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The passage of the Indian Ports Bill, 2025 in both Houses of Parliament marks a landmark reform in India’s maritime governance. The new legislation replaces the colonial-era Indian Ports Act, 1908, bringing in a modern, transparent, and sustainability-driven framework for port development and operations.

Why the Reform was needed

• The 1908 Act, framed under colonial administration, had become outdated in the context of globalised trade, containerisation, and environmental challenges.
• India’s expanding maritime ambitions under the SagarmalaProgramme and Maritime India Vision 2030 required a contemporary law aligned with international standards.
• The reform is also tied to India’s long-term goal of becoming a leading maritime nation by 2047.

Key Objectives of the Bill

• Replace archaic colonial rules with a forward-looking framework.
• Strengthen cooperative federalism through Centre–State partnership in port governance.
• Promote ease of doing business with digitalised and simplified procedures.
• Encourage investment, including PPPs and FDI, by providing regulatory clarity.
• Standardise safety, security, and operational protocols across ports.
• Advance sustainability through green and smart port development.

Major Provisions

1. Institutional Reforms

• Maritime State Development Council (MSDC): A central–state body for coordinated planning, policy harmonisation, and dispute resolution.
• State Maritime Boards: Strengthened to manage non-major ports and oversee expansion/modernisation projects.
• Dispute Resolution Committees: Fast-track mechanisms for sectoral disputes among ports, operators, and users.

2. Operational Reforms

• Tariff Autonomy: Ports empowered to set competitive tariffs under transparent guidelines.
• Integrated Planning: Long-term strategies for cargo handling, multimodal logistics, and coastal shipping.
• Digitalisation: Introduction of the Maritime Single Window, e-clearances, and real-time vessel tracking to cut delays.
• Boost to Coastal & Inland Waterways: Greater connectivity with rail, road, and riverine transport.

3. Environmental & Safety Measures

• Mandatory Waste Reception Facilities and Ballast Water Management systems.
• Compliance with MARPOL (International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships).
• Emergency Preparedness Plans for accidents, natural disasters, and security threats.
• Promotion of renewable energy, electrification, and shore power systems to cut emissions.

Significance of the Bill

• Economic Growth: Ports as engines of trade, logistics, and job creation.
• Global Alignment: Brings India’s port governance on par with leading maritime nations.
• Sustainability: Push for eco-friendly, digitally enabled, and climate-resilient ports.
• Cooperative Federalism: Greater state participation ensures balanced and region-specific development.

The Bigger Picture

By integrating institutional, operational, and environmental reforms, the Indian Ports Bill, 2025 seeks to transform Indian ports into world-class hubs of trade and logistics. It not only aligns with global best practices but also supports the Prime Minister’s vision of “Ports for Prosperity”, contributing to India’s emergence as a maritime power by 2047.