New Delhi: The Indian Ports Bill, 2025, was passed in Rajya Sabha on August 18, 2025. The new bill proposes reforms 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”.

Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW), Sarbananda Sonowal proposed the Bill in the Upper House.

Notably, the Bill already passed the legislation test in Lok Sabha. After the Rajya Sabha nod, the legislation will now be sent for Presidential assent. Once the Bill becomes an Act, the government believes that it would help 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.

After the passage of the Bill in Rajya Sabha, 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 said while addressing the Upper House.

“This reform reflects the vision of our Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, 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,” the Union minister added.

The Indian Ports Bill, 2025, will ensure that the Maritime State Development Council (MSDC) is established as a statutory consultative body for better coordination between the Centre and coastal states. The MSDC will be tasked to prepare a National Perspective Plan to ensure integrated port development.

The Bill will empower coastal states to set up State Maritime Boards, which will help in bringing uniform and transparent governance across India’s 12 major and 200+ non-major ports. The legislation once approved by the President will help create 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 will enhance efficiency, reduce bottlenecks and cut costs,” the official release stated.