maritime Boards will have strengthened authority to effectively manage non-major ports, while Dispute Resolution Committees will expedite the settlement of conflicts between ports, users, and service providers.

Speaking on the occasion, the Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal said, “The bill also aims to boost cooperative federalism as the Maritime State Development Council (MSDC) is aimed at ironing out differences and laying down a smooth way forward for the holistic development of our ports. The bill also provides for the State Maritime Board which helps to effectively manage non major ports, allowing a comprehensive framework for ports development. Under the dynamic leadership of PM Modi ji, we are creating an ecosystem that will empower our ecosystem to spruce up the maritime prowess of Viksit Bharat, propelling India to become one of the top global maritime nations by 2047.”