Port projects worth ₹11,083 crore awarded since FY22: Shipping Minister

Ports and shipping minister Sarbananda today informed the Lok Sabha that port modernisation projects worth ₹11,083 crore have been taken up since FY22 under the Maritime India Vision 2030.

“A total of 75 port infrastructure projects have been awarded across all the major ports from 2021-22 to 2023-24. Port modernisation projects worth ₹11,083 crore have been awarded across the major ports of the country during the last three years and ₹5,741 crore have been utilised during the last three years,” Sonowal said in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha.

"All 12 major ports are adopting various green technologies to reduce emissions from port-based activities, with implementation at different stages across ports with the aim to reduce carbon emission considerably in future,” Sonowal added.

“The key initiatives include expanding renewable energy use, shore-to-ship power supply, electrifying port equipment and vehicles, installation of energy-efficient equipment,” he said.

Key maritime bills

The Lok Sabha today passed the Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, 2024, which replaces the colonial era Carriage of Goods by Sea Act, and seeks to modernise and update the legal framework and enhance Ease of Doing Business (EODB) in the country’s maritime sector.

“The colonial era act was rooted in the century-old Hague Rules, which limited scope with complex language, and misaligned with modern commercial realities. The new bill addresses these gaps with clarity, foresight, and renewed relevance for a rapidly evolving maritime sector,” the shipping ministry said.

“The passing of the Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill in the Lok Sabha marks a crucial step toward realising PM Narendra Modi’s vision of updating and modernising India’s legal framework—making it more relevant, efficient, and accessible, while shedding colonial-era legacies that have impeded progress. The passage of this bill is a significant step toward strengthening India’s legal foundation for maritime commerce. It not only promotes investor confidence but also positions India as Viksit Bharat,” said ports and shipping minister Sarbananda Sonowal, adding that this will make the country’s maritime sector future ready and globally competitive.

Sonowal also introduced the ‘Indian Ports Bill, 2025’, aimed at consolidating laws related to port management, promoting integrated port development, and enhancing the ease of doing business in the maritime sector.

The bill seeks to optimise the utilisation of India’s vast coastline by establishing and empowering State Maritime Boards to ensure effective management of ports other than major ports. It also proposes the formation of the Maritime State Development Council to foster structured growth and development of the port sector.