Important Indian Scheme · Ports & Shipping

Sagarmala Programme

A port-led development programme to harness India’s coastline and waterways for economic growth.

Launched
2015
Ministry
Ports, Shipping & Waterways
Coastline
~7,500 km
Approach
Port-led Development

Overview

The Sagarmala Programme was launched in 2015 by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways to promote port-led development in the country by 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 programme aims to reduce logistics costs for both domestic and EXIM cargo with minimal infrastructure investment. It rests on key pillars including port modernisation, port connectivity enhancement, port-led industrialisation and coastal community development.

Key Features & Objectives

  • ✓Port modernisation and development of new ports to boost capacity.
  • ✓Enhancing port connectivity through rail, road, inland waterways and pipelines.
  • ✓Port-led industrialisation by developing coastal economic zones (CEZs).
  • ✓Coastal community development including skill development and livelihood generation.
  • ✓Promotion of coastal shipping and inland water transport to reduce logistics costs.

Key Facts at a Glance

Launch Year 2015
Nodal Ministry Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
Coastline Leveraged ~7,500 km
Core Approach Port-led development
Key Pillars Modernisation, Connectivity, Industrialisation, Community development
Related Concept Coastal Economic Zones (CEZs)
Objective Reduce logistics cost & boost maritime trade
📝 Exam Focus: Note launch year (2015), the four pillars of port-led development, ~7,500 km coastline, and the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.

Practice MCQs

Q1. The Sagarmala Programme is associated with the development of:
A. Highways
B. Ports and coastal regions ✔
C. Airports
D. Railways
Q2. Sagarmala Programme was launched in which year?
A. 2014
B. 2015 ✔
C. 2016
D. 2017
Q3. The core approach of the Sagarmala Programme is:
A. Smart city development
B. Port-led development ✔
C. Rural electrification
D. Digital connectivity
Q4. Approximately how long is India’s coastline leveraged under Sagarmala?
A. 5,000 km
B. 6,500 km
C. 7,500 km ✔
D. 9,000 km
Q5. Which ministry implements the Sagarmala Programme?
A. Ministry of Road Transport
B. Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways ✔
C. Ministry of Commerce
D. Ministry of Defence