Sagarmala
Context:
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has recently released an updated progress report highlighting the transformative impact of the Sagarmala Programme on India's maritime infrastructure.
The report notes record-breaking cargo handling volumes and outlines the formal progression towards the next massive investment phase, "Sagarmala 2.0".
Objectives:
Pillars:
Project Milestones and Investments:
The Sagarmala initiative is currently undertaking an unprecedented infrastructure push, implementing a total of 845 distinct projects worth an estimated ₹6.06 lakh crore.
Notably, 315 of these projects, valued at ₹1.57 lakh crore, have already been successfully completed and operationalized.
The strategic completion of seven dedicated coastal berth projects has directly added 9.84 million tonnes per annum to India's overall cargo handling capacity, significantly boosting operational efficiency at the shores.
Reflecting this newly operationalized capacity, India's major ports collectively handled a historic high of 915 million tonnes of cargo during the financial year 2025-26.
Sagarmala 2.0:
Building on these initial achievements, the government is now advancing Sagarmala 2.0.
Supported by a committed foundational fund of ₹85,482 crore, this next generation of the programme aims to act as a multiplier, expected to catalyze a further ₹3.6 lakh crore in maritime investments.
India's Broader Maritime Profile:
India relies on a massive coastline extending approximately 11,099 kilometres, which is further complemented by nearly 14,500 kilometres of potentially navigable inland waterways.
The maritime sector remains the absolute backbone of India's global and domestic trade.
Currently, an overwhelming 95% of the country's total trade by volume, and about 70% of its trade by value, is handled exclusively through maritime routes.
Port Infrastructure Breakdown:
The nation's maritime trade network is anchored by 12 major ports, which are administered directly by the central Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
These are supported by a vast network of over 200 non-major ports that fall under the jurisdiction of their respective State Maritime Boards or State Governments.
Together, they handle a diverse and critical cargo profile including crude oil, coal, containers, fertilizers, and agricultural commodities.