The Rajya Sabha has passed the Indian Ports Bill, 2025, replacing the colonial-era Indian Ports Act of 1908 with a modern framework designed to strengthen India’s maritime sector. The Bill, earlier cleared by the Lok Sabha, will now be sent for Presidential assent.

Once enacted, the legislation is expected to transform port governance, improve Centre–State coordination, and boost investor confidence in a sector vital to India’s trade ambitions.

Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, called the Bill “a milestone reform that unlocks India’s maritime potential.” He added: “Ports are not just gateways for goods, they are engines of growth, employment and sustainable development. With this reform, India moves from catch-up mode to global maritime leadership.”

Decade of growth

India’s maritime sector has grown significantly over the past decade. Cargo handling at major ports reached a record 855 million tonnes in FY 2024–25, compared with 581 million tonnes in FY 2014–15. Port capacity increased by nearly 87 per cent, while average turnaround time for ships was halved to 48 hours, matching global benchmarks.

Coastal shipping volumes more than doubled, rising by 118 per cent, while cargo movement on inland waterways increased nearly sevenfold. Nine Indian ports now feature in the World Bank’s Container Port Performance Index, underscoring the sector’s growing global recognition.

Key provisions

The Indian Ports Bill, 2025, establishes the Maritime State Development Council (MSDC) as a statutory consultative body to coordinate between the Centre and coastal States. It will prepare a National Perspective Plan for integrated port development.

The law empowers States to set up State Maritime Boards, ensuring transparent governance across India’s 12 major and over 200 non-major ports. Dispute Resolution Committees will deliver sector-specific solutions efficiently.

Environmental safeguards are central to the Bill, with mandatory compliance with international conventions such as MARPOL and Ballast Water Management. Ports will be required to maintain emergency preparedness systems. The legislation also emphasises digitalisation through a Maritime Single Window and advanced vessel traffic systems to cut costs and reduce bottlenecks.

India’s global ambition

Shri Sonowal said the reforms bring India in line with leading maritime nations such as Singapore, South Africa, the European Union and the United States. “Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji’s foresight has enabled us to unlock the true potential of our maritime sector, driving India closer to the goal of becoming a top global maritime nation as we march toward a Viksit Bharat by 2047,” he said.

Officials believe the Bill will enhance trade competitiveness, attract investment, create employment and embed sustainability in India’s port operations.

With its passage in the Rajya Sabha, the Indian Ports Bill, 2025, is being hailed as one of the most significant reforms in independent India’s maritime history.