Sagarmala Programme : Powering India’s Maritime Revolution
NEW DELHI : The Sagarmala Programme, launched in March 2015, is the flagship initiative of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, aimed at revolutionizing India’s maritime sector. 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. Sagarmala aims 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.
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 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.
Formulated through 150+ stakeholder consultations and an analysis of 50 global benchmarks, MAKV outlines over 300 strategic initiatives to develop world-class ports, expand coastal and inland waterways, and promote a sustainable Blue Economy. As a core enabler, Sagarmala plays a transformative role in enhancing logistics, infrastructure, and shipping, accelerating India’s maritime growth by 2047.
Current Status of the Sagarmala Programme
As part of the Sagarmala Programme, around 839 projects, estimated to cost around 5.79 lakh crores, have been identified for implementation. Central ministries, IWAI, Indian Railways, NHAI, State Governments, Major Ports, and other relevant organizations implement these projects. As of 19th March 2025, 272 projects have been completed, which account for an investment of approximately 1.41 lakh crores.
Achievements of the Sagarmala Programme
Sagarmala has made India’s ports faster, boosted the coastal economy, revived inland waterways, and improved global logistics rankings. 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. Indian ports now outperform many advanced maritime nations on key metrics.
The Government of India is advancing the Sagarmala Programme with Sagarmala 2.0, focusing on shipbuilding, repair, recycling, and port modernization to enhance India’s maritime competitiveness.
With a budgetary support of ₹40,000 crore, the initiative aims to leverage investments of ₹12 lakh crore over the next decade, driving infrastructure development, coastal economic growth, and job creation. Aligning with the vision of a Viksit Bharat and Atmanirbhar Bharat by 2047, Sagarmala 2.0 will accelerate port-led development and strengthen India’s position as a global maritime leader.
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New additions to the Sagarmala Programme
Sagarmala 2.0
The Government of India is advancing the Sagarmala Programme with Sagarmala 2.0, focusing on shipbuilding, repair, recycling, and port modernization to enhance India’s maritime competitiveness.
With a budgetary support of ₹40,000 crore, the initiative aims to leverage investments of ₹12 lakh crore over the next decade, driving infrastructure development, coastal economic growth, and job creation. Aligning with the vision of a Viksit Bharat and Atmanirbhar Bharat by 2047, Sagarmala 2.0 will accelerate port-led development and strengthen India’s position as a global maritime leader.
Sagarmala Startup Innovation Initiative (S2I2)
Launched on March 19th 2025, the Sagarmala Startup Innovation Initiative (S2I2) 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. Together with Sagarmala 2.0, this initiative reinforces India’s commitment to maritime excellence and sustainable coastal development, paving the way for a globally competitive and future-ready maritime ecosystem.
Objectives of the Sagarmala Programme
With a strategic focus on port modernization, connectivity, industrialization, and skill development, the Sagarmala Programme is also unlocking new avenues for economic expansion, positioning India as a global maritime powerhouse. Sagarmala’s vision can have a potentially transformative impact on India’s logistics competitiveness and the wider economy. Its main objectives are given below:
Components of the Sagarmala Programme
The Sagarmala 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 and 24 categories as displayed below.
| Port Modernization & New Port Development This focuses on upgrading existing ports and constructing new ones to enhance capacity and efficiency. It involves addressing bottlenecks and introducing modernization, mechanization, and computerization in port operations. |
| Port Connectivity Enhancement This component aims to improve connectivity between ports and the hinterland, optimizing both time and cost of cargo transportation. It includes the development of multi-modal logistics solutions, such as inland waterways and coastal shipping, to ensure seamless movement of goods. |
| Port-Led Industrialization The initiative encourages the creation of industrial clusters near ports, promoting economic growth and reducing logistics costs. These clusters attract industries that benefit from efficient transportation and proximity to ports. |
| Coastal Community Development This focuses on the sustainable development of coastal communities by providing skill development and livelihood generation opportunities. It includes initiatives supporting fisheries, coastal tourism, and enhancing the well-being of the local population. |
| Coastal Shipping & Inland Waterways Transport This component promotes the use of coastal and inland waterways for cargo transportation, reducing dependence on road and rail networks. It is an environmentally friendly mode of transport that helps alleviate congestion on roads and railways. |
Project Implementation & Funding under Sagarmala
The Sagarmala Programme follows a strategic, stakeholder-driven approach to project identification and execution. Projects are selected based on the Master Planning of Major Ports, meetings of the National and State Steering Committees, and proposals from implementing agencies. Regular realignment and monitoring ensure relevance and efficiency.
Implementation Mechanism
Major Ports, central ministries, State Governments, state maritime boards, and other relevant agencies execute projects.
Funding Structure
| Public-Private Partnership (PPP) – Priority is given to private sector participation, with PPP models implemented wherever feasible. |
| Internal & Extra Budgetary Resources (IEBR) – Many projects are funded through the internal resources of MoPSW agencies, including Major Ports. |
| Grant-in-Aid – For projects with high social impact but low financial returns, partial funding is provided under the Sagarmala Scheme. This includes fishing harbours, coastal skill development, port modernization, cargo and tourism infrastructure, and urban water transport (Ro-Ro/Ro-Pax). |
| Equity – As part of the institutional framework under the Sagarmala Programme, Sagarmala Development Company Limited (SDCL) was established in August 2016 to support project Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) set up by Central Ministries, State Governments, Ports, and State Maritime Boards through equity participation. |
By leveraging private investment, institutional funding, and government support, Sagarmala drives port-led economic growth and enhances India’s maritime infrastructure.
Conclusion
The Sagarmala Programme is transforming India’s maritime sector by driving port-led economic growth, infrastructure modernization, and global trade competitiveness. With 839 projects worth ₹5.5 lakh crore, it has delivered remarkable outcomes, including 118% growth in coastal shipping, a 700% surge in inland waterway cargo movement, and nine Indian ports ranking among the world’s top 100. Building on this success, Sagarmala 2.0 and the Sagarmala Startup Innovation Initiative (S2I2) will unlock ₹12 lakh crore in investments, strengthen shipbuilding, repair, and recycling, and position India as a hub for maritime innovation and sustainability. Anchored in Viksit Bharat and Atmanirbhar Bharat 2047, the Government of India is steering towards a future-ready, globally competitive maritime ecosystem that fuels economic growth, job creation, and leadership in the Blue Economy.
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