Sagarmala Programme Progress Update
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways provided a comprehensive update on the Sagarmala scheme, a central sector programme aimed at promoting port-led development in India. The scheme provides financial assistance across five key pillars: port modernization, port connectivity, port-led industrialization, coastal community development, and coastal shipping & inland water transport.
Project Status and Financials
As of the report, 79 projects have been completed with a total cost of ₹5,374.5 crore, while 54 projects are under implementation with a projected cost of ₹4,538.2 crore. The pillar-wise breakdown shows Coastal Shipping and IWT has 25 completed projects (₹1,178.5 crore) and 17 under implementation (₹1,167.7 crore). Coastal Community Development has 19 completed projects (₹1,912.6 crore) and 28 under implementation (₹3,008.4 crore). Port Modernization has 18 completed projects (₹870.2 crore) and 6 under implementation (₹160.8 crore). Port Connectivity has 17 completed projects (₹1,413.2 crore) and 3 under implementation (₹201.3 crore).
Port Capacity and Efficiency Improvements
Significant measures have been taken to enhance port capacity and operational efficiency, including construction of new berths and terminals, mechanization, modernization of existing facilities, capital dredging for deeper drafts, and development of road and rail connectivity. The implementation of One Nation One Port Process (ONOP) has streamlined port processes, contributing to reduced vessel turnaround time. These initiatives have resulted in India's cargo handling capacity increasing to 2,818 Million Tonnes Per Annum (MTPA) as of March 2026, doubling from approximately 1,400 MTPA in 2013-14.
Port Connectivity Initiatives
The Sagarmala programme focuses on improving last mile and immediate hinterland connectivity of ports through road, rail, and inland waterways. In consultation with Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and Ministry of Railways, 294 rail and road connectivity projects have been identified: 84 projects (63 Rail and 21 Road) completed, 66 projects (27 Rail and 39 Road) under implementation, and 144 projects (42 Rail and 102 Road) in planning stage. Connectivity projects within port limits are handled by Port Authorities, while those beyond port limits are managed by relevant ministries or state governments.
Inland Waterway Developments
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 Roll-on/Roll-off terminals in Ernakulam, and 1 Ro-Ro terminal on NW 4.
Andhra Pradesh Specific Projects
The Ministry has sanctioned financial assistance of ₹272 crore for 9 projects worth ₹1,286 crore in Andhra Pradesh. These include completed projects such as construction of coastal berth at Visakhapatnam port (₹43 crore, VPA), grade separator from H-7 area to Port connectivity road (₹60 crore, NHAI), 2 to 4 laning of port road connectivity to NH-5 (₹77 crore, NHAI), Centre of Excellence in Maritime and Shipbuilding (₹574 crore, IRS), Coastal Districts Skill Development Program Phase I (₹0.14 crore, Ministry of Rural Development), fishing harbour in Juvvaladinne (₹288 crore, APMIDCL), and improvement of Kakinada Anchorage Ports infrastructure (₹85.83 crore, Andhra Pradesh Maritime Board). Projects under implementation include modernization of Visakhapatnam Fishing Harbour (₹178.51 crore, VPA) and Coastal Districts Skill Development Program Phase 2 (₹5.98 crore, Ministry of Rural Development).