Sagarmala Programme: Developing India’s Maritime Infrastructure for Economic Growth

The Indian government launched the Sagarmala programme in 2015 with the goal of developing the country’s coastline and waterways into a center of maritime activity. Through a network of transport and communication systems, logistics infrastructure, and coastal community development, the program aims to reduce logistics costs, increase port capacity, and enhance maritime security.

One of the key objectives of the Sagarmala programme is to modernize and expand existing ports, establish new ports, and develop special economic zones around ports. Additionally, coastal connectivity will be improved through rail, road, and inland waterways to facilitate faster movement of shipments. The programme also seeks to support fisheries, tourism, and additional maritime activities in coastal communities, while also developing logistics infrastructure in partnership with the private sector.

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways has launched various initiatives to strengthen India’s maritime industry. The government has identified over 574 projects under the Sagarmala programme, with a total cost of ₹6.01 lakh crore, and has completed 121 projects with a cost of ₹30,228 crore as of September 30, 2019. In the 2023-24 financial year, a total of ₹450 crore has been allocated to support Sagarmala schemes and projects, as well as the Sagarmala Development Company.

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