New Delhi [India], April 3 (ANI): The Lok Sabha passed the Coastal Shipping Bill, 2024, paving the way for a dedicated legal framework for coastal trade as the maritime sector aims to provide a economical, reliable and sustainable mode of transportation as it decongest road and rail network.

"The Bill seeks to unlock the full potential of India's vast and strategic coastline, providing dedicated legal framework for coastal trade," asserted Sarbananda Sonowal, the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW) as he introduced the bill in the Lower House earlier in the day. The Coastal Shipping Bill, 2024 aims to make coastal trade easier, more competitive, and better integrated with Prime Minister Narendra Modi Govt's overall transport vision -- the National Logistics Policy. With its manifold forward looking provisions, the bill provides a future ready legal framework while upgrading the dated provision of earlier legislations like Merchant Shipping Act, 1958.

The proposed bill introduces key provisions for licensing and regulating foreign vessels in India's coasting trade. It mandates the formulation of a National Coastal and Inland Shipping Strategic Plan and establishes a National Database for Coastal Shipping.