As India celebrates Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, marking 75+ years of Independence, the country is also scripting a new chapter in maritime reform with the enactment of the Indian Ports Act, 2025. Replacing the outdated Indian Ports Act of 1908, this progressive legislation aligns India’s port governance with global standards while laying the foundation for a more efficient, sustainable, and growth-oriented maritime ecosystem.
A Century-Old Law Replaced
The Indian Ports Act, 2025, passed by Parliament in August, introduces a future-ready legal and institutional framework, empowering both central and state authorities to collaboratively manage India’s vast 7,500 km coastline. This reform supports the Government of India’s vision of turning ports into engines of economic development, employment, and regional connectivity.
With over 200 non-major ports and 12 major ports handling nearly 95% of India’s export-import cargo by volume, port efficiency is crucial. The Act brings clarity and coordination between the Centre and States through statutory bodies like the Maritime State Development Council (MSDC) and State Maritime Boards, fostering cooperative federalism.
Key Features of the Indian Ports Act, 2025
🚢 Institutional Strengthening
- MSDC gains statutory status to guide national planning, port performance benchmarking, and data transparency.
- State Maritime Boards are empowered to manage non-major ports, oversee infrastructure development, and enforce safety and environmental regulations.
⚖️ Streamlined Governance
- Designates port officers (conservators) with comprehensive powers to manage vessel traffic, enforce safety, and adjudicate penalties.
- Introduces Dispute Resolution Committees (DRCs) at the state level for faster, transparent resolution of port-related conflicts. Appeals will now bypass civil courts, going directly to High Courts.
💼 Tariff & Transparency
- Ensures fair pricing and transparency through digital publication of all port tariffs and charges.
- Empowers port boards or concessionaires to set tariffs within clearly defined regulatory frameworks.
🌊 Sustainability & Safety
- Aligns Indian ports with global conventions like MARPOL and Ballast Water Management.
- Enforces stricter environmental compliance, pollution control, and mandates for disaster preparedness.
- Periodic government audits will ensure effective waste management and emergency response readiness.
💻 Ease of Doing Business
- Emphasizes digitalization via initiatives like Maritime Single Window and Advanced Vessel Traffic Systems, reducing bottlenecks and improving efficiency.
A Vision for Viksit Bharat
This reform is more than legislative housekeeping—it’s a strategic step toward a Viksit Bharat by 2047. The Indian Ports Act, 2025:
- Modernizes maritime laws for the 21st century.
- Empowers States to participate in national development.
- Promotes green growth and sustainable practices.
- Accelerates infrastructure investment and trade competitiveness.
As India aspires to be a global maritime power, this Act is a critical lever for enhancing logistics performance, boosting coastal development, and transforming ports into dynamic economic hubs. It represents a shift from colonial legacies to modern governance—reaffirming India’s commitment to inclusive, sustainable, and innovation-driven growth.