Indian Ports Act, 2025 replaces the 1908 law
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What happened
- The Indian Ports Act, 2025, passed in August 2025, replaces the Indian Ports Act, 1908 [PIB].
- It gives statutory status to the Maritime State Development Council to coordinate Centre and coastal states, and mandates green norms and disaster readiness at ports [PIB].
Background
- The MSDC will advise on national planning, legal reform and port efficiency [PIB].
Why it matters
- Non-major ports are under states; a statutory council is needed for joint planning.
How to use this in Mains
- As per PIB (2025-09-28): the Indian Ports Act, 2025, passed in August 2025, replaces the Indian Ports Act, 1908.
- Non-major ports are under states; a statutory council is needed for joint planning.
Quotable data pointThe Indian Ports Act, 2025, passed in August 2025, replaces the Indian Ports Act, 1908.
PIB: The Indian Ports Act, 2025, 28 Sep 2025
Exam angle
UPSC
Prelims: MSDC.
Practice MCQs
Original practice questions (not PYQs).
Practice · UPSC
The Indian Ports Act, 2025 replaced a law of
Answer (b) & explanation
PIB.
Practice · UPSC
Body given statutory status under the Act
Answer (b) & explanation
PIB.
Go deeper
ExplainerMaritime Law Reform in India: Indian Ports Act 2025, Carriage of Goods by Sea Act 2025, Merchant Shipping, Coastal Shipping and Bills of Lading Laws, Port Governance and Challenges (UPSC Notes + PYQs)ExplainerFederalism in India: Federal and Unitary Features, Cooperative Federalism and UPSC PYQs
Official source: PIB: The Indian Ports Act, 2025, 28 Sep 2025
facts from cited sources only; faculty review pending