12 Indian ports to gain autonomy

Union Minister of State for Shipping, Mansukh Lal Mandaviya, said once enacted, the Major Port Authorities Bill, 2016 would replace the Major Port Trusts Act, 1963.

According to Maritime Professional, a statement from the Indian government said: “With the growth and development of private ports, the major ports are facing severe competition and difficulties in implementing the changes which may help them compete in the evolving market conditions.

“The regulation of tariff in the major ports by the Central Government are some of the critical factors hindering their growth and development. To provide greater autonomy, flexibility to the Major Ports and to professionalize their governance, it is proposed to repeal the Major Port Trusts Act, 1963 and to replace it with a new legislation, namely the Major Ports Authorities Bill, 2016.”

Maritime Professional reported that the bill proposes to create a Board of Port Authority for each major port, in place of the Board of Trustees.

The port authorities would have the power to use their property, assets and funds as they see appropriate for the benefit of the ports they manage.

Ports would be able to enter into and perform any contract necessary for the performance of its functions, to make regulations for the purposes of operation, development and planning, and to raise loans and issue securities.

The bill also proposes to constitute an Adjudicatory Board for resolving disputes among major ports, PPP concessionaries and captive users.