Rajya Sabha passes Indian Ports Bill, 2025

The Rajya Sabha cleared the Indian Ports Bill, 2025 by voice vote after a two-hour discussion, despite Opposition members staging a walkout. The Bill, already passed by the Lok Sabha on August 12, seeks to replace the century-old Indian Ports Act, 1908, modernising India’s port governance framework to align with global standards.

The legislation aims to promote integrated port development, enhance ease of doing business, and ensure effective use of India’s coastline. It introduces provisions for pollution control, disaster management, security, safety, navigation, and data handling at ports, while also creating mechanisms for dispute resolution. Outdated provisions have been removed, and several offences have been decriminalised.

Replying to the debate, Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said the Bill was finalised after wide consultations with coastal states, stakeholders, and port users. The Bill received cross-party support from several leaders. Praful Patel (NCP) called it crucial for India’s ambition to become the world’s third-largest economy, stressing the importance of port infrastructure for trade. Birendra Prasad Baishya (AGP) welcomed the Bill for strengthening Indian ports. However, proceedings briefly turned heated when AIADMK’s Thambidurai alleged narcotics imports into Tamil Nadu, prompting objections from DMK’s Tiruchi Siva.

Once enacted, the law is expected to strengthen transparency in port tariffs, ensure compliance with international obligations, and reinforce India’s maritime competitiveness.