10th Anniversary of Sagarmala Programme

Syllabus: GS3/ Infrastructure

In Context

The Sagarmala Programme which was launched in 2015 by the Ministry of Ports has revolutionized India’s maritime sector.

With a 7,500 km coastline, 14,500 km of potentially navigable waterways, and a strategic position on key global trade routes, India holds immense potential for port-led economic growth.
The Sagarmala Programme is a key pillar of the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 (MAKV), driving India’s ambition to become a global leader in maritime affairs. Building on Maritime India Vision 2030, MAKV sets ambitious targets, including 4 million Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT) of shipbuilding capacity and 10 billion metric tons of port handling annually, aiming to position India among the top five shipbuilding nations by 2047.
MAKV outlines over 300 strategic initiatives to develop world-class ports, expand coastal and inland waterways, and promote a sustainable Blue Economy.

Objectives: To streamline logistics, reduce costs, and enhance international trade competitiveness by shifting from traditional, infrastructure-heavy transport to efficient coastal and waterway networks.
- The program focuses on port modernization, industrial growth, job creation, and sustainable coastal development, ensuring minimal infrastructure investment while maximizing economic impact.
Components:
- The program consists of several key components aimed at transforming India’s maritime sector. The overall set of projects under the Sagarmala Programme are divided into 5 pillars.

Implementation Mechanism:
- Major Ports, central ministries, State Governments, state maritime boards, and other relevant agencies execute projects.
- Projects are selected based on the Master Planning of Major Ports, meetings of the National and State Steering Committees.
Funding Structure:
- Many projects are funded through the internal resources of MoPSW agencies, including Major Ports.
- Priority is given to private sector participation, with PPP models implemented wherever feasible.
- Sagarmala Development Company Limited (SDCL) was established to support project Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs).
Achievements:
- Coastal shipping grew 118% in a decade, Ro-Pax ferries moved over 40 lakh passengers, and inland waterway cargo rose 700%.
- Nine Indian ports rank in the world’s top 100, with Vizag in the top 20 container ports.

Launched on March 19th 2025, it is a transformative program designed to foster innovation and entrepreneurship in India’s maritime sector.
S2I2 supports startups in green shipping, smart ports, maritime logistics, shipbuilding technology, and sustainable coastal development by providing funding, mentorship, and industry partnerships.
Anchored in the principles of RISE—Research, Innovation, Startups, and Entrepreneurship-S2I2 will drive technological advancements, enhance industry competitiveness, and accelerate economic growth.

Investment Mobilization and Budgetary Support: Securing timely investments and adequate budgetary allocations has been a persistent issue.
Land Acquisition and Environmental Concerns: Acquiring land for infrastructure development, especially in coastal areas, involves complex legal and environmental considerations.
Stakeholder Coordination: Effective implementation requires seamless coordination among central and state agencies, port authorities, and private sector participants.
Connectivity Issues: Inadequate last-mile connectivity between ports and the hinterland affects the efficiency of cargo movement. Underutilization of domestic waterways and constrained rail infrastructure further exacerbate this problem.
Community and Social Impacts: Port expansion and related industrial activities can lead to the displacement of local communities, particularly fishing populations.

Improve Inter-agency Coordination: Foster better collaboration between central, state, and local bodies for seamless execution.
Focus on Sustainable Development: Ensure environmental safeguards, promote green ports, and support community livelihoods.
Enhance Port-Hinterland Connectivity: Invest in multi-modal transport networks to improve last-mile cargo movement.
Promote Indigenous Shipbuilding & Recycling: Support Make in India initiatives for maritime infrastructure and services.

Source: PIB

Previous article The Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) in India

Next article Growth of India’s E-retail Market