The Sagarmala project is one of the pioneer initiatives launched by the government of India with the objective of enhancing connectivity at the Ports of India. Sagarmala is an ambitious national initiative aimed at bringing about a step change in India’s logistics sector performance by unlocking the full potential of India’s coastline and waterways. The vision of Sagarmala is to reduce logistics costs for both domestic and EXIM cargo with optimized infrastructure investment.

Source: GoI

In this article on the Sagarmala Project UPSC, we shall discuss its features, benefits, objectives, implementation status, and a few other aspects in detail. This will be very useful for aspirants in the UPSC IAS Examination.

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Latest News 

• In January 2024, the MoPSW announced the identification of 100 Sagarmala projects in Andhra Pradesh. The total investment is ₹1 trillion. This is expected to boost port infrastructure, logistics, and economic activity in the state.
• In December 2023, the government reported that the Sagarmala project pipeline had doubled in size. It encompassed 1,537 projects with a total estimated cost of ₹6.5 trillion. This expansion suggests continued commitment to developing port infrastructure and coastal connectivity.
• The government aims to complete projects worth ₹2 trillion under the Sagarmala plan by 2024. This signifies progress towards achieving the initiative's objectives.

• Sagarmala Seaplanes Services: In December 2023, SpiceJet launched seaplane services connecting Guwahati with Umranso in Meghalaya. This marked a step towards enhancing regional connectivity through the Sagarmala project.
• Coastal Economic Zones (CEZs): The government is finalizing guidelines for the development of CEZs under the Sagarmala project. This aims to attract investments and create jobs in coastal areas.
• Digitalization Initiatives: The Sagarmala project is focusing on implementing digitization initiatives. This helps improve port efficiency and transparency. The initiatives include the Port Community System (PCS) and paperless cargo movement.

What is Sagarmala Project?

The Sagarmala Project is a massive infrastructure development initiative. It was launched by the GoI in 2015. It aims to transform India's coastal infrastructure, enhance port connectivity, and boost maritime trade and connectivity. It aims to create a seamless network of ports, waterways, and associated infrastructure that will position India as a global maritime hub.

Fig: Ports Under Sagarmala Project Map

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Objectives of the Sagarmala Project

• The most basic aim of this project is to enhance the infrastructure and growth of the ports in India, thereby boosting connectivity and commercial perspex across the entire coastline of India.
•  This will have a huge impact on enhancing the economic growth and productivity of India because the commercial interests between the different states of India and between India and other nations will improve drastically.
•  The project aims to reduce the logistics cost across the various ports of India and also to enhance the participation of the private sector in the development of Indian ports.
•  It aims to enhance the optimisation of the model mix in India, thereby creating an optimal balance between the usage of the roads, inland waterways, railways and air transport in India.
•  It also has an objective to enhance the prospects of creating an industrial ecosystem in close contact with the ports, thereby reducing logistical costs.
• The development of manufacturing clusters in close proximity to the ports will also be boosted under this project.

Study about the Inland waterways in India here.

Key Components of the Sagarmala Project

The key components of the Sagarmala program include the following:

Port Modernization & New Port Development

• Upgrading and expanding existing ports and constructing new ports to enhance their capacity and efficiency.
• This includes the removal of bottlenecks and the introduction of modernization, mechanization, and computerization in port operations.

Port Connectivity Enhancement

• Improving the connectivity between ports and the hinterland. This optimizes the cost and time of cargo transportation.
• This involves developing multi-modal logistics solutions, such as utilizing inland waterways and coastal shipping. This facilitates seamless movement of goods.

Port-linked Industrialization

• Establishing industrial clusters near ports to promote economic development and reduce logistics costs.
• These clusters can attract industries that rely on efficient transportation and benefit from proximity to ports.

Coastal Community Development

• Ensuring the sustainable development of coastal communities. This is by providing skill development and livelihood generation opportunities.
• This includes initiatives to support fisheries development, promote coastal tourism, and improve the overall well-being of the local population.

