New Delhi, Sep 28 (NationPress) The Indian Ports Act, 2025, replaces antiquated colonial-era provisions from the Indian Ports Act, 1908, with modern regulations that signal a significant transition towards integrated port development, cooperative federalism, and enhanced global competitiveness. This new legislation fortifies institutional capacity, simplifies governance, and embeds sustainability at the core of maritime operations, the government announced on Sunday.

The Act establishes the Maritime State Development Council (MSDC) as an official consultative body, facilitating coordination between the Centre and coastal states. It mandates adherence to Global Green Norms and readiness for disasters at Indian ports while simplifying procedures and digitalizing operations to improve the Ease of Doing Business, according to an official statement.

By consolidating port laws and empowering states, the Act promotes cooperative federalism and structured growth across coastal regions. Its objective is to unleash the complete potential of India’s 7,500 km coastline, optimize port management, and align domestic practices with international maritime standards. As India navigates its path to becoming a global maritime powerhouse, the Indian Ports Act, 2025 serves as a pivotal reform, embedding efficiency, sustainability, and inclusive growth at the core of port-led development.

This legislation introduces a modern regulatory framework to boost governance, transparency, and sustainability throughout India's port ecosystem. It empowers statutory bodies, streamlines conflict resolution, and enhances tariff regulation and environmental protections to meet global maritime standards.

The Act appoints a conservator - designated by the government - as the port officer with authority over other officials. The conservator oversees vessel movements within port limits, fee collection, and takes on new responsibilities such as disease control, damage assessment, and penalty adjudication.

It officially recognizes State Maritime Boards established by coastal states, granting them the authority to manage non-major ports. These Boards will supervise port planning, infrastructure development, licensing, tariff regulation, and enforce compliance with safety, security, and environmental standards.

The MSDC receives statutory status, guiding data collection, transparency across ports, and advising the Central government on national planning, legislative reforms, port efficiency, and connectivity.

The Act also mandates the establishment of Dispute Resolution Committees (DRCs) by state governments to address conflicts involving non-major ports, concessionaires, users, and service providers, with appeals directed to the High Court instead of civil courts. The boards may allow arbitration or other alternative dispute resolution methods, facilitating quicker conflict resolution.

Tariffs at major ports are determined by the Board of the Major Port Authority or by the Board of Directors of registered company-operated ports. In contrast, the tariff-setting authority for non-major ports rests with the State Maritime Board or its designated concessionaire. Furthermore, the Indian Ports Act, 2025 mandates electronic publication of tariffs and charges for transparency.

The Act upholds penalties for safety violations, such as damaging buoys or mishandling hazardous materials on board. It strengthens environmental protections by aligning with global conventions (MARPOL, Ballast Water Management) and introducing new mandates for pollution control and disaster preparedness. The Central government will conduct audits to ensure compliance with waste handling and emergency response plans.

As India aims for Viksit Bharat by 2047, this legislation emerges as a cornerstone reform - empowering coastal states, attracting investments, and boosting trade efficiency. More than a simple legal update, it serves as a blueprint to transform ports into engines of national growth, regional connectivity, and inclusive development. With a strong emphasis on digitalization, environmental responsibility, and structured planning, the Indian Ports Act positions India’s maritime sector to lead in both cargo volumes and innovation, resilience, and global prominence.