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Sagarmala Programme Phase II — Govt Scheme for UPSC | Vaidra
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Sagarmala Programme Phase II

Ministry of Ports, Shipping and WaterwaysactiveinfrastructureLaunched: 2015-03-25

About the Scheme

Port-led development program with 839 projects worth ₹5.8 lakh crore by 2035. Focus on port modernization and connectivity.

Target Beneficiaries: 262 projects worth ₹1.4 lakh crore completed. 20 projects with ₹11,620 crore investment completed in 2023.

Implementing Agency: Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, various Major and Non-Major Port Trusts, State Maritime Boards, and other central/state agencies.

Official Website →

✦Key Features

  • Port Modernization & New Port Development focusing on increasing capacity and operational efficiency.
  • Port Connectivity Enhancement projects including last-mile road/rail connectivity to ports and inland waterways development.
  • Port-led Industrialization initiatives setting up manufacturing clusters and special economic zones near ports.
  • Coastal Community Development programs focusing on skill upgradation, fisheries, and coastal tourism.
  • Green Port Initiatives promoting environmental sustainability in port operations and infrastructure.
  • Strategic projects aimed at improving India's global maritime positioning and trade competitiveness.

✓Eligibility Criteria

  • Projects related to port infrastructure development and modernization.
  • Proposals for enhancing multimodal connectivity to and from ports.
  • Industrial units and economic zones seeking to establish near coastal areas for port-led growth.
  • Coastal states and Union Territories for integrated development projects.
  • Fishing communities and coastal populations for skill development and livelihood support programs.

★Benefits

  • Reduced logistics costs for domestic and international trade, boosting economic competitiveness.
  • Creation of significant employment opportunities in coastal regions through industrialization and infrastructure development.
  • Enhanced efficiency and capacity of Indian ports to handle larger cargo volumes and modern vessels.
  • Improved multimodal connectivity leading to faster and more reliable movement of goods.
  • Overall socio-economic development of coastal communities and promotion of the 'Blue Economy'.

▶Application Process

  • Identification and conceptualization of projects by various stakeholders (ports, states, private entities).
  • Preparation and submission of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
  • Technical and financial appraisal of projects by expert committees and relevant authorities.
  • Approval and sanction of projects based on feasibility, viability, and strategic importance.
  • Implementation of approved projects through various executing agencies (e.g., Port Trusts, State Maritime Boards, PPPs).
  • Regular monitoring and evaluation of project progress and outcomes.

₹ Budget Allocation

700

Funding Ratio (Centre:State): Mixed: Central Sector, State-funded, and PPP models (typically 50% grant for connectivity).

Exam Relevance

GS Paper: GS3

Prelims Relevance8%
Mains Relevance9%

Syllabus Tags

Infrastructure Development (Ports, Shipping, Road, Rail)Logistics and Supply Chain ManagementEconomic Growth and TradeCoastal Zone ManagementBlue EconomyPublic-Private Partnerships (PPP)Sustainable Development GoalsRegional Connectivity

Historical Context

Launched in 2015; Phase II expands the scope to over 800 projects with a 2035 horizon, focusing on deep-water ports and green shipping.

Exclusion Criteria

  • Projects not meeting the internal rate of return (IRR) threshold.
  • Non-major ports not willing to share 50% project cost where applicable.

Sub-Schemes

National Waterways Development

Development of inland navigation.

Sagarmala DDU-GKY Convergence

Skilling of coastal youth.

Challenges

  • Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) restrictions affecting project timelines.
  • Resistance from traditional fishing communities regarding habitat loss.
  • High capital requirement and dependency on Private-Public Partnership (PPP) models.

Reforms & Recommendations

  • Single-window clearance for coastal projects.
  • Development of 'Smart Port Cities' to prevent urban congestion around ports.

Performance Statistics

Metric

839

Source: Ministry of Ports

Metric

₹5.8 Lakh Crore

Source: PIB

Critical Analysis

Sagarmala Phase II transitions from basic port modernization to 'Port-led Industrialization' and 'Coastal Community Development'. While Phase I improved turnaround times, Phase II aims to reduce India's logistics cost from 14% to 8% of GDP. The major hurdle is the 'last-mile connectivity' where rail and road projects often face environmental clearance delays and land acquisition hurdles.

SDG Linkages

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and InfrastructureSDG 14: Life Below Water

Constitutional Backing

Entry 27, Union List (Ports)Entry 32, Union List (Inland waterways)

Technology Used

Port Community System (PCS 1x)NLP-Marine (National Logistics Portal)RFID tracking of containers

Success Stories

Ennore-KamaraJar Port Connectivity

Key Takeaways

  • Port Modernization & New Port Development.
  • Port Connectivity Enhancement.
  • Port-linked Industrialization.
  • Coastal Community Development.

Probable Questions

'Sagarmala is not just about ports, but about the prosperity of India's coastline.' Examine this statement in the context of the Blue Economy.

MediumVery High

Mains Answer Fodder

With a coastline of over 7,500 km, Sagarmala is the engine of India's 'Blue Economy'. It integrates with the 'PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan' to ensure multimodal connectivity, making Indian exports globally competitive.

Convergence Schemes

  • Bharatmala Pariyojana
  • PM Gati Shakti
  • Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFC)

Sector Tags

InfrastructureLogisticsShipping