States are likely to face a revenue shortfall following the enactment of the new Indian Ports Act, which excludes port dues from its regulatory ambit, raising concerns among state maritime boards and port authorities.
Port dues—levied on vessels for the use of port infrastructure and navigational services—have traditionally been an important source of income for state-run and non-major ports. With the new legislation omitting these charges, states fear a direct hit to their port revenues, potentially affecting maintenance, safety services and future infrastructure investments.
State governments and maritime boards have flagged that the move could weaken their financial autonomy over port operations, even as the Centre argues that the revised framework is aimed at streamlining regulation, improving ease of doing business and ensuring uniformity across ports.
Industry stakeholders have also cautioned that unless an alternative revenue mechanism is clarified, the exclusion of port dues could create uncertainty for state ports, particularly those already operating on tight margins. Discussions between the Centre and states are expected as the law moves towards implementation.