10th Anniversary of Sagarmala Programme

General Studies Paper-3

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

About

• 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.

Sagarmala Programme

• 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.

Sagarmala 2.0

• Sagarmala Startup Innovation Initiative (S2I2)
• 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.

Challenges

• 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.

Way Ahead

• 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.