<h1>Coastal Shipping Bill 2024 Passed to Modernize Maritime Regulations, Boost Trade While Protecting Fishermen's Interests</h1> The Lok Sabha passed the Coastal Shipping Bill 2024, which aims to regulate vessels in Indian coastal waters and boost maritime commerce. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal assured that the bill respects cooperative federalism without encroaching on state jurisdictions. The legislation updates a 67-year-old law, incorporating global best practices from maritime nations. It excludes fishing from coastal trade definition, addressing concerns about fishermen's livelihoods. The bill intends to leverage India's 11,098 km coastline and 2.3 million square km exclusive economic zone to promote seamless ship movement, generate employment, and encourage participation of Indian-flagged vessels for national security and commercial needs.