The Bills of Lading Bill 2025 has been passed by Parliament, with the Rajya Sabha giving its approval today. The Lok Sabha had earlier passed the legislation in March this year. The new law aims to modernize and simplify the legal framework governing shipping documents in India, replacing the Indian Bills of Lading Act, 1856, a colonial-era legislation.
What Is a Bill of Lading?
A bill of lading is a key document in shipping and logistics, issued by a freight carrier to a shipper. It includes vital information such as the type, quantity, condition, and destination of the goods being transported. The new bill brings this framework in line with modern global trade and shipping standards.
Replying to the debate in the Rajya Sabha, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal said the Bill is part of a broader vision developed after the Modi government came to power in 2014.
He highlighted the Sagarmala programme, under which 805 projects worth over ₹5.5 lakh crore are underway to modernize ports and expand capacity. Sonowal noted that all major ports are now well-connected via rail and road networks.
Growth in Port and Waterway Capacities
The minister emphasized the remarkable growth in cargo handling:
- Coastal shipping capacity rose from 87 million metric tonnes (2013-14) to 165 million metric tonnes
- Waterway cargo capacity grew from 18 million metric tonnes to 145 million metric tonnes
He added that India aims to become one of the top five shipbuilding nations by 2047 under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
A Vision for a Developed India by 2047
Introducing the Bill, Mr. Sonowal said the government has set an ambitious goal to transform India into a developed nation by 2047. He described this vision as a call to action, not merely an aspiration, declaring the 21st century as the century of Bharat.
MPs Across Parties Support the Bill
During the Rajya Sabha debate, multiple members expressed support:
- Shambhu Sharan Patel (BJP) said the Bill would bring transparency to business conduct
- Dr. Ashok Kumar Mittal (AAP) lauded the repeal of colonial laws
- Other speakers included Arun Singh, Dr. Ajeet M. Gopchade (BJP), M. Thambidurai (AIADMK), Niranjan Bishi (BJD), and Ravi Chandra Vaddiraju (BRS)
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