New Delhi [India], August 18 (ANI): The Rajya Sabha passed the Indian Ports Bill, 2025, a sweeping reform designed to replace the Indian Ports Act, 1908, ending more than a century of colonial-era regulation and ushering in a modern framework for India's maritime sector, in Delhi today.

Earlier, the bill was proposed by the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), Sarbananda Sonowal, for passing in the upper house.

The legislation, already cleared by the Lok Sabha, will soon be sent for Presidential assent.

Once enacted, it is expected to transform governance at Indian ports, strengthen Centre-State coordination for port-led development, and boost investor confidence in a sector crucial to the country's trade ambitions.

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal described the move as 'a milestone reform that unlocks India's maritime potential.'

'Ports are not just gateways for goods, they are engines of growth, employment and sustainable development. With the Indian Ports Bill, 2025, India moves from catch-up mode to global maritime leadership,' Sonowal told the Upper House. 'This reform reflects the vision of our Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whose decisive leadership has ensured that India sheds the burden of colonial legacy and embraces policies that are modern, contemporary, internationally aligned and future-ready.'

India's maritime sector has expanded dramatically over the past 10 years. Cargo handling at major ports hit a record 855 million tonnes in FY 2024-25, compared to 581 million tonnes in FY 2014-15. Port capacity rose nearly 87 per cent in the same period. Average turnaround time for ships has been halved to 48 hours, matching global benchmarks.

Coastal shipping volumes more than doubled, rising by 118 per cent, while cargo movement on inland waterways jumped nearly sevenfold. Indian ports are gaining global recognition, with nine featuring in the World Bank's Container Port Performance Index. Yet, industry leaders had long called for a modern law to replace the outdated 1908 framework.

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. The MSDC will prepare a National Perspective Plan to ensure integrated port development.

Coastal States will be empowered to set up State Maritime Boards, bringing uniform and transparent governance across India's 12 major and 200+ non-major ports. The Bill also creates Dispute Resolution Committees to deliver sector-specific redressal in a timely manner.

The legislation mandates compliance with international environmental conventions such as MARPOL and Ballast Water Management, while requiring ports to maintain emergency preparedness systems. Digitalisation is a central plank, with measures such as a Maritime Single Window and advanced vessel traffic systems, which will enhance efficiency, reduce bottlenecks and cut costs.

Sarbananda Sonowal said the reforms align India with the world's leading port nations, including Singapore, South Africa, members of the European Union and the United States.

'Prime Minister 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,' Sonowal said.

He added that the Bill was not just about efficiency but about federal partnership, ensuring States and the Centre work in tandem on port-led growth.

The Modi government has made port-led development a key component of its 'Amrit Kaal' roadmap. Officials say the new law will enhance trade competitiveness, attract private investment, create jobs and embed sustainability in India's shipping and port operations.

With Rajya Sabha's approval, the Indian Ports Bill, 2025, is being hailed as one of the most significant structural reforms in independent India's maritime history, putting the sector firmly on a course toward 2047, when India aims to emerge as a developed nation and maritime leader in the Indo-Pacific. (ANI)