How Sagarmala Reshaping Blue Economy

The Sagarmala Programme, launched in March 2015, is the flagship initiative of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, aimed at revolutionising India’s maritime sector. With a 7,500 km coastline, 14,500 km of potentially navigable waterways, and a strategic position on key global trade routes, India holds immense potential for port-led economic growth. Sagarmala aims to streamline logistics, reduce costs, and enhance international trade competitiveness by shifting from traditional, infrastructure-heavy transport to efficient coastal and waterway networks. The program focuses on port modernization, industrial growth, job creation, and sustainable coastal development, ensuring minimal infrastructure investment while maximizing economic impact.

The Sagarmala Programme is a key pillar of the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 (MAKV), driving India's ambition to become a global leader in maritime affairs. Building on Maritime India Vision 2030, MAKV sets ambitious targets, including 4 million GRT of shipbuilding capacity and 10 billion metric tons of port handling annually, aiming to position India among the top five shipbuilding nations by 2047.

Formulated through 150+ stakeholder consultations and an analysis of 50 global benchmarks, MAKV outlines over 300 strategic initiatives to develop world-class ports, expand coastal and inland waterways, and promote a sustainable Blue Economy. As a core enabler, Sagarmala plays a transformative role in enhancing logistics, infrastructure, and shipping, accelerating India's maritime growth by 2047.

Current Status of the Sagarmala Programme

As part of the Sagarmala Programme, around 839 projects, estimated to cost around 5.79 lakh crores, have been identified for implementation. Central ministries, IWAI, Indian Railways, NHAI, State Governments, Major Ports, and other relevant organizations implement these projects. As of 19th March 2025, 272 projects have been completed, which account for an investment of approximately 1.41 lakh crores.

Sagarmala has made India’s ports faster, boosted the coastal economy, revived inland waterways, and improved global logistics rankings. Coastal shipping grew 118 per cent in a decade, Ro-Pax ferries moved over 40 lakh passengers, and inland waterway cargo rose 700 per cent. Nine Indian ports rank in the world’s top 100, with Vizag in the top 20 container ports. Indian ports now outperform many advanced maritime nations on key metrics.

The Government of India is advancing the Sagarmala Programme with Sagarmala 2.0, focusing on shipbuilding, repair, recycling, and port modernization to enhance India's maritime competitiveness.

With a budgetary support of Rs 40,000 crore, the initiative aims to leverage investments of Rs 12 lakh crore over the next decade, driving infrastructure development, coastal economic growth, and job creation. Aligning with the vision of a Viksit Bharat and Atmanirbhar Bharat by 2047, Sagarmala 2.0 will accelerate port-led development and strengthen India's position as a global maritime leader.

Launched on March 19th 2025, the Sagarmala Startup Innovation Initiative (S2I2) is a transformative program designed to foster innovation and entrepreneurship in India’s maritime sector. S2I2 supports startups in green shipping, smart ports, maritime logistics, shipbuilding technology, and sustainable coastal development by providing funding, mentorship, and industry partnerships.

Anchored in the principles of RISE—Research, Innovation, Startups, and Entrepreneurship- S2I2 will drive technological advancements, enhance industry competitiveness, and accelerate economic growth. Together with Sagarmala 2.0, this initiative reinforces India’s commitment to maritime excellence and sustainable coastal development, paving the way for a globally competitive and future-ready maritime ecosystem.

Objectives of the Sagarmala Programme

With a strategic focus on port modernization, connectivity, industrialization, and skill development, the Sagarmala Programme is also unlocking new avenues for economic expansion, positioning India as a global maritime powerhouse. Sagarmala's vision can have a potentially transformative impact on India’s logistics competitiveness and the wider economy.