Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways plans construction of major ports

As a part of Sagarmala Programme, more than 800 projects at an estimated cost of around 5.54 lakh crore have been identified for implementation.

The Sagarmala programme is the flagship programme of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways to promote port-led development in the country through harnessing India’s 7,500 km long coastline, 14,500 km of potentially navigable waterways and strategic location on key international maritime trade routes. The main vision of the Sagarmala Programme is to reduce logistics cost for EXIM and domestic trade with minimal infrastructure investment.

As a part of Sagarmala Programme, more than 800 projects at an estimated cost of around 5.54 lakh crore have been identified for implementation during 2015 to 2035. Sagarmala projects includes projects from various categories such as modernisation of existing ports and terminals, new ports, terminals, RoRo & tourism jetties, enhancement of port connectivity, inland waterways, lighthouse tourism, industrialization around port, skill development, technology centres, etc. These projects are broadly classified into five pillars of Sagarmala. Implementation of the projects under Sagarmala is to be done by the Central Line Ministries, State Maritime Boards, Major Ports and SPV preferably through the private sector and through Public private Partnership (PPP) wherever feasible.

Government of India has accorded approval for development of Major Port in Vadhavan on landlord Port development model due to its natural advantages and growing requirement of Import export trade of country. The Non-major ports are under the jurisdiction of respective State Maritime Boards/States Governments.About 119 Projects worth more than Rs 1 Lac Cr. have been identified under Sagarmala  Programme in the state of Andhra Pradesh for enhancing the infrastructure related to Port led Industrialization, Port Modernization, Port Connectivity enhancement, Coastal Community Development & Coastal Shipping and Inland Waterways.  These projects are implemented by Central Ministries, lWAl, Indian Railways, NHAI, State Government and Major Ports etc.There are 9 projects worth Rs. 1124 Cr partially funded through Sagarmala Programme. Out of these 9 Projects, 4 projects worth Rs 694 Cr have been completed, 3 projects worth Rs. 88 Cr. are under implementation and 2 projects worth Rs. 342 Cr. are under development.

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