India boosts coastal infrastructure with 121 Sagarmala projects; 77 are completed, and Rs. 9,415 Cr has been allocated so far.
In a major infrastructure update, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has revealed that 121 projects have been taken up under the Centre’s flagship Sagarmala scheme, aimed at driving port-led development across India’s vast 7,500 km coastline and 14,500 km of navigable waterways.
Responding in writing to the Lok Sabha, the minister shared that the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways has committed ₹9,415 crore in funding for these projects. Of the total, 77 have already been completed, marking a strong stride toward enhancing port infrastructure, road and rail connectivity, coastal community welfare, cruise terminals, fishing harbours, and Ro-Pax ferry services.
The scheme also supports skill development and green initiatives, aligning with the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan launched in 2021. This integrated approach streamlines infrastructure execution across departments and states for greater impact.
To further bolster sustainability, the Centre has introduced the ‘Harit Sagar: Green Port Guidelines,’ setting a framework for major ports to lower their carbon footprint and adopt eco-friendly practices in line with global standards.
An independent third-party impact assessment of the Sagarmala scheme will also be conducted, as per Finance Ministry guidelines, at the end of the Finance Commission cycle.
India’s coastal ambitions are clearly gaining momentum, with strategic planning, green commitments, and a growing number of completed projects already shaping the future of maritime infrastructure.
Source: PIB
