Sagarmala Scheme Accelerates Port-Led Development: 77 Infrastructure Projects Completed, Over ₹9,400 Cr Allocated

In a significant move to transform India’s coastal and maritime infrastructure, the Central Government’s flagship Sagarmala Scheme, under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, continues to deliver on its ambitious vision of port-led development. The Ministry has sanctioned 121 projects amounting to ₹9,415 crore, of which 77 projects have already been completed, signaling substantial progress in modernizing India’s ports and connecting hinterlands with coastal economies.

This strategic investment forms part of the Government of India’s larger maritime vision to harness the nation’s 7,500 km long coastline and 14,500 km of navigable waterways—unlocking economic potential, creating jobs, and enhancing trade competitiveness.

Sagarmala: Powering Maritime Infrastructure

Launched with the objective to revolutionize India's port and shipping ecosystem, Sagarmala is a Central Sector Scheme that provides financial support to state and union territory governments for critical maritime and coastal development projects. These include:

• Port infrastructure and modernization

• Coastal berth projects

• Fishing harbours and Ro-Pax ferry services

• Road and rail connectivity to ports

• Cruise terminal development

• Skill development initiatives

• Coastal community development programs

The projects aim to improve logistical efficiency, reduce cost of domestic and international cargo movement, and build a robust network that integrates multimodal transport with maritime operations.

Project Snapshot: ₹9,415 Cr Deployed Across India

As per the latest update provided by Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal in a written reply to the Lok Sabha, 121 projects have been sanctioned with partial funding under the Sagarmala scheme.

• Total financial outlay: ₹9,415 crore

• Projects completed: 77

• Remaining projects: 44 (at various stages of implementation)

These projects are spread across key coastal states like Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Kerala, and West Bengal, and strategically target regions with high logistics and export potential.

Maritime Infrastructure Integrated with PM Gati Shakti Plan

To enhance efficiency and integration, Sagarmala projects are now aligned with the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan (NMP)—a groundbreaking initiative launched in October 2021. PM Gati Shakti aims to bring synergy among different transport modes and ensure faster implementation of infrastructure projects through digital mapping, cross-ministerial collaboration, and integrated planning.

This alignment ensures:

• Better coordination among stakeholders

• Elimination of implementation bottlenecks

• Reduced logistics cost

• Faster turnaround of port-linked infrastructure

Green Ports for a Sustainable Future: Harit Sagar Guidelines

Complementing physical infrastructure development is the Government’s focus on environmental sustainability. Under Sagarmala, major ports are also expected to comply with the newly introduced ‘Harit Sagar’ – Green Port Guidelines, which provide a structured roadmap for environmental sustainability.

These guidelines mandate ports to:

• Reduce carbon intensity

• Implement energy-efficient technologies

• Promote waste recycling and water conservation

• Adopt clean fuel and renewable energy systems

• Ensure sustainable dredging and marine biodiversity conservation

The vision is to create eco-friendly port ecosystems that are compliant with global environmental standards, positioning Indian ports as modern and responsible trade hubs.

Empowering Coastal Communities & Blue Economy

While the focus on infrastructure remains at the core, Sagarmala’s outreach also touches lives of coastal and fishing communities through development of:

• Modern fishing harbours

• Cold storage facilities

• Fish landing centres

• Skill development for youth in port and maritime trades

Such interventions not only enhance livelihood opportunities for the coastal population but also contribute to the blue economy by promoting fisheries, aquaculture, and coastal tourism.

Accountability and Impact Assessment

To ensure transparency and measure tangible outcomes, the Ministry has embedded an accountability mechanism as per the Ministry of Finance guidelines. At the end of each Finance Commission cycle, an independent third-party evaluation of the Sagarmala scheme will be conducted.

The impact assessment will cover:

• Economic viability of projects

• Improvement in logistics efficiency

• Employment generation

• Environmental impact

• Benefits to local economies

Such third-party evaluations will provide critical feedback for mid-course corrections and future policy directions.

Strategic Maritime Vision for Atmanirbhar Bharat

The Government’s commitment to maritime infrastructure is deeply aligned with the larger goals of Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India). By improving port connectivity and operational efficiency, India is positioning itself as a competitive player in global trade logistics and regional maritime commerce.

The Sagarmala initiative plays a pivotal role in this transformation by:

• Enhancing India’s EXIM competitiveness

• Supporting Make in India manufacturing clusters

• Reducing dependence on road freight

• Promoting multi-modal transport and digital logistics

Conclusion: From Vision to Execution

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways is making rapid strides under Sagarmala to establish India as a maritime power with robust coastal infrastructure. The successful completion of 77 out of 121 projects, along with integrated planning through PM Gati Shakti and green initiatives via Harit Sagar, represents a significant leap toward a future-ready, sustainable, and inclusive maritime ecosystem.

As India continues to invest in port-led development, the Sagarmala scheme stands as a model of infrastructure-driven growth, empowering not only trade and logistics, but also the coastal communities and future generations that depend on a thriving blue economy.