RS passes Indian Ports Bill 2025: Sonowal says India targets Singapore, Europe-style integrated planning

The Rajya Sabha passed Indian Ports Bill, 2025 Monday, backing the centre’s pitch of establishing global standards for maritime operations in the country. Moving for passage of the bill, Union Ports, Shipping, and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said port operations will become more disciplined after the provisions of this bill are adopted.

“This bill is meticulously designed to align with the best global practices, mirroring the integrated planning models of Singapore and the robust environmental standards of the European Union,” Sonowal said while adding there is a continuous need to develop India’s ports to accelerate growth of the economy.

The Maritime State Development Council (MSDC) will be established as a recommendatory body empowered to advise the Central and State Governments. Sonowal said this will ensure a robust consultative framework between the states and the centre.

Electronic publication of port tariffs is being mandated. “This would promote greater transparency, competitiveness and a fair operating environment,” Sonowal added.

The bill introduces State-level Dispute Resolution Committees to provide a fast, efficient, and transparent mechanism for resolving port-related disputes. It also enforces adherence to global conventions like the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships.

Penalties and fines have been updated and decriminalised where appropriate, the minister said while noting that non-criminal contraventions and corresponding penalties can now be imposed by the conservator of the Port.

“By modernizing our legal framework, we are not just playing catch-up, we are laying the foundation for India to become a global maritime leader by 2047, in line with our vision of a Viksit Bharat," Sonowal added.