Sagarmala Initiative Boosts India's Port Capacity by 528 Million Tons Annually: Minister
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Synopsis
The Sagarmala programme has successfully completed 272 projects worth Rs. 1.41 lakh crores, enhancing India's port capacity by 528 million tonnes annually. The initiative aims to promote port-led development by leveraging the country's extensive coastline and waterways.
Key Takeaways
- 272 projects completed under Sagarmala.
- 528 million tonnes increase in port capacity.
- Focus on coastal community development.
- Partnership with various stakeholders.
- Plans for four port clusters and mega ports by 2047.
New Delhi, April 1 (NationPress) A total of 272 initiatives, with a cumulative value of approximately Rs. 1.41 lakh crores, have been finalized under the Centre’s flagship Sagarmala programme. Among these, 103 initiatives categorized under the modernisation pillar have successfully augmented the nation’s port capacity by over 528 million tonnes per year, as reported to Parliament on Tuesday.
The Sagarmala programme is a key initiative of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways aimed at fostering port-led development by utilizing India's extensive 7,500 km coastline, 14,500 km of navigable waterways, and its strategic position on critical international maritime trade routes, stated Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, in a written response to a query in the Rajya Sabha.
Overall, the Sagarmala Programme comprises 839 projects valued at Rs 5.79 lakh crores, segmented into five pillars: port modernisation, port connectivity, port-led industrialisation, coastal community development, and coastal shipping & inland water transport, according to the minister.
Implementation of these projects involves various stakeholders including Central Ministries, the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), Indian Railways, state governments, and major ports. The Coastal Community Development pillar specifically aims to enhance living standards for coastal populations by improving livelihood opportunities through skill development and access to sustainable economic activities, Sonowal elaborated.
A comprehensive skill gap analysis was undertaken across 21 coastal districts in 9 states and 3 Union Territories, notably including Odisha and Tamil Nadu.
In May 2017, the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) and MoPSW signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to facilitate the training of the coastal workforce under the DDU-GKY Sagarmala Convergence Programme. The first phase of this initiative was piloted from 2016 to 2018 in five states: Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Odisha, and Tamil Nadu. A total of 2,079 candidates received training, with 1,243 securing employment, reported the minister.
In response to another inquiry, the minister mentioned that the Central government plans to establish four port clusters, including the Cochin-Vizhinjam Port cluster, Galathea South Bay Port, Chennai-Kamarajar-Cuddalore Port cluster, and Paradip alongside other non-major port clusters, which will collectively possess a capacity exceeding 300 million tonnes per annum (MTPA). Additionally, two port clusters, namely Deendayal and Tuna Tekra Port cluster and Jawaharlal Nehru-Vadhavan Port cluster, are set to be developed into mega ports with capacities exceeding 500 MTPA by 2047.
