Sagarmala Programme: ₹5.79 Lakh Cr Projects in Progress A Breakthrough in Maritime Infrastructure

The Sagarmala Programme in India involves 839 projects worth ₹5.79 lakh crore, with 280 completed and 209 under implementation. Delays in project execution are primarily due to land acquisition issues, statutory clearances, local protests, and scope changes. The Ministry conducts regular reviews and coordinates. India’s maritime infrastructure is witnessing a transformative phase, with over ₹5.79 lakh crore worth of projects currently in progress under the ambitious Sagarmala Programme. Launched by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sagarmala aims to modernize ports, reduce logistics costs, and unlock the full potential of India’s 7,500 km-long coastline. These projects span across port development.

Project Scope and Distribution

As of the latest update, over 802 projects have been identified, out of which 228 have already been completed. The ₹5.79 lakh crore figure reflects both ongoing and approved projects across key port states including Gujarat, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, and West Bengal. These include greenfield ports, port-led industrial clusters, ship recycling hubs, and fishing harbours. For instance, the development of Vadhavan Port in Maharashtra and expansion works at Paradip and Kandla Ports are among the major components driving capacity growth. Projects under the National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP) also converge with Agartala’s vision, ensuring integrated logistics development across road, rail, and waterways.

Connectivity & Multimodal Integration

A significant portion of Sagarmala budget is dedicated to enhancing port connectivity through highways, expressways, rail corridors, and inland waterways. This includes direct linkages to freight corridors like the Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) and integration with economic corridors such as the (Sagarmala Programme). Recently, projects like the Chandikhole–Paradip Highway upgrade and Coastal Economic Zone (CEZ) developments have been fast-tracked to enable seamless movement of cargo from port to hinterland. The use of digital platforms such as the National Logistics Portal (Marine) is also helping reduce bottlenecks and improve turnaround time at major ports.

Port-Driven Economic Clusters

Sagarmala is not just about ports—it’s also about creating economic hubs around them. Port-led industrialization is a central pillar, with plans for petrochemical clusters, power plants, textiles parks, and shipbuilding yards along India’s coast. These industrial nodes are designed to provide employment and boost regional development. States like Tamil Nadu and Gujarat are leveraging the programme to set up logistics parks and manufacturing zones near ports, aligning with initiatives. Furthermore, Sagarmala supports the Green Port Initiative, promoting energy-efficient operations, solar adoption, and waste reduction at major ports. These sustainability measures are in line with India’s commitments under the IMO’s MARPOL Convention and the country’s net-zero emissions roadmap.

Coastal Community Development & Sustainability

Beyond infrastructure, Sagarmala includes social and environmental components such as skill development for coastal communities, support for fishermen, and promotion of coastal tourism. Over ₹1,200 crore has been allocated for fisheries and skill development projects. The programme also supports green port initiatives such as shore-to-ship power, waste heat recovery, and solar installations, echoing goals similar (JSW’s Hydropower Projects). In addition to infrastructure, the Sagarmala programme supports coastal community development, including skill training for local youth, infrastructure for fishermen, and promotion of eco-tourism. Over ₹1,200 crore has been earmarked for these social welfare activities.