Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Aug 12: The Lok Sabha on Tuesday passed the Indian Ports Bill, 2025 by voice vote, replacing the 117-year-old Indian Ports Act of 1908, in a session marked by loud Opposition protests and sloganeering that drowned out much of the debate.
The Bill, introduced by Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, seeks to modernise and unify India’s port legislation, aiming for improved maritime governance, stronger Centre-State collaboration, and enhanced port infrastructure to support India's growing maritime ambitions.
Reassembling at 3 PM with Jagdambika Pal in the chair, the House took up the Bill for consideration amidst continuous chants of "We want justice" from Opposition members, who stormed the Well of the House and disrupted proceedings throughout the discussion.

Key Features of the Bill:
• Establishes a comprehensive legal framework for the management and regulation of major and non-major ports.
• Empowers State Maritime Boards for better oversight of non-major ports.
• Introduces new provisions on pollution control, port safety, disaster response, data governance, and environmental protection.
• Formalises the Maritime States Development Council (MSDC), which was previously functioning through executive order since 1997.
• Expands MSDC’s role to include major ports under central control, fostering a consultative approach to national maritime development.
• Provides mechanisms for dispute resolution, compliance with international obligations, and strategic maritime planning.
Despite the disruptions, Sonowal presented the Bill as a landmark reform in port governance, saying it would improve ease of doing business, unlock the economic potential of India’s coastline, and better align domestic law with global maritime standards.
He said the inclusion of state governments through MSDC would promote cooperative federalism, with a framework that is advisory in nature but crucial for long-term planning and coordination.
Support from NDA Allies and BJP MPs
During the debate, BJP MP Dilip Saikia referred to ports as “engines of employment,” citing an 87% increase in port capacity under the Modi government. He urged the Opposition to engage in constructive dialogue rather than disruption.
TDP MP Sribharat Muthukumilli (Visakhapatnam) welcomed the Bill’s emphasis on state-level empowerment and its potential to enhance infrastructure in Andhra Pradesh’s port regions. BJP’s Darshan Singh Choudhary also supported the legislation, praising its focus on ecosystem conservation, security, and emergency protocols.
Political Context and Strategic Importance
The passage of the Bill signals the government's intent to restructure Centre-State relations in port management, particularly in a post-2024 election landscape where coalition politics and regional aspirations have become more prominent.
Sonowal described the Bill as a response to these evolving dynamics, offering flexibility and collaboration rather than centralised command in port affairs.
After the Bill was passed via voice vote, the Chair adjourned the House until 4:30 PM.