New Delhi, August 12(HS): The Lok Sabha has passed the Indian Ports Bill, 2025, introducing a modern legal framework to replace the colonial‑era Indian Ports Act, 1908. The new law aims to make Indian ports more efficient, competitive, sustainable, and globally relevant.

Speaking during the bill’s passage, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping & Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal emphasised:

“Under PM Modi’s leadership, the Indian Ports Bill, 2025 will act as a catalyst for maritime transformation — boosting trade efficiency, environmental stewardship, and cooperative federalism. This is about laying the foundation for a Viksit Bharat, powered by future-ready ports.

Key Features of the Bill

- Modernised port governance with simpler procedures and digitalised operations to improve ease of doing business.

- Environmental safeguards with pollution control, waste‑handling facilities, and promotion of renewable energy at ports.

- Uniform safety and infrastructure standards for all major and non‑major ports.

- Transparent tariff system to encourage investment, including public‑private partnerships and foreign funding.

Institutional Changes

The bill sets up a Maritime State Development Council (MSDC) with representatives from the Centre and States to coordinate national port development.

State Maritime Boards will get more authority over non‑major ports, and new Dispute Resolution Committees will settle conflicts quickly.

Economic and Social Impact

- Faster cargo handling and better connectivity will reduce logistics costs and improve trade efficiency.

- Local businesses, exporters, and MSMEs will benefit from improved port infrastructure.

- More jobs will be created in port operations, logistics, warehousing, and related sectors.

Sustainability and Safety

All ports will be required to have disaster management plans, follow global pollution‑control norms, and adopt eco‑friendly practices in line with international conventions like MARPOL.

Minister Sonowal said the bill will strengthen cooperative federalism, protect the environment, and ensure holistic port development, placing India among the world’s leading maritime nations by 2047.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar