Transforming India's Maritime Landscape

Sagarmala Programme Overview

• Objective: To enhance India's maritime sector, improve logistics efficiency, reduce transport costs, and promote port-based development.
• Launch Date: March 2015.

Key Facts and Figures

• Total Projects: 845 projects under Sagarmala with an estimated cost of ₹6.06 lakh crore.
• Completed Projects: 315 projects worth ₹1.57 lakh crore completed.
• Cargo Handling Capacity: 7 coastal berth projects added 9.84 million tons per annum (MTPA) capacity.
• Record Cargo Handling (FY 2025-26): 915 million tons, exceeding the target of 904 million tons, marking a 7.06% year-on-year increase.
• Average Vessel Turnaround Time: Reduced from 96 hours in 2014 to 49.5 hours in 2025.

Maritime Statistics

• Coastline: Approximately 11,099 km long coastline and 14,500 km of navigable inland waterways.
• Trade via Maritime Routes: Accounts for about 95% of total trade volume and 70% by value.
• Major Ports: 12 major ports and over 200 minor ports in India.

Government Schemes and Policies

• Sagarmala 2.0: Proposed with a budgetary support of ₹85,482 crore aiming to attract ₹3.6 lakh crore investment, focusing on modernization and development of ports.
• Coastal Livelihood and Skill Development: Skill training for over 7,600 individuals, with 3,100 successfully placed in maritime sectors.

Institutional Framework

• National Sagarmala Apex Committee (NSAC): Established in May 2015 for policy guidance and project oversight.
• Maritime State Development Council (MSDC): Promotes coordination between central and state governments.
• State Sagarmala Committees (SSCs): Responsible for project identification and implementation at the state level.

Economic Impact

• Job Creation Potential: Estimated 1 crore job opportunities, including 40 lakh direct and 60 lakh indirect jobs.
• Inland Waterway Cargo Transport: Increased from 18.10 MTPA in FY 2013-14 to 145.50 MTPA in FY 2024-25, a growth of approximately 700%.

Infrastructure and Connectivity

• Port Modernization: Focus on upgrading existing ports and developing new ones, enhancing operational efficiency.
• Multi-Modal Transport Network: Developing integrated transport systems to improve connectivity between ports and hinterlands.
• Coastal Shipping and Inland Waterways: Encouraged as cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternatives to road and rail transport.

Recent Developments

• Ferry Services: 29 Ro-Pax and passenger ferry projects with an investment of ₹1,233 crore completed, benefiting over 3.5 million passengers.
• Mumbai-Mandwa Ferry Service: Reduced travel time significantly, enhancing connectivity.
• Fishery Port Development: 11 fishery port projects completed, benefiting over 30,000 fishermen.

Conclusion

The Sagarmala Programme has led to significant advancements in India's maritime infrastructure, enhancing capacity, connectivity, and operational efficiency. It aims to position India as a global maritime hub while generating substantial employment and supporting coastal community development. The upcoming Sagarmala 2.0 is anticipated to build on these achievements, promoting sustainable growth in the maritime sector.