Sagarmala Programme Progress Update
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways provided a comprehensive update on the progress of the Sagarmala programme, a central sector scheme aimed at promoting port-led development in India. The scheme operates through five pillars: port modernization, port connectivity, port-led industrialization, coastal community development, and coastal shipping & inland water transport.
Project Implementation Status
As per Annexure-I, the programme has completed 79 projects with a total cost of ₹5,374.5 crore, where the Ministry's share amounted to ₹1,799.07 crore with actual funds released of ₹1,764.26 crore. Additionally, 54 projects are under implementation with a total cost of ₹4,538.2 crore, featuring a Ministry share of ₹2,346.43 crore and funds released of ₹1,306.12 crore. Maharashtra leads in completed projects with 21 projects worth ₹1,103.3 crore, followed by Tamil Nadu with 16 projects worth ₹1,085.6 crore. Gujarat has the highest number of projects under implementation (5 projects worth ₹862.5 crore) while Lakshadweep has 4 projects worth ₹860 crore under implementation.
Budgetary Allocation and Utilization
Annexure-II shows consistent budget utilization over four fiscal years. In 2022-23, against an allocation of ₹413 crore, ₹412 crore was utilized. The following year saw ₹349 crore utilized from ₹368 crore allocation. In 2024-25, ₹424 crore was utilized from ₹459 crore allocation, and in 2025-26, ₹449 crore was utilized from ₹463 crore allocation, demonstrating efficient fund deployment throughout the programme.
Port Capacity and Operational Efficiency
Annexure-III reveals significant growth in port capacity. Major ports increased capacity from 1,617.39 Million Tonnes in 2022-23 to 1,728.4 Million Tonnes in 2025-26 (provisional data). Non-major ports grew from 1,050.55 MMT to 1,090.53 MMT during the same period. Operational efficiency improved markedly as average turnaround time at major ports decreased from 51.48 hours in FY 2022-23 to 47.25 hours in FY 2025-26 (provisional), while non-major ports achieved 40.90 hours turnaround time in FY 2025-26.
Connectivity Projects and Infrastructure Development
The Ministry, in consultation with Ministry of Railways and Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, has identified 294 rail and road connectivity projects. Of these, 84 projects (63 rail and 21 road) have been completed, 66 projects (27 rail and 39 road) are under implementation, and 144 projects (42 rail and 102 road) are at planning stage. Connectivity projects within port limits are handled by Port Authorities, while those beyond port limits are managed by MoR, MoRTH or State Governments.
Inland Waterways and Green Initiatives
On National Waterways, significant infrastructure has been developed including 3 Multi Modal Terminals and 1 intermodal terminal on NW 1, 1 MMT and 3 IWT terminals on NW 2, 9 IWT terminals on NW 3, 2 Ro-Ro terminals in Ernakulam, and 1 Ro-Ro terminal on NW 4. The Ministry has launched the 'One Nation One Port Process' initiative to standardize port operations across India. Several green initiatives have been implemented including 'HaritSagar' Green Port Guidelines, Green Tug Transition Programme for converting diesel tugs to electric/hybrid, renewable energy adoption, equipment electrification, zero-emission truck deployment, and Onshore Power Supply system installation.
This information was formally presented by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha, providing official status updates on India's port-led development strategy under the Sagarmala programme.