Context:

The Rajya Sabha has passed the Indian Ports Bill, 2025, repealing the outdated Indian Ports Act, 1908.

What It Seeks to Do

• Replace colonial-era law with a modern regulatory framework for India's port sector.
• Enhance Centre–State coordination, investment, and environmental sustainability.

Objectives

• Promote cooperative federalism.
• Attract FDI, PPPs, and private investment.
• Ensure green and secure port development.

Key Features

Institutional Reforms:

• Maritime State Development Council (MSDC) for Centre–State coordination.
• State Maritime Boards to manage non-major ports.
• Dispute Resolution Committees for port-related issues.

Operational & Digital Reforms:

• Tariff autonomy under set guidelines.
• Multimodal planning for logistics efficiency.
• Maritime Single Window for clearances and tracking.

Environmental Safeguards:

• Ballast water management, waste reception facilities.
• MARPOL compliance and adoption of renewable energy.

Significance

Source: Free Press Journal