In-Depth: Sagarmala Programme | 01 June, 2025

Summary

The SagarMala Project is an ambitious initiative by the Government of India aimed at developing the country's coastal areas. Launched in 2015, it focuses on port modernization, coastal economic growth, and enhancing India's maritime trade and infrastructure. With over 800 projects identified, the program has already achieved remarkable progress, including a 118% growth in coastal shipping and improved global logistics rankings. SagarMala 2.0, launched in 2025, seeks to accelerate port development, shipbuilding, and innovation, positioning India as a global leader in maritime affairs by 2047, promoting sustainable growth and job creation.

Takeaways

• 😀 The SagarMala project is an ambitious initiative by the Government of India aimed at developing the country's coastal areas and boosting maritime trade and transportation.
• 😀 The term 'SagarMala' combines two Hindi words: 'Sagar' meaning sea, and 'Mala' meaning necklace, symbolizing the coastal areas as pearls strung together.
• 😀 Launched in March 2015, the SagarMala program focuses on creating coastal economic zones, improving ports, and enhancing India's infrastructure.
• 😀 SagarMala is expected to generate employment opportunities for millions and improve India's maritime sector, enhancing both logistics and shipping efficiency.
• 😀 The program is part of India's broader vision to become a global leader in maritime affairs, with ambitious targets for shipbuilding and port handling by 2047.
• 😀 The SagarMala program includes over 839 projects with an estimated cost of approximately 5.79 lakh crore INR, aimed at port modernization, connectivity, and industrial growth.
• 😀 SagarMala 2.0, introduced in 2025, focuses on shipbuilding, repair, recycling, and enhancing India's competitiveness in the global maritime sector.
• 😀 The program aims to revolutionize India's logistics by shifting from traditional infrastructure-heavy transport to efficient coastal and waterway networks.
• 😀 A key component of SagarMala is the startup innovation initiative, which fosters entrepreneurship and technological advancements in maritime sectors like green shipping, smart ports, and sustainable coastal development.
• 😀 The program is aligned with India's Vision 2047, focusing on a future-ready, globally competitive maritime ecosystem to drive economic growth and job creation.

Q & A

What is the Sagar Mala Project?

The Sagar Mala Project is an ambitious initiative by the Government of India aimed at developing the country's coastal areas, creating coastal economic zones, boosting maritime trade, and improving transportation infrastructure.

What does the term 'Sagar Mala' mean?

The term 'Sagar Mala' is derived from Hindi, where 'Sagar' means sea and 'Mala' means necklace, symbolizing the coastal areas of India as a necklace along the country's coastline.

When was the Sagar Mala Program launched?

The Sagar Mala Program was launched in March 2015 by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways.

What are the key objectives of the Sagar Mala Program?

The key objectives of the Sagar Mala Program are to modernize ports, create job opportunities, boost industrial growth, improve logistics efficiency, reduce transportation costs, and ensure sustainable coastal development.

How does the Sagar Mala Program contribute to India's economic growth?

The Sagar Mala Program contributes to India's economic growth by enhancing port capacity, improving logistics and transportation networks, boosting maritime trade, and creating industrial clusters that promote economic development and job creation.

What are the major achievements of the Sagar Mala Program?

Major achievements of the Sagar Mala Program include a 118% growth in coastal shipping, 700% increase in inland waterway cargo movement, and the ranking of nine Indian ports among the world's top 100 container ports.

What is Sagar Mala 2.0?

Sagar Mala 2.0 is an advanced version of the Sagar Mala Program focusing on shipbuilding, repair, recycling, and further port modernization to enhance India's maritime competitiveness and infrastructure.

What role does the Sagar Mala Startup Innovation Initiative play?

The Sagar Mala Startup Innovation Initiative supports startups in the maritime sector, providing funding, mentorship, and industry partnerships to foster innovation in areas like green shipping, smart ports, logistics, and sustainable coastal development.

How is the government supporting the Sagar Mala Program financially?

The government is supporting the Sagar Mala Program with investments, including a budgetary support of 40 crores for Sagar Mala 2.0 and an estimated 12 lakh crores of investment over the next decade.

What are the five pillars of the Sagar Mala Program?

The five pillars of the Sagar Mala Program are port modernization and new port development, port connectivity enhancement, industrialization, coastal community development, and the promotion of coastal shipping and inland waterways transportation.