Lok Sabha passes Indian Ports Bill amid din by Opposition on Bihar voter roll issue

A Bill to consolidate the law relating to ports, promote integrated port development, facilitate ease of doing business, and ensure optimum utilisation of India's coastline was passed in Lok Sabha on Tuesday amid noisy protests by the Opposition over the Bihar electoral roll issue.

The Bill was passed by voice vote as the opposition members continued their sloganeering.

The Indian Ports Bill, 2025, aims to establish and empower State Maritime Boards for effective management of ports other than major ports, besides establishing the Maritime State Development Council (MSDC) for fostering structured growth and development of the port sector.

The Bill also provides for the management of pollution, disaster, emergencies, security, safety, navigation, and data at ports; ensure compliance with India’s obligations under international instruments to which it is a party; take measures for the conservation of ports; and provide for adjudicatory mechanisms for the redressal of port-related disputes.

According to an official statement, the act will modernise India’s port governance, enhance trade efficiency, and solidify India’s position as a global maritime leader.

The Bill replaces the outdated provisions of the Indian Ports Act, 1908, with modern and contemporary regulations.

The statement said the Indian Ports Bill, 2025, will reduce logistics costs by speeding up cargo movement and enhancing connectivity.

"The Bill is also expected to generate significant employment opportunities in port operations, logistics, warehousing, and allied industries," it added.

For ports themselves, the statement said, the Bill provides greater autonomy with accountability, allowing them to set competitive tariffs within a transparent framework.

"A boost to coastal shipping is also envisioned, with seamless integration with inland waterways and multimodal transport systems," the statement said, adding that the Bill provides flexibility in funding, making clear provisions for public-private partnerships (PPPs) and foreign investment in port projects.

Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said the Bill also aims to boost cooperative federalism as the Maritime State Development Council (MSDC) is aimed at ironing out differences and laying down a smooth way forward for the holistic development of India's ports.

PTI Inputs