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Date: 02/04/2025

Coastal Shipping Bill to lower logistics costs: Sonowal

The Lok Sabha has been debating the Coastal Shipping Bill, 2024, with Union Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister Mr Sarbananda Sonowal emphasising that the Bill promotes coastal shipping as a cost-effective mode of transport that could lower overall logistics costs. The Bill provides the maritime sector a much-needed push with a dedicated legal framework for coastal trade, he said while introducing it.

He underlined that the existing legal framework is only focused on the licensing and registration of merchant vessels, leading to regulatory gaps. The Bill is a significant reform initiative that can unlock the full potential of India’s vast and strategic maritime sector. He also noted that the Bill aligns with the National Logistics Policy and promotes coastal shipping as a cost-effective mode of transport. Coastal shipping is also a sustainable mode of transport, with much lower emissions compared to rail and road, he added.