March 28, 2025 – In a significant move to modernize India’s maritime legal framework, the Lok Sabha has passed two key bills aimed at simplifying and updating regulations governing sea transport.
The Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, 2024, seeks to overhaul existing laws related to the transportation of goods by sea, enhancing the ease of doing business in India’s maritime sector. Union Ports, Shipping, and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal emphasized that this legislation represents a crucial step toward strengthening India’s legal foundation for maritime commerce.
In addition, the Bills of Lading Bill, 2025, was passed to replace the 169-year-old Indian Bills of Lading Act of 1856. This new legislation aims to align India’s shipping laws with global standards by simplifying language, reorganizing provisions, and eliminating archaic colonial-era elements. The updated framework is expected to streamline shipping documentation, reduce litigation risks, and enhance efficiency in the shipping sector.
Furthermore, Minister Sonowal introduced the Indian Ports Bill, 2025, which aims to consolidate laws related to port management, promote integrated port development, and enhance the ease of doing business in the maritime sector. The bill also addresses pollution control measures and seeks to ensure compliance with global maritime standards.
These legislative initiatives underscore the government’s commitment to modernizing India’s maritime infrastructure and regulatory environment, positioning the country to better compete in the global shipping industry.