Context:
To address emerging maritime security threats and improve coordination across India’s expanding port ecosystem, the Union Government has established the Bureau of Port Security (BoPS) as a statutory body under the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025. The move comes amid rapid growth in cargo volumes, coastal shipping, and inland water transport.
Key Highlights:
Legal Basis & Institutional Framework:
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BoPS established under Section 13 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025.
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Functions under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
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Responsible for ship security and port facility security across India.
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Complements the Indian Ports Act, 2025, which replaced the Indian Ports Act, 1908 to modernise port governance.
Rationale for Creation:
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Coastal security earlier managed by multiple agencies, leading to:
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Overlapping mandates
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Coordination gaps
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BoPS aims to provide centralised oversight and standardisation of port security mechanisms.
Security Mandate & Threat Coverage:
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Addresses both traditional and non-traditional maritime threats, including:
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Maritime terrorism
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Smuggling and human trafficking
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Piracy
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Cybersecurity threats to port IT systems
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Establishes a dedicated cybersecurity division to protect digital port infrastructure.
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Coordinates with national cybersecurity agencies for threat intelligence and response.
Role of CISF & Capacity Building:
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Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) designated as a Recognised Security Organisation (RSO) under BoPS.
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CISF responsibilities include:
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Standardising port security plans
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Conducting security assessments
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Training private port security agencies
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Ensures compliance with the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.
Growth of India’s Maritime Sector:
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Cargo traffic growth: From 974 MMT (2014) to 1,594 MMT (2025).
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Port capacity expanded by 57%.
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Coastal shipping volumes increased by 118%.
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Inland waterways cargo rose nearly eightfold from 18.1 MMT (2014) to 145.5 MMT (2025).
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BoPS aligns with Maritime India Vision 2030, aimed at world-class port infrastructure.
Concerns & Criticism:
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New port legislation increases Union government authority over non-major ports.
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Raises concerns over maritime federalism and State autonomy in port governance.
Relevant Prelims Points:
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Issue: Need for unified maritime and port security governance.
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Government Initiative:
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Establishment of BoPS under Merchant Shipping Act, 2025
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Benefits:
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Improved coordination
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Standardised security protocols
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Enhanced cyber resilience
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Challenges:
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Federal concerns
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Integration with State port authorities
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Impact:
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Strengthened maritime security in line with global standards
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Relevant Mains Points:
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Facts & Definitions:
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Statutory Body: Created by legislation with defined powers.
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ISPS Code: Global framework for ship and port facility security.
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Keywords & Conceptual Clarity:
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Maritime Security, Port Governance, Cybersecurity, Maritime Federalism
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Governance Perspective:
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Balancing national security with cooperative federalism.
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Way Forward:
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Clear Centre–State coordination mechanisms
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Capacity building at State ports
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Transparent regulatory oversight
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Safeguarding federal principles in maritime governance
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UPSC Relevance (GS-wise):
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GS 2: Governance, Centre–State relations
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GS 3: Internal security, maritime security, infrastructure
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Prelims: BoPS, ISPS Code, maritime laws