Govt to Set Up Bureau of Port Security to Boost Port and Vessel Safety

In a major step to strengthen India’s maritime security framework the Central Government has decided to establish a Bureau of Port Security (BoPS). The new body will enhance security at ports and on vessels through better coordination, intelligence sharing, and risk-based security planning. The decision comes at a time when India’s ports are handling increasing volumes of trade, making them critical national assets requiring robust and future-ready protection.

What Is the Bureau of Port Security?

• The Bureau of Port Security (BoPS) will be a statutory body responsible for regulating and overseeing security arrangements at ports, vessels, and port facilities across India.
• It will be set up under the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025 and will function under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW).
• The BoPS will be modelled on the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), which oversees airport and aviation security in the country.

Key Functions of the Bureau of Port Security

The BoPS will be responsible for,

• Security regulation and oversight of ports and ships
• Timely collection, analysis, and sharing of security-related information

Implementing graded and risk-based security measures based on,

• Location of the port
• Trade potential
• Vulnerability and threat perception

A special focus will be placed on cybersecurity, with a dedicated division to protect port IT and digital infrastructure from cyber attacks.

Why India Needs a Dedicated Port Security Body

India has over 200 ports, including major ports and a large number of non-major ports, handling a significant share of global and regional trade. Over the years, ports have faced evolving threats such as,

• Smuggling and illegal trafficking
• Terror-related maritime risks
• Cyber threats to port IT systems
• Increased vessel movement and logistics complexity

Key Takeaways

• The government will set up a Bureau of Port Security (BoPS) as a statutory body.
• BoPS will function under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
• It will be modelled on the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS).
• Focus areas include risk-based security, intelligence sharing, and cybersecurity.
• CISF will act as the recognised security organisation for ports.
• The move strengthens India’s maritime, economic, and national security framework.

Question

Q.The Bureau of Port Security is modelled on which existing organisation?

A. National Security Guard (NSG)
B. Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS)
C. Central Industrial Security Force (CISF)
D. Indian Coast Guard