New Delhi, Aug. 12 -- In a historic moment, the Lok Sabha passed the Indian Ports Bill, 2025, ushering in a new era of India's maritime future. The act will modernise India's port governance, enhance trade efficiency, and solidify India's position as a global maritime leader. 'Replacing colonial-era regulations, the bill reflects Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a self-reliant, world-class maritime sector', said the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, who introduced the bill earlier.

The bill replaces outdated provisions of the Indian Ports Act, 1908, with modern and contemporary regulations. It aims to simplify port procedures and digitalise operations to enhance ease of doing business (EODB). Th...