The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), on August 28, 2026, notified the Infected Zone (Management, Reporting and Control of Infectious or Contagious Disease at Ports) Rules, 2026 under the Indian Ports Act, 2025. The Rules apply to major ports and, for specified provisions, to all ports covered by the Act and vessels operating at such ports.
The Rules establish a framework for declaration and management of infected zones, including health screening, isolation/quarantine, sanitation and disinfection, cargo and container controls, worker safety, reporting and inter-agency coordination. Every major port is required to prepare and maintain an infected-zone management plan covering responsible officers, zone delineation, health protocols, sanitation, continuity of essential port operations, communication mechanisms, training and drills.
The Rules also mandate reporting of infectious or contagious diseases and suspected cases on vessels, including deaths from unknown or suspected infectious causes and unusual clusters of illness. The conservator may issue operational directions relating to vessels, terminals and port users, including suspension of operations, quarantine berths and safety measures. Measures must remain proportionate to the assessed risk and be periodically reviewed.
[G.S.R. 762(E)]
