New Delhi, Aug 12
The Lok Sabha on Tuesday passed the Indian Ports Bill, 2025 by voice vote, replacing the colonial-era Indian Ports Act of 1908, even as sustained sloganeering and protests from Opposition benches drowned out much of the debate.
The Bill, moved by Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, seeks to consolidate and modernise the legal framework governing India’s ports, with an emphasis on cooperative federalism and strategic maritime development.
The House reassembled at 3 PM with Jagdambika Pal in the chair, who invited Sonowal to move the Bill for consideration. The Minister outlined the Bill’s objectives, stating that it would facilitate ease of doing business, ensure optimal utilisation of India’s coastline, and empower State Maritime Boards for effective management of non-major ports.
He also highlighted the Bill’s provisions for managing pollution, disaster response, port safety, navigation, and data governance, while aligning domestic regulations with India’s international obligations.
A key feature of the legislation is the statutory establishment of the Maritime States Development Council (MSDC), which has existed since 1997 through executive notification.