The Government of India, under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, is actively enhancing port-road connectivity through its ambitious Sagarmala Programme, aimed at unlocking the economic potential of India’s vast 7,500-kilometre coastline and inland waterways. The initiative is part of a long-term strategy to promote port-led development and reduce logistics costs by improving access to ports via road and rail.
As part of this endeavour, 11 port connectivity projects have been completed by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), with several others currently under implementation. The comprehensive list of projects, including details on cost and timeline performance, is publicly available through official government documentation (View Annexures).
The government has confirmed that no sanctioned port connectivity project under Sagarmala has been dropped or shelved, showcasing the consistent commitment to infrastructure development along the coastal and maritime corridors.
The Sagarmala Programme not only aims to decongest the overloaded rail and road networks but also seeks to uplift coastal communities by boosting employment, trade, and regional growth opportunities.
Geo Context & Relevance:
The port-road connectivity projects span across major coastal states including Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Kerala, linking industrial zones with key maritime gateways.
Impact on Urban Planning and Regional Development:
Enhanced port access will reduce congestion on traditional freight corridors, enable seamless cargo movement, and foster integrated regional development. Urban and regional planners view this as a catalyst for economic hubs near ports and an enabler for efficient land-use planning in emerging port cities.
Also Read: India’s Coastal Growth Accelerates: 121 Sagarmala Projects Underway with ₹9,415 Crore Investment