SAGARMALA PROGRAM: TRANSFORMING INDIA’S MARITIME SECTOR
Why in News
- The Sagarmala Programme has shown major progress:
- 845 projects worth ₹6.06 lakh crore
- 315 projects completed worth ₹1.57 lakh crore
- India’s major ports handled:
- Record 915 million tonnes of cargo in FY 2025–26
- Sagarmala 2.0 announced with:
- ₹85,482 crore budget support
- ₹3.6 lakh crore expected investment
BACKGROUND: INDIA’S MARITIME IMPORTANCE
- India has:
- 11,099 km coastline
- 14,500 km navigable waterways
- Trade dependence:
- 95% by volume
- 70% by value through maritime routes
- Port structure:
- 12 major ports (central government)
- 200+ non-major ports (state governments)
- Ports handle:
- Crude oil, coal, containers, fertilizers, agricultural goods
ABOUT SAGARMALA PROGRAM
- Launched in 2015
- Main aim:
- Port-led development
Key Objectives
- Improve logistics efficiency
- Reduce transportation cost
- Promote coastal shipping and inland waterways
- Encourage public and private investment
PILLARS OF THE PROGRAM
- Port led Industrialisation
- Port Modernisation
- Port Connectivity
- Coastal Community development
- Coastal Shipping & IWT
(1) Port Modernization and New Port Development
- Upgrade existing ports
- Develop new ports
- Introduce mechanisation and digital systems
(2) Port Connectivity Enhancement
- Improve connectivity between ports and hinterland
- Develop multimodal transport (road, rail, waterways)
(3) Port-Led Industrialization
- Develop industrial clusters near ports
- Reduce logistics cost for industries
(4) Coastal Community Development
- Improve livelihoods in coastal areas
- Promote fisheries, tourism and skill development
(5) Coastal Shipping and Inland Waterways
- Promote cost-effective transport
- Reduce congestion on roads and railways
KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
(A) Project Status
- Total projects: 845
- Completed: 315
- Under implementation: 210
- Under planning: 320
(B) Infrastructure Development
- Fishing harbours:
- 11 projects completed
- Benefit to 30,000+ fishermen
- Coastal berths:
- 7 projects completed
- Added 9.84 MTPA capacity
(C) Port Performance
- Cargo handled:
- 915.17 million tonnes (FY 2025–26)
- Growth:
- 7.06% increase
- Turnaround time:
- Reduced from 96 hours (2014) to 49.5 hours (2025)
(D) Global Ranking
- 9 Indian ports in top 100 globally
- Visakhapatnam Port among top 20
(E) Inland Waterways
- Cargo increased from:
- 18.1 MTPA to 145.5 MTPA
- Growth of around 700%
PASSENGER & TRANSPORT CONNECTIVITY
Ro-Pax and Ferry Services
- 29 projects launched (₹1,233 crore)
- 17 projects completed
- 35 lakh passengers benefited
Examples
- Ghogha–Hazira:
- Travel time reduced from 10 hours to 4 hours
- Mumbai–Mandwa:
- Distance reduced from 109 km to 18.5 km
COASTAL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
- Skill development under DDU-GKY
- 7,600+ people trained
- 3,100+ people placed
Employment Potential
- Total: 1 crore jobs
- 40 lakh direct
- 60 lakh indirect
INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK
National Sagarmala Apex Committee (NSAC)
- Provides policy guidance
Maritime States Development Council (MSDC)
- Ensures coordination between Centre and States
State Sagarmala Committees (SSCs)
- Identify and monitor projects
Sagarmala Finance Corporation Limited (SMFCL)
- Maritime-focused NBFC
- Provides financing support
- ₹4,300 crore loan sanctions (2025)
SAGARMALA 2.0
Objective
- Make India a global maritime hub
Focus Areas
- Port modernization
- Connectivity
- Inland waterways
- Coastal development
- Sustainability
Financial Plan
- Budget support: ₹85,482 crore
- Total investment: ₹3.6 lakh crore
Vision Alignment
- Maritime India Vision 2030
- Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047
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