CISF gets command of seaport security nationwide 

In one of the most sweeping reforms to India’s maritime security architecture in two decades, the government has designated the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) as the country’s Recognised Security Organisation (RSO) for all ports under the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code -- a move that puts India’s entire EXIM gateway network under a single, specialised security authority for the first time.

The decision marks a decisive shift towards standardised, professional port protection at a time when India is aggressively expanding its maritime footprint and positioning the blue economy as a key growth engine. 

According to a senior CISF official, the designation follows months of technical assessments by a Joint Committee of CISF and the Directorate General of Shipping, set up in September 2024, which conducted a countrywide gap analysis and recommended sweeping corrective measures.

With the new mandate, CISF will undertake fresh Port Facility Security Assessments (PFSA) and prepare Port Facility Security Plans (PFSP) for all EXIM ports — both major and non-major — according to orders issued by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. 

The official said the step addresses long-standing vulnerabilities stemming from non-standardised, patchwork security arrangements at non-major ports.

The Joint Committee has also recommended a Hybrid Security Model that reshapes how India’s ports will be guarded. Under the plan, CISF will take full charge of core security functions across ports, while non-core duties -- including traffic control, gate operations and ancillary services -- may be delegated to State Police, State Industrial Security Forces or accredited private agencies. 

To raise the quality of port security manpower, the Government will introduce compulsory CISF-led training for private security personnel deployed at EXIM ports. DG Shipping is expected to issue orders shortly. The training model will mirror the aviation security framework, where certification is mandatory before deployment. 

A detailed curriculum has already been prepared, with pilots conducted at JNPA, Mumbai and Chennai Port Authority receiving strong feedback.

Ports under CISF security cover

Chennai Port Trust (ChPT), Chennai — Tamil Nadu

Cochin Port Trust (CPT), Cochin — Kerala

Kamarajar Port Ltd., Ennore — Tamil Nadu

Haldia Dock Complex (HDC), Haldia — West Bengal

Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT), Sheva — Maharashtra

Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port (SPMP), Kolkata — West Bengal

Deendayal Port Trust (DPT), Kandla — Gujarat

Mormugao Port Trust (MPT), Goa — Goa

Mumbai Port Trust (MPT), Mumbai — Maharashtra

New Mangalore Port Trust (NMPT), Mangalore — Karnataka

Port Blair Port — Andaman & Nicobar Islands

Paradip Port Trust (PPT), Paradip — Odisha

VO Chidambaranar Port Trust (VOCPT), Tuticorin — Tamil Nadu

Visakhapatnam Port Trust (VPT), Visakhapatnam — Andhra Pradesh