The Coastal Shipping Bill, 2025, aimed at revolutionizing cargo transport along India’s 7,500-km coastline, was passed by Parliament on Thursday, with the Rajya Sabha approving it via voice vote after the Lok Sabha’s nod on April 3. Union Ports, Shipping, and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, moving the bill, highlighted its role in reducing compliance burdens for Indian vessels, aligning with the “ease of doing business” initiative, and strengthening supply chain security. The bill targets increasing India’s coastal cargo share to 230 million tonnes by 2030, fostering economic growth and job creation.

Despite Opposition protests over Bihar’s electoral roll revisions, a brief debate saw contributions from MPs like Golla Baburao (YSRCP), M Thambidurai (AIADMK), and Milind Deora (Shiv Sena). Thambidurai’s mention of Tamil fisherfolk and Katchatheevu island sparked a point of order from DMK’s Tiruchi Siva, who argued it was irrelevant to the bill. The legislation replaces outdated provisions of the 1958 Merchant Shipping Act, offering a modern framework to promote coastal trade, prioritize Indian-owned ships, and integrate with inland waterways.

The bill mandates a biennially revised National Coastal and Inland Shipping Strategic Plan to optimize routes and forecast traffic. It restricts foreign vessels to licensed operations, boosting domestic shipbuilding and seafarer employment. Coastal waters, defined as India’s territorial waters (up to 12 nautical miles) and adjoining maritime zones (up to 200 nautical miles), will see enhanced infrastructure, including 12 planned coastal shipping circuits. Social media on X reflects optimism, with users praising the bill’s potential to cut logistics costs by 20% and reduce carbon emissions, though some coastal communities demand clarity on local job opportunities.

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