The Bill, already cleared by the Lok Sabha, now awaits Presidential assent, according to an official statement.
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal described the legislation as “a milestone reform that unlocks India’s maritime potential” and said it reflects Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of making ports “engines of growth, employment and sustainable development.”
The Indian Ports Bill provides for the creation of a Maritime State Development Council (MSDC), a statutory consultative body to coordinate between the Centre and coastal States and prepare a National Perspective Plan for integrated port development. Coastal States will be empowered to set up State Maritime Boards to ensure uniform and transparent governance across India’s 12 major and over 200 non-major ports.
The law mandates compliance with international environmental conventions such as MARPOL and Ballast Water Management, while requiring ports to maintain disaster preparedness systems. It also provides for sector-specific Dispute Resolution Committees and introduces digital initiatives including a Maritime Single Window and advanced vessel traffic systems to cut costs and improve efficiency.
India’s ports have seen significant expansion over the past decade. Cargo handling at major ports reached 855 million tonnes in FY25, up from 581 million tonnes in FY15. Port capacity rose by 87% over the same period, while average turnaround time for ships was halved to 48 hours. Coastal shipping volumes more than doubled, and cargo movement on inland waterways rose nearly sevenfold.
Nine Indian ports now feature in the World Bank’s Container Port Performance Index, highlighting global recognition for the sector. However, industry stakeholders had long sought a modern law to replace the outdated colonial-era framework.
Sonowal said the reforms bring India closer to the world’s leading maritime nations such as Singapore, the US and the EU. “This Bill is not just about efficiency but about federal partnership, ensuring States and the Centre work in tandem on port-led growth,” he said.
Officials said the legislation will enhance trade competitiveness, attract private investment, create jobs and embed sustainability in port operations. With the Rajya Sabha’s nod, the Indian Ports Bill, 2025, is being hailed as one of the most significant structural reforms in India’s maritime history, aligning the sector with the government’s ‘Amrit Kaal’ vision of making India a developed nation by 2047.
