Sagarmala programme: 110 projects worth over ₹1 lakh crore identified in Andhra Pradesh to boost port-led growth

By Admin

15 Dec, 2025

Introduction
As part of the Centre’s flagship Sagarmala programme, Andhra Pradesh is set to witness a major boost in maritime and logistics infrastructure. The Union government has identified 110 projects in the state with an estimated investment exceeding ₹1 lakh crore, aimed at accelerating port-led industrialisation and strengthening India’s East Coast trade ecosystem.

Parliamentary disclosure and government vision
The details were shared in Parliament during the ongoing Winter Session by Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal. The information was provided in a written reply to questions raised by Nellore MP Vemireddy Prabhakar Reddy and Ongole MP Magunta Srinivasulu Reddy, highlighting the Centre’s strategy to develop Andhra Pradesh as a key logistics and maritime hub.

Wide-ranging project focus areas
The identified projects cover multiple critical segments essential for port-led growth. These include port modernisation, enhancement of port connectivity, development of coastal communities, promotion of coastal shipping, expansion of inland waterways, and creation of port-linked industrial clusters. Implementation is being carried out through coordinated efforts of Union ministries, the Inland Waterways Authority of India, the National Highways Authority of India, the Andhra Pradesh government, and the Visakhapatnam Port Authority.

Central funding and institutional coordination
Under the Sagarmala initiative, the Centre is partially funding nine projects in Andhra Pradesh with a total cost of ₹1,286 crore. To ensure smooth and coordinated execution, the State Maritime & Waterway Transport Committee has been constituted. This committee is responsible for aligning Central and State programmes, promoting inter-agency coordination, and ensuring comprehensive development of maritime and inland waterway transport infrastructure across the state.

National-level support and digital integration
At the national level, the Maritime State Development Council has been established under the chairmanship of the Union Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister. The council, comprising Ports Ministers from coastal States and Union Territories along with key line ministries, regularly reviews the progress of maritime infrastructure projects. Additionally, the launch of the National Logistics Portal–Marine, known as Sagar Setu, aims to digitally integrate maritime logistics stakeholders, reduce logistics costs, improve port efficiency, and enhance ease of doing business.

Strengthening Andhra Pradesh’s East Coast role
Together, these initiatives are expected to significantly elevate Andhra Pradesh’s role as a strategic logistics and maritime hub on the East Coast. By improving port infrastructure, connectivity, and digital coordination, the Sagarmala-backed projects are poised to support trade expansion, attract industrial investment, and drive long-term regional economic development.