Lok Sabha Passes Indian Ports Bill, 2025 Ushering in a New Era for India’s Maritime Future.
National
The Lok Sabha passed the Indian Ports Bill, 2025, marking a major reform in India’s maritime governance. The bill aims to modernise port operations, boost trade efficiency, and strengthen India’s position as a global maritime leader. It replaces outdated colonial-era regulations and reflects the vision of building a future-ready, world-class maritime sector.
- The Bill introduces the Maritime State Development Council (MSDC) to promote cooperative federalism by involving both Centre and State representatives. The MSDC will coordinate maritime development, ensuring smoother resolution of disputes among ports, users, and service providers. This move is expected to enhance institutional support for long-term port planning.
- A major highlight of the Bill is its focus on improving ease of doing business (EoDB). It simplifies port procedures, digitises operations, incorporates green initiatives, and strengthens disaster management and pollution control measures. It also mandates transparent tariff frameworks and ensures high safety standards, positioning India as a competitive maritime hub.
Main Point :- (i) The Bill is projected to reduce logistics costs significantly by streamlining cargo movement and enhancing port connectivity. This will generate employment opportunities in sectors such as operations, logistics, warehousing, and allied industries. Provisions for eco-friendly practices, waste management, and low-emission energy use will support India’s climate commitments.
(ii) The legislation also promotes greater autonomy for ports by allowing them to independently set tariffs within a transparent system. It encourages investment through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) and long-term development strategies, ensuring seamless integration with inland waterways and multimodal transport systems. This is expected to attract private players and strengthen infrastructure growth.
(iii) Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, highlighted that the Bill aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Ports for Prosperity”, aiming to transform India into a global maritime power by 2047. The Bill establishes India’s ports as a critical driver of economic growth, global trade competitiveness, and sustainable development.
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