Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shri Sarbananda Sonowal has informed that The Government of India has taken concerted efforts for expansion and modernization of Shipping Sector in the Country. Infrastructure development in the Shipping Sector is a continuous process. In the past three years, the Government has given a strong push to Shipping modernization, mechanization and digitalization, with a number of Ease of Doing Business initiatives. Infrastructure projects are mostly undertaken either through private investments (PPP projects) or through the Port’s Own Resources (IEBR). In addition, the Sagarmala Scheme intends to achieve the broad objectives of enhancing the capacity of Major and Non-Major Ports and modernizing them more efficient, thereby enabling them to become drivers of port led economic development. Non-Major Ports are under the jurisdiction of respective State Maritime Boards/State Governments.
Under Sagarmala Programme, Ministry provide financial assistance to State Government for port infrastructure projects, coastal berth projects, Road & Rail projects, fishery harbours, skill development projects, Coastal community development, International standard cruise terminal and unique & innovative projects such as Ro-Pax ferry services etc. Ministry has undertaken 123 projects under 5 pillars of Sagarmala worth Rs.7518 cr. Till date Ministry has sanctioned fund of Rs. 2995 cr and released Rs.1482 cr under Sagarmala Scheme.