The Rajya Sabha has passed the Indian Ports Bill, 2025 on August 18, 2025. The bill replaces outdated provisions of the Indian Ports Act, 1908, and aims to simplify port procedures and digitalise operations to enhance ease of doing business.
It also establishes the Maritime State Development Council (MSDC) as a statutory consultative body to coordinate between the Centre and coastal States. The MSDC will prepare a national perspective plan to ensure integrated port development.