Bureau of Port Security will be formed for the security of ports, Amit Shah’s review meeting

New Delhi. Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah, in an important meeting on Friday, stressed the formation of a dedicated body to strengthen the security of ports and ships across the country. Referring to the formation of Bureau of Port Security (BoPS), he directed that port security measures should be implemented in a risk-based and phased manner, taking into account sensitivity, trade prospects, geographical location and other relevant aspects. Union Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister and Civil Aviation Minister were also present in the meeting.

The meeting discussed constituting the Bureau of Port Security as a statutory body under Section 13 of the newly-enacted Merchant Shipping Act, 2025. This Bureau will function under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and will be responsible for regulatory and supervisory functions related to the security of ships and port facilities. Its structure is being prepared on the lines of Bureau of Civil Aviation Security.

The Bureau will be headed by the Director General, who will be a pay level-15 IPS officer. During the transition period of one year, the Director General of Shipping (DGS/DGMA) will hold the charge of Director General of Bureau of Port Security.

It was also informed in the meeting that the Bureau of Port Security will ensure timely analysis, collection and exchange of security related information. There will be a special focus on cyber security and a dedicated division will be set up to keep the IT infrastructure of ports safe from digital threats.

To strengthen the port security arrangements, Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has been declared as the recognized security organization for port facilities. CISF will also be responsible for security audit of ports, preparation of security plans and training and capacity building of private security agencies. Licensing and regulatory regime will be implemented for private security agencies, so that only certified agencies can operate in this sector.

It was informed in the meeting that the experiences and lessons learned from the maritime security framework will also be implemented in the civil aviation security system.