Indian Ports Bill introduced in Lok Sabha
New Delhi (PTI): A bill providing for adjudicatory mechanisms for the redressal of port-related disputes, and for effective management of pollution, disaster and emergencies, was introduced in Lok Sabha on Friday.
Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal introduced 'The Indian Ports Bill, 2025' in the Lok Sabha.
The Bill seeks to consolidate the law relating to ports, promote integrated port development, facilitate ease of doing business and ensure the optimum utilization of India's coastline, establish and empower State Maritime Boards for effective management of ports other than major ports.
It proposes to establish Maritime State Development Council for structured growth and development of the port sector; and provide for the management of pollution, disaster, emergencies, security, safety, navigation, and data at ports; ensure compliance with India's obligations under international instruments.
The Bill seeks to take measures for the conservation of ports; provide for adjudicatory mechanisms for the redressal of port-related disputes.
Opposing the introduction of the Bill, K Radhakrishnan (CPIM) said it encroaches upon the power of state governments as it seeks to centralise control over ports.
Sougata Ray (TMC) said the Indian Ports Act was enacted in 1908 and at that time all the ports were under the Centre. In recent times, many private ports have come up and parts of government ports have been leased to private companies.
"The present legislation does not appear to be adequate to control the private ports," he said.
Ray said the new adjudicating authority as proposed in the Bill may take away the rights of the workers.
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KSRTC to run 1000 special services to clear Christmas rush
Bengaluru: The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation will operate 1000 additional special services in view of the Christmas festival.
In addition to the existing schedule, the special services will run on 19.12.2025, 20.12.2025 and 24.12.2025. Further, special buses will be operated from various places of intra & Interstate places to Bengaluru on 26.12.2025 & 28.12.2025.
Special buses will be exclusively operated from Bengaluru Kempegowda Bus Station to Dharmastala, Kukkesubramanya, Shivamogga, Hassan, Mangaluru, Kundapura, Shringeri, Horanadu, Davangere, Hubbali, Dharwad, Belagavi, Vijayapura, Gokarna, Sirsi, Karwar, Raichur, Kalaburagi, Ballari, Koppala, Yadgir, Bidar, Tirupathi, Vijayawada, Hyderabad and other places.
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Special buses from Mysuru Road Bus Station will be exclusively operated towards Mysuru, Hunsur, Piriyapatna, Virajpet, Kushalanagar, Madikeri.
The corporation has also announced a discount of 5 per cent on the fare if four or more passengers book tickets under a single reservation. A discount of 10 per cent will be extended on return journey tickets if onward and return tickets are booked simultaneously.
In addition to the above, special buses will be operated from all Taluk/District Bus Stands in the jurisdiction of KSRTC based on the traffic needs.
