Sagarmala Programme Completes 10 Years Since Implementation

Launched in March 2015, the Sagarmala Programme is the flagship initiative of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways aimed at transforming India’s maritime sector. With a 7,500 km coastline, 14,500 km of potentially navigable waterways, and a strategic location on global trade routes, India has immense potential for port-led economic growth. Sagarmala focuses on modernizing ports, enhancing connectivity, promoting industrial development, and boosting coastal shipping and inland waterways to reduce logistics costs and improve trade competitiveness.

As a key pillar of the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 (MAKV), Sagarmala plays a vital role in India’s goal to become a global maritime leader. Through strategic investments, the program supports port modernization, industrialization, sustainability, and coastal community development. The Sagarmala 2.0 initiative and the Sagarmala Startup Innovation Initiative (S2I2) are expected to further drive maritime infrastructure, shipbuilding, innovation, and economic expansion, aligning with India’s vision for Viksit Bharat and Atmanirbhar Bharat 2047.

Key Highlights of the Sagarmala Programme

• Total Projects: 839 projects identified, worth ₹5.79 lakh crore.
• Completed Projects: 272 projects completed, with an investment of ₹1.41 lakh crore.
• Coastal Shipping Growth: 118% increase in coastal shipping over the last decade, reducing logistics costs.
• Inland Waterways Boom: 700% surge in inland waterway cargo movement, easing road and rail congestion.
• Ro-Pax Ferries: 40 lakh+ passengers benefited, improving coastal connectivity.
• Global Port Rankings: 9 Indian ports among the world’s top 100, with Vizag ranking in the top 20 container ports globally.
• Sagarmala 2.0 Investment: ₹40,000 crore budgetary support to unlock ₹12 lakh crore investments over the next decade.
• Sagarmala Startup Innovation Initiative (S2I2): Launched to support Research, Innovation, Startups, and Entrepreneurship (RISE) in maritime technology.

Components of the Sagarmala Programme

• Port Modernization & Development – Upgrading and mechanizing ports to improve efficiency.
• Port Connectivity Enhancement – Strengthening road, rail, and waterway links to reduce logistics costs.
• Port-Led Industrialization – Developing industrial clusters near ports to promote economic growth.
• Coastal Community Development – Enhancing livelihoods through skill development, fisheries, and tourism.
• Coastal Shipping & Inland Water Transport – Boosting environmentally friendly transportation alternatives.

Funding & Implementation

• Public-Private Partnership (PPP): Encouraging private investment in port infrastructure.
• Internal & Extra Budgetary Resources (IEBR): Utilizing existing financial resources of port authorities.
• Government Grants: Funding for projects with high social impact, including coastal skill development and tourism.
• Sagarmala Development Company Limited (SDCL): Supporting project Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) for implementation.

Future Roadmap: Sagarmala 2.0 & S2I2

Sagarmala 2.0

• Focus on shipbuilding, repair, recycling, and port modernization.
• ₹40,000 crore budgetary support to unlock ₹12 lakh crore investments.
• Aligning with Viksit Bharat & Atmanirbhar Bharat 2047.

Sagarmala Startup Innovation Initiative (S2I2)

• Supporting startups in green shipping, smart ports, maritime logistics, and coastal sustainability.
• Providing funding, mentorship, and industry collaborations.