Why in news?
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways recently reported that the government’s Sagarmala programme is progressing well. As of March 2026, more than 845 projects worth over ₹6 lakh crore are under various stages of implementation, with around 315 projects already completed. The initiative aims to transform India into a global maritime hub by improving ports, logistics and coastal communities.
Background
Launched in March 2015, the Sagarmala programme seeks to unlock the economic potential of India’s 7,500 km coastline and extensive network of rivers. It is structured around five pillars: modernising port infrastructure, enhancing port connectivity, promoting port‑led industrialisation, developing coastal communities and fishermen, and encouraging coastal shipping and inland waterways. The overall goal is to reduce logistics costs, decongest roads and railways, and create jobs in the maritime sector.
Pillars and achievements
- Port modernisation: Several major ports are being upgraded with new berths, mechanised cargo handling systems and digital technologies. In 2025–26 these ports handled a record 915 million tonnes of cargo, and average vessel turnaround time fell to about 49.5 hours.
- Connectivity improvements: New coastal roads, rail links and dedicated freight corridors are being built to link ports with hinterland markets. This reduces transit time and enhances supply chain reliability.
- Industrial clusters: Port‑based industrial parks, power plants and special economic zones are planned to generate manufacturing and processing activities near ports, leveraging proximity to sea routes.
- Coastal community development: Projects include modern fishing harbours, cold‑storage facilities, skill training for fishermen and construction of coastal infrastructure. These initiatives aim to uplift livelihoods along the coast.
- Coastal shipping and inland waterways: To shift freight from roads to water, Sagarmala supports coastal shipping routes and the National Waterway network. Inland cargo movement rose from about 18 million tonnes in 2013–14 to over 145 million tonnes in 2024–25.
Significance
- Logistics efficiency: By improving port performance and multimodal connectivity, Sagarmala lowers the cost of transporting goods, making Indian exports more competitive.
- Economic growth: Port‑led industrial hubs and better coastal infrastructure create jobs, spur regional development and support the “Blue Economy”.
- Sustainable development: Encouraging coastal shipping and inland waterways reduces road congestion, lowers greenhouse gas emissions and taps India’s natural waterways for clean transport.
Conclusion
With hundreds of projects underway, Sagarmala is reshaping India’s maritime landscape. Continued investment, timely completion and coordination between central and state agencies will be essential to ensure that the programme delivers on its promise of inclusive, sustainable growth along the country’s vast coastline.
Source: Press Information Bureau
