Syllabus: GS3/ Infrastructure
In Context
- The 4th National Sagarmala Apex Committee (NSAC) Meeting was held under the chairmanship of Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal to review the Sagarmala Programme and discuss the roadmap for Sagarmala 2.0.
Key Highlights
- Introduction of Sagarmala 2.0:
- An upgrade of the Sagarmala Programme with a new focus on shipbuilding, repair, breaking, and recycling.
- ₹40,000 crore budgetary support to drive fresh investments.
- Supports Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision (MAKV 2047) which aims to position India among the world’s top five shipbuilding nations.
- Launch of Sagarmala Startup Innovation Initiative (S2I2):
- Aims to boost Research, Innovation, Startups, and Entrepreneurship (RISE) in the maritime sector.
- Encourages green shipping, smart ports, logistics tech, shipbuilding, and coastal sustainability.
- Provides funding, mentorship, and industry partnerships for maritime startups.
- Impact on India’s Maritime Growth:
- Coastal shipping increased by 118% in a decade.
- Inland waterway cargo rose by 700%.
- 9 Indian ports rank among the world’s top 100, with Vizag in the top 20 container ports.
About Sagarmala Programme
- Launched in 2015, it is a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW).
- It aims to accelerate economic development by leveraging India’s 7,500 km long coastline and 14,500 km of potentially navigable waterways.
- And, to reduce logistics costs for both domestic and EXIM (export-import) cargo while improving port efficiency and coastal trade.
- The Sagarmala Programme is based on five key pillars: port-led industrialization, port modernization, port connectivity, coastal shipping & inland waterways, and coastal community development, aimed at reducing logistics costs, boosting trade efficiency, and strengthening India’s maritime sector.
Source: PIB
