The Sagarmala Project is a flagship program of the Government of India aimed at modernizing the country’s ports and developing port-led infrastructure to accelerate economic growth. It was launched in 2015 under the Ministry of Shipping, which was later renamed as the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways in 2020.

The project focuses on promoting port-led development by harnessing India’s 7,500-km-long coastline, 14,500-km of navigable waterways, and the strategic location of ports to improve connectivity between various parts of the country and with other countries in the region. It aims to create a robust port infrastructure, modernize existing ports, develop new ports, and promote coastal shipping, inland waterways transport, and tourism along the coast.

The Sagarmala Project is expected to generate significant employment opportunities, boost trade and commerce, and enhance the competitiveness of India’s manufacturing and exports sectors.