Sagarmala: 272 Projects to Boost India's Port Infrastructure

As part of the Sagarmala Programme, a total of 272 road and rail connectivity projects have been identified to strengthen port-linked infrastructure across India, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal informed the Rajya Sabha.

These projects are being implemented by key agencies including the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Ministry of Railways, Major Ports, and private concessionaires. Of the 272 projects, 74 have been completed, 67 are currently under implementation, and 131 are in various stages of development.

To oversee and guide the programme at the national level, a National Sagarmala Apex Committee has been formed to provide policy direction, facilitate high-level coordination, and monitor project planning and execution. Additionally, the Maritime States Development Council (MSDC) meets periodically to enhance coordination between central and state agencies involved in maritime infrastructure development.

In total, 839 projects have been identified under the Sagarmala initiative, with a cumulative estimated cost of ₹5.79 lakh crore. Of these, 119 projects worth ₹2.42 lakh crore are being executed through the public-private partnership (PPP) model, while the remaining are funded via the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) mode through direct government investment.

To streamline financial governance and speed up project delivery, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has also revised the funding guidelines under the Sagarmala Scheme.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.