Parliament has passed the Indian Ports Bill, 2025, which represents a key step in reshaping the country’s marine sector. Union Ports, Shipping, and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal introduced the legislation, which is designed to improve port operations by increasing discipline and efficiency while aligning India’s framework with top global models.
Sonowal remarked that the bill was carefully developed to reflect Singapore’s integrated planning and the EU’s strong environmental standards. He underlined the importance of continuous improvement in India’s port infrastructure to generate economic growth and improve global competitiveness.
The bill’s main feature is the establishment of the Maritime State Development Council. This council will serve as an advisory body, allowing consultation and coordination between the Central and State governments. The bill also requires port tariffs to be disclosed electronically, which is designed to increase transparency, encourage competition, and offer a fair environment for stakeholders.
Furthermore, the legislation proposes establishing State-level Dispute Resolution Committees to resolve port-related problems more quickly and transparently. It also ensures compliance with international conventions like the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, demonstrating India’s dedication to sustainability.
The reforms create the groundwork for India to become a maritime leader by 2047, in line with the vision of Viksit Bharat.
