The Indian Ports Act, 2025 Modernises Port Governance for Centre-State Roles
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure | SDG 14: Life Below Water
Institutions: Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
The Indian Ports Act, 2025, passed by Lok Sabha on 12 August 2025 and by Rajya Sabha on 18 August 2025, replaces the century-old Indian Ports Act, 1908, introducing a unified legal regime for all ports across India. Key reforms include the creation of a statutory Maritime State Development Council (MSDC) to coordinate between the Centre and coastal States, formal recognition and empowerment of State Maritime Boards to manage non-major ports, and mandates for global green norms and disaster-readiness at ports.
Under the new law, major ports will set tariffs via their Boards or Boards of Directors, while non-major ports fall under State Maritime Boards or concessionaires. Dispute Resolution Committees (DRCs) must be established at state level, with appeals going to High Courts—not civil courts. Digital tools such as the Maritime Single Window and compliance with international conventions like MARPOL are mandated.
Policy Relevance: The Act aligns with the National Logistics Policy and port-led development agenda, bolsters Ease of Doing Business in maritime infrastructure, and strengthens India’s compliance with international maritime standards.
What is the Maritime State Development Council? → A statutory consultative body established under the Act to harmonise port policy across Centre and States, advise on reforms, and guide data transparency.
What are State Maritime Boards? → Bodies empowered to manage non-major ports in respective states, including licensing, tariff-setting, safety, and environmental oversight.
Relevant Question for Policy Stakeholders:
Can the new centre–state coordination framework embodied in the MSDC and State Maritime Boards scale efficiently across India’s 200+ non-major ports, enhancing investment and regional equity?
Follow the full news here: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2172354