Sagarmala Project: 119 Projects Worth Rs 9,406 Crore Undertaken By Ministry Of Ports, Shipping And Waterways Across Coastal States And UTs

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) is spearheading India’s port-led development through its flagship Sagarmala programme.

Aimed at transforming the nation’s coastal infrastructure, the ministry has so far undertaken 119 projects across various coastal states and union territories, with a cumulative investment of Rs 9,406 crore, the Parliament was informed on Friday (28 March).

These projects are focused on enhancing port connectivity, promoting sustainable transport alternatives like Ro-Ro and Ro-Pax ferry services, and developing infrastructure to support economic activities such as fishing harbours and tourism.

"Till date, the Ministry has undertaken 119 projects of total cost of Rs. 9,406 Crore across Coastal States/UTs," Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal said in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha.

The Sagarmala Programme, approved by the Union Cabinet in March 2015, is a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing the country's maritime sector through port-led development.

By capitalising on India's extensive 7,500 km coastline and 14,500 km of potentially navigable waterways, the programme seeks to reduce logistics costs for both domestic and international trade.

This will be achieved by promoting the use of coastal and inland waterways, thereby minimising reliance on overland transport infrastructure and improving the efficiency of cargo movement.

The programme is structured around five key pillars:​

1. Port Modernization and New Port Development:

2. Port Connectivity Enhancement

3. Port-led Industrialisation

4. Coastal Community Development

5. Coastal Shipping and Inland Water Transport

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