New Delhi, Aug. 19 -- The Rajya Sabha on Monday passed the Indian Ports Bill, 2025, which replaces the Indian Ports Act of 1908 and introduces a modern regulatory framework for India's maritime sector. The legislation, which cleared Lok Sabha on August 12, is aimed at strengthening Centre-state coordination, aligning port governance with global standards, and boosting investor confidence in a sector critical to India's trade ambitions. Union minister for ports, shipping and waterways Sarbananda Sonowal described the passage of the Bill as "a milestone reform that unlocks India's maritime potential". Addressing the Upper House, he said, "Ports are not just gateways for goods, they are engines of growth, employment and sustainable development. With the Indian Ports Bill, 2025, India moves from catch-up mode to global maritime leadership." He added that the reform reflected the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to shed colonial legacy and embrace "policies that are modern, contemporary, internationally aligned and future-ready". Among its provisions, the Bill sets up a Maritime State Development Council (MSDC) as a statutory body to prepare a National Perspective Plan for integrated port development. It also empowers coastal states to establish state maritime boards to bring uniform and transparent regulation across more than 200 non-major ports. Other key features include the creation of dispute resolution committees for sector-specific grievance redressal, mandatory compliance with international environmental conventions such as MARPOL and Ballast Water Management, and requirements for ports to maintain emergency preparedness. Digitalisation is a central plank, with the introduction of a maritime single window and advanced vessel traffic systems aimed at cutting bottlenecks and improving efficiency. Several members expressed support for the legislation during the debate, which saw the Opposition walking out amid its protests against the Election Commission's special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in poll-bound Bihar. Sunetra Pawar of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) said, "I support this Bill. Through this Bill, we will inform the world that India's sea isn't just a way to do business, but the foundation of our future." Praful Patel, also of the NCP, described the measure as 'very important legislation' and stressed the role of ports in India's economic growth....