Govt to launch Sagarmala 2.0 with fresh funding to address infrastructure gaps, says Sonowal
The government is preparing to launch Sagarmala 2.0, a new phase of its flagship maritime development program, with additional funding aimed at bridging critical infrastructure gaps, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, announced on Wednesday.
Speaking at the 4th National Sagarmala Apex Committee (NSAC) meeting in New Delhi, Sonowal revealed that the government has already invested Rs 5.79 lakh crore in 839 projects under the ongoing Sagarmala initiative. This investment is part of the government’s broader effort to transform the maritime sector.
“The Modi government remains committed to the transformation of India’s maritime sector,” Sonowal stated. The meeting also reviewed the progress of key projects under Sagarmala, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways’ (MoPSW) flagship program.
“As we advance toward Sagarmala 2.0, our focus will be on closing critical infrastructure gaps with new investments, fostering coastal economic growth, and positioning India as a global maritime leader,” he added.
Sagarmala 2.0 represents an ambitious upgrade of the original program, with a renewed focus on shipbuilding, repair, and recycling industries. The current phase of Sagarmala is expected to conclude in 2026.
Backed by Rs 40,000 crore in budgetary support, the second phase aims to generate investments of up to Rs 12 lakh crore over the next decade.
According to an official statement, 234 port modernization projects, valued at Rs 2.91 lakh crore, are currently underway under the Sagarmala program, with 103 projects already completed, adding 230 MTPA (Million Tonnes Per Annum) capacity. Additionally, 279 connectivity projects worth Rs 2.06 lakh crore are being implemented, with 92 of them completed, improving 1,500 kilometers of port links.
Under the port-led industrialization initiative, 14 projects valued at Rs 55,000 crore are in progress, with nine already completed.
Sonowal also launched a new consortium aimed at expanding India’s port footprint and enhancing supply chain efficiency.
The NSAC, formed in May 2015, is the primary body responsible for planning and overseeing port-led development under the Sagarmala project. The committee includes senior officials from MoPSW, NITI Aayog, the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, and other relevant ministries, as well as representatives from states and Union Territories.
