The Sagarmala Project is an initiative by the Indian government to enhance port-led development in the country . Approved in 2015, it aims to modernize ports, improve connectivity, and drive industrial growth .
Objectives:
- Reduce logistics costs for EXIM (Export-Import) and domestic trade .
- Minimize infrastructure investment while maximizing economic impact .
- Boost India’s merchandise exports .
- Create employment opportunities .
Pillars/Components:
- Port Modernization: Upgrading and expanding existing ports, and developing new Greenfield ports .
- Port Connectivity Enhancement: Improving connections between ports and the hinterland through multi-modal logistics solutions like inland waterways and coastal shipping .
- Port-linked Industrialization: Creating industrial clusters and Coastal Economic Zones near ports to reduce logistics costs .
- Coastal Community Development: Promoting sustainable development through skill development, livelihood generation, fisheries development, and coastal tourism .
- Coastal Shipping and Inland Waterways Transport: Encouraging cargo movement via environmentally friendly coastal and inland waterways .
Implementation and Funding:
- Projects are implemented by Major Ports, Central Ministries, State Governments, State Maritime Boards, and other agencies .
- Preference is given to private sector participation through Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models .
- The Sagarmala Development Company Limited (SDCL) supports project Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) .
- Projects are funded through internal resources, grants-in-aid, and PPP .
Achievements:
- Coastal shipping has grown significantly .
- Ro-Pax ferries have moved a large number of passengers .
- Inland waterway cargo movement has increased .
- Several Indian ports rank among the world’s top 100 .
Challenges:
- Securing timely investments and budgetary allocations .
- Land acquisition and environmental concerns .
- Coordination among central and state agencies, port authorities, and private sector participants .
- Inadequate last-mile connectivity between ports and the hinterland .
- Potential displacement of local communities due to port expansion .
Sagarmala 2.0 and Future Initiatives:
- Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 (MAKV): Builds on Maritime India Vision 2030, setting targets for shipbuilding capacity and port handling .
- Sagarmala Startup Innovation Initiative (S2I2): Fosters innovation and entrepreneurship in the maritime sector .
- Sagartat Samriddhi Yojana: Aims at holistic development of coastal communities .
Impact:
- The Sagarmala project is expected to boost India’s merchandise exports and create numerous jobs .
- It is helping to grow the Indian economy through port and connectivity infrastructure development .
