SYLLABUS

GS-2: Parliament and State legislatures—structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these.

GS-3: Infrastructure: Ports

Context: 

Recently, the Rajya Sabha passed the Indian Ports Bill, 2025, replacing the Indian Ports Act of 1908.

More on the News

• The legislation was originally introduced in the Lok Sabha.
• The legislation has already been cleared by the Lok Sabha, will soon be sent for Presidential assent.
• 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.

Key provisions of the new Bill

• The Bill establishes the Maritime State Development Council (MSDC) as a statutory consultative body to strengthen coordination between the Centre and coastal States.

• The MSDC will be responsible for preparing a National Perspective Plan to promote the integrated development of ports.

• Coastal States will be given the authority to form State Maritime Boards, ensuring uniformity and transparency in the governance of India’s 12 major and over 200 non-major ports.

• The Bill gives legal recognition to all State Maritime Boards created by coastal states. These Boards will manage and regulate non-major ports in their states.

• For major ports, the tariff will be decided by either the Board of Major Port Authority or the Board of Directors if the port is registered as a company.

• For non-major ports, the tariff will be fixed by the State Maritime Board or an authorised concessionaire.

• The Bill provides for the creation of Dispute Resolution Committees (DRC) to offer timely, sector-specific solutions.

• Appeals against orders of the DRC will lie before the High Court.  Civil courts will have no jurisdiction in the matters entrusted to the DRC.  

• The legislation requires ports to comply with global environmental conventions such as MARPOL and Ballast Water Management, while also maintaining effective emergency preparedness systems.

• The bill decriminalises certain offences and makes them punishable with a monetary penalty instead.  It also introduces compounding for all first-time contraventions.

• A strong focus is placed on digitalisation, with initiatives like a Maritime Single Window and advanced vessel traffic systems aimed at improving efficiency, removing bottlenecks and reducing operational costs.

Comparison between 1908 Act and 2025 Bill 

Key Significance of the Legislature

• It positions India’s port governance on par with leading global frameworks (Singapore, South Africa, EU, USA).
• It strengthens cooperative federalism through Centre–State collaboration.
• It enhances trade competitiveness and promotes a sustainable maritime economy.
• It marks India’s transition from catch-up mode to global maritime leadership.

Source:

https://ddnews.gov.in/en/rajya-sabha-passes-indian-ports-bill-2025-replacing-colonial-era-law/ https://www.indiatodayne.in/national/story/rajya-sabha-clears-indian-ports-bill-2025-paves-way-for-maritime-modernisation-1263443-2025-08-19 https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=2157621#:~:text=The%20Rajya%20Sabha%20passed%20the,maritime%20sector%2C%20in%20Delhi%20today. https://prsindia.org/billtrack/the-indian-ports-bill-2025