Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, introduced the Coastal Shipping Bill, 2024 in the Lok Sabha amidst loud protests by opposition members, who raised concerns over recent violence in Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal and the Adani issue.

The Bill proposes prohibiting trade in coastal waters by non-Indian vessels without a valid licence. It allows inland vessels to participate in coastal trade under specified conditions. To support this initiative, the Director-General will have the authority to issue licences, taking into account factors such as crew citizenship and vessel construction, aiming to create employment opportunities for Indian seafarers and boost the domestic shipbuilding industry.

However, the sector faces regulatory inconsistencies. Non-mechanised vessels are governed by the Coasting Vessels Act, 1838, while mechanised ones fall under the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958. The Bill aims to unify these regulatory frameworks.

Despite interruptions in the House proceedings, the Coastal Shipping Bill, 2024, was introduced following a voice vote. Congress members Manish Tewari and Gaurav Gogoi declined to speak on the Bill at its introduction, citing the disorderly state of the House.

The Bill is among five legislative measures scheduled for introduction during the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament.