Maritime State Development Council

Maritime State Development Council Latest News

Recently, the 21st Maritime State Development Council (MSDC) concluded in Mumbai with landmark outcomes for India’s maritime sector. 

About Maritime State Development Council

• It is an apex advisory body which was constituted in May 1997 for the development of the Maritime sector.
• The Indian Ports Act, 2025 grants statutory status to the Maritime State Development Council.
• Aim: Its primary aim is to promote the integrated growth of Major and Non-Major ports in close coordination with State governments. 
• Composition: The Council, chaired by the Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways.
• Composition: It comprises Ministers responsible for ports from all Maritime States, Administrators of UTs, and key stakeholders, including representatives from the Navy, Coast Guard, and other agencies.

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Functions of Maritime State Development Council

• It monitors the development of minor ports, captive ports and private ports in the Maritime States with a view to ensure their integrated development with Major Ports and to assess the requirements of other infrastructure requirements like roads/rail/IWT and make suitable recommendations to the concerned Ministers.
• It guides data collection and dissemination and transparency across ports, and advises the central government on national planning, legislative reforms, port efficiency, and connectivity.

Source: PIB