The Indian government has taken a significant step towards revolutionising the country’s maritime sector with the introduction of the Coastal Shipping Bill, 2024. Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal.
In his address during the Lok Sabha session on April 1, 2025, highlighted that this legislation aims to unlock India’s full maritime potential and provide a sustainable alternative to overburdened road and rail transport systems. The Bill focuses on establishing a dedicated legal framework for coastal shipping, marking a crucial phase in the modernisation of India’s logistics infrastructure. Sonowal explained that the Bill is a timely intervention in response to the growing demand for low-cost, reliable, and environmentally friendly transport solutions. India’s extensive 7,500-kilometre coastline offers a strategic advantage for coastal shipping, which, when fully harnessed, could significantly enhance the country’s economic and trade capabilities. The Bill seeks to regulate vessels involved in trade within India’s coastal waters, promoting a shift from road and rail freight to more efficient sea transport.
Despite the promising outlook, the Bill has sparked considerable opposition, particularly from MPs representing coastal communities. The opposition raised concerns about the potential adverse impacts on fishermen, who already face significant challenges due to the prevailing geopolitical and environmental issues. Congress MP Manickam Tagore, speaking during the debate, emphasised the vulnerability of fishermen, particularly in states like Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and Odisha. He highlighted the struggles fishermen face, from cross-border tensions with neighboring countries to the growing threat of pollution and cyclones. Tagore called for the inclusion of specific safeguards for fishermen, including life vests, weather alerts, and certification for fishing vessels under the proposed legislation.
The Bill also faced criticism from DMK MP D.M. Kathir Anand, who argued that it undermines state autonomy, particularly in the management of coastal shipping. Anand expressed concerns that the central government’s control over coastal shipping would marginalise the unique needs of states like Tamil Nadu, which depend heavily on its maritime resources. He warned that increased shipping activity could lead to environmental degradation, such as oil spills, further jeopardising the livelihoods of fishermen.
Further critiques came from Trinamool Congress MP Sougata Roy, who acknowledged the Bill’s potential to streamline the sector but cautioned that regulations should not stifle investment. He suggested the creation of an independent body to oversee shipping matters and stressed the importance of ensuring a minimum percentage of domestic cargo is transported by Indian vessels. Additionally, Roy advocated for a minimum employment quota for Indian seafarers within the country’s shipping industry to support job creation.
Despite the concerns raised, the government remains firm in its belief that the Coastal Shipping Bill will be a transformative tool for India’s maritime industry.
The Bill is seen as an essential part of the larger vision to position India as a global maritime hub, enhancing both national trade and the country’s ability to leverage its strategic coastal location for economic growth. The introduction of this Bill is also aligned with India’s broader goals of reducing its carbon footprint, as coastal shipping is viewed as a greener alternative to other forms of transport. As India moves forward with its ambitious plans to develop coastal shipping infrastructure, it will be crucial to balance the needs of fishermen, local communities, and the maritime industry. The debates surrounding the Bill reflect the complex interplay between economic development, environmental protection, and social welfare. It remains to be seen how the government will address these concerns while ensuring the smooth passage of this landmark piece of legislation.
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