Government Launches Sagarmala 2.0 to Strengthen Maritime Infra

21 Mar 2025 CW Team

The Ministry is currently implementing 839 projects worth Rs 5.79 trillion under Sagarmala, with 272 projects completed at an investment of Rs 1.41 trillion. Among these, 234 port modernization projects worth Rs 2.91 trillion are underway, with 103 projects completed, adding 230 MTPA capacity. Additionally, 279 connectivity projects worth Rs 2.06 trillion have been taken up, with 92 completed, improving 1,500 km of port connectivity. Coastal community development and inland waterway projects worth Rs 260 billion have benefited over 30,000 fishermen.

Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, stated that Sagarmala has been instrumental in transforming India’s maritime sector. Under Sagarmala 2.0, the focus will be on bridging infrastructure gaps, boosting investments, and positioning India as a global maritime leader in line with the vision of a Viksit and Atmanirbhar Bharat by 2047. The new phase includes a stronger emphasis on shipbuilding, repair, recycling, and green shipping, backed by Rs 400 billion in budgetary support, with a goal of attracting Rs 12 trillion in investments over the next decade.

Sagarmala has already improved India’s logistics efficiency, with coastal shipping growing 118% in a decade, Ro-Pax ferries transporting over 40 lakh passengers, and inland waterway cargo increasing by 700%. Nine Indian ports now rank among the world’s top 100, with Vizag among the top 20 container ports.

A key highlight of the NSAC meeting was the launch of the Sagarmala Startup Innovation Initiative (S2I2), aimed at fostering research, innovation, startups, and entrepreneurship (RISE) in maritime logistics, shipbuilding, green shipping, and coastal infrastructure. This initiative will provide funding, mentorship, and industry partnerships to accelerate maritime sector advancements.

The meeting, chaired by Shri Sonowal, was attended by Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Shri Nitin Gadkari, NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Suman Bery, and representatives from coastal states and Union Territories. The discussion centered on policy directions for Sagarmala’s next phase, which aims to enhance port efficiency, reduce logistics costs, and promote coastal economic zones.

The government also reaffirmed its commitment to the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision (MAKV), which aims to position India among the top five shipbuilding nations, expand port handling capacity to 10 billion metric tons annually, and drive long-term growth in the maritime sector.

With the successful conclusion of the 4th NSAC meeting, India is set to further modernize its maritime infrastructure, enhance global competitiveness, and strengthen its position as a key player in the global shipping and logistics industry.

(PIB)

The 4th National Sagarmala Apex Committee (NSAC) meeting reviewed key projects under the Sagarmala Programme, the flagship initiative of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW). The meeting focused on port-led development and strengthening India’s maritime infrastructure. The Ministry is currently implementing 839 projects worth Rs 5.79 trillion under Sagarmala, with 272 projects completed at an investment of Rs 1.41 trillion. Among these, 234 port modernization projects worth Rs 2.91 trillion are underway, with 103 projects completed, adding 230 MTPA capacity. Additionally, 279 connectivity projects worth Rs 2.06 trillion have been taken up, with 92 completed, improving 1,500 km of port connectivity. Coastal community development and inland waterway projects worth Rs 260 billion have benefited over 30,000 fishermen. Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, stated that Sagarmala has been instrumental in transforming India’s maritime sector. Under Sagarmala 2.0, the focus will be on bridging infrastructure gaps, boosting investments, and positioning India as a global maritime leader in line with the vision of a Viksit and Atmanirbhar Bharat by 2047. The new phase includes a stronger emphasis on shipbuilding, repair, recycling, and green shipping, backed by Rs 400 billion in budgetary support, with a goal of attracting Rs 12 trillion in investments over the next decade. Sagarmala has already improved India’s logistics efficiency, with coastal shipping growing 118% in a decade, Ro-Pax ferries transporting over 40 lakh passengers, and inland waterway cargo increasing by 700%. Nine Indian ports now rank among the world’s top 100, with Vizag among the top 20 container ports. A key highlight of the NSAC meeting was the launch of the Sagarmala Startup Innovation Initiative (S2I2), aimed at fostering research, innovation, startups, and entrepreneurship (RISE) in maritime logistics, shipbuilding, green shipping, and coastal infrastructure. This initiative will provide funding, mentorship, and industry partnerships to accelerate maritime sector advancements. The meeting, chaired by Shri Sonowal, was attended by Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Shri Nitin Gadkari, NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Suman Bery, and representatives from coastal states and Union Territories. The discussion centered on policy directions for Sagarmala’s next phase, which aims to enhance port efficiency, reduce logistics costs, and promote coastal economic zones. The government also reaffirmed its commitment to the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision (MAKV), which aims to position India among the top five shipbuilding nations, expand port handling capacity to 10 billion metric tons annually, and drive long-term growth in the maritime sector. With the successful conclusion of the 4th NSAC meeting, India is set to further modernize its maritime infrastructure, enhance global competitiveness, and strengthen its position as a key player in the global shipping and logistics industry. (PIB)

Infrastructure Transport

16 Sep 2025

Metro Line 2B Phase 1 to Boost Realty in Mumbai’s Eastern Suburbs

Mumbai’s real estate sector is set for a major boost as Phase 1 of Metro Line 2B, between Mandale and Diamond Garden, nears completion. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has confirmed that mandatory rectifications are done, and inspections by the Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety (CMRS) have been carried out. The 5.39-km stretch with five stations forms part of the larger DN Nagar–Mandale corridor, designed to ease congestion and improve east–west connectivity. Passenger operations are expected by December 2025, with the full line slated for 2027. ..

Resources

16 Sep 2025

WattPower wins Best Inverter award at Global Solar Expo 2025

WattPower, a leading renewable energy solutions provider, has won the award for “Best Inverter in the Utility Segment” at the Global Solar Expo 2025. The recognition underscores the company’s commitment to delivering reliable, high-performance and future-ready solar solutions for large-scale projects. At the forefront of utility-scale solar, WattPower manufactures advanced string inverters that directly feed power into the Indian grid. With robust technology, high-quality components and comprehensive product lifecycle support, its solutions stand among the most sophisticated in the ..

Real Estate

16 Sep 2025

Awfis delivers 67,000 sq. ft. innovation hub for eBay in Bengaluru

Awfis Space Solutions, India’s largest flexible workspace provider and the first publicly listed workspace solutions platform, has partnered with eBay to establish a 67,000 sq. ft. innovation hub at Embassy Tech Village, Bengaluru. The mandate covers design, build and management of the new office, which will act as a strategic hub supporting diverse functions and accelerating eBay’s AI-first commerce strategy. The centre will focus on artificial intelligence, engineering, product development and applied research, strengthening eBay’s growth in India. Embassy Tech Village, North Beng..