The Sagarmala Scheme, initiated by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, aims to enhance port-led development in India, capitalizing on its extensive 7,500 km coastline and 14,500 km of navigable waterways. The initiative is strategically positioned to improve India’s role in global maritime trade.
Under the scheme, the Ministry allocates financial support to states for developing port infrastructure, including coastal berths, transport links, and fish harbors. In Tamil Nadu, 18 projects have received a combined funding commitment of approximately Rs 9,090 million, with around Rs 4,030 million already disbursed. Noteworthy completed projects include various fishing harbors and a coastal cargo berth at Chennai Port.
Additional initiatives encompass a truck terminal at V.O. Chidambaranar Port, dredging efforts, and skill development programs. Ongoing efforts include Phase II of the Coastal Districts Skill Development Programme and new berthing facilities in Rameswaram. This information was provided by Bhupathiraju Srinivasa Varma, Minister of State for Steel and Heavy Industries, in a recent response to the Lok Sabha.