Coastal Shipping & Inland Waterways Transport

• Encouraging the use of coastal and inland waterways for cargo transportation. This reduces reliance on road and rail networks.
• This mode of transportation is environmentally friendly. It can help reduce congestion on roads and railways.

Learn more about the National Waterways in India!

Sagarmala Project Current Status

• A total of 802 projects worth Rs. 5.53 lakh crore are part of the Sagarmala Programme.
  • Out of these, 172 projects worth Rs. 88,235 crore have been completed.
  • 235 projects worth a significant amount are currently under implementation.
• Completed Projects: These projects focus on various aspects like port modernization (4 projects), port connectivity (14 projects), coastal shipping and inland waterways (2 projects), and other areas.
• Under Implementation: Many projects are currently under development, including those related to port modernization, connectivity infrastructure (roads and railways identified in the Comprehensive Port Connectivity Plan - CPCP), coastal shipping, skill development, and fisheries harbor development.

The government is actively working on improving port connectivity through a network of roads and railways to enhance logistics efficiency. The recently prepared CPCP by DPIIT has identified over 100 new connectivity gaps for potential inclusion.

Achievements of the Sagarmala Project

• Development of Coastal Economic Zones (CEZs): The project aims to establish CEZs. These are industrial clusters located near ports and coastal areas. These CEZs are expected to attract investments, generate employment, and boost economic growth in the coastal regions.
• Port Modernization and Capacity Enhancement: The project has facilitated the modernization and capacity enhancement of ports. It helps handle larger vessels and increased cargo volumes. This includes infrastructure development, mechanization, and implementation of technology-driven solutions.
• Coastal and Inland Shipping Promotion: The project has focused on promoting coastal and inland shipping as a cost-effective and environment-friendly mode of transport. This has led to the development of new shipping routes, navigation aids, and infrastructure for cargo movement.
• Skill Development and Employment Generation: The project has emphasized skill development and training programs to create a skilled workforce for the maritime sector. This has resulted in employment generation and improved livelihood opportunities for coastal communities.
• Policy Reforms and Streamlining Regulations: The project has facilitated policy reforms and streamlined regulations to promote ease of doing business in the maritime sector. This includes measures to simplify procedures, reduce paperwork, and enhance transparency.

Significance of the Sagarmala Project

• As India has a long coastline of 7500 km, it becomes quite evident that port connectivity will play a very significant role in enhancing economic growth and development prospects across the nation.
•  This project will help foster economic growth across the entire nation thereby fulfilling the government’s objective of ‘Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas’.
•  This will play a significant role in enhancing the prospects of realising the vision of an Atmanirbhar Bharat or a self-reliant India.
• The significance of the port development is also very important from the fact that 95% of India’s merchandise trade occurs through the seaports by volume.

Learn more about the National Water Mission!

Issues Faced by the Sagarmala Project

• The acquisition of land for infrastructure development projects, especially in coastal areas, can be a complex process due to legal, environmental, and social considerations.
• Some aspects of the project, such as the construction of new ports and infrastructure, may have environmental implications. It is crucial to balance development goals with environmental sustainability and conservation.
• The successful implementation of the project requires effective coordination among various stakeholders and adequate funding. Ensuring seamless coordination and securing necessary financial resources can be a challenge.
• Implementing advanced technologies and ensuring smooth operations of ports and shipping routes require significant investment and expertise.
• Way Forward
• Enhancing coordination among central and state agencies, port authorities, and private sector players will be crucial for the successful implementation of the project.
• Incorporating sustainable development practices, including environmental safeguards and social impact assessments, will help address concerns and ensure long-term benefits.
• Promoting PPPs can attract private investments, enhance efficiency, and accelerate project implementation.
• Continued focus on skill development and training programs will create a skilled workforce and address the requirement of the maritime sector.
• Adopting a holistic approach that integrates various components of the Sagarmala Project, such as port infrastructure development, coastal economic zones, and coastal shipping, will maximize the overall impact.

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