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The Sagarmala Project

Envisioning to promote port led direct and indirect development and to provide infrastructure
to transport goods to and from ports quickly, efficiently and cost-effectively the Sagarmala
project is Indias new hope. The project aims to develop access to new development regions,
enhance connectivity with main economic centres and expanding rail, inland water, coastal
and road services. The first meeting of the National Sagarmala Apex Committee (NSAC)
held in October, 2015, New Delhi envisioned a total investment of INR 70,000 crore. The key
components of the Sagarmala Project are:
Port Modernisation: Transform existing ports into world class ports by modernisation
of port infrastructure and existing systems. Also ensure inter-agency coordination for
synergistic development at both major and minor ports.
Efficient Evacuation Systems: Develop efficient rail, road and coastal / IWT networks to the
hinterland and promote Inland / Coastal shipping as a most preferred mode of transportation.
Coastal Economic Development: Encourage coastal economic activity in coastal regions
by the development of coastal economic zones (CEZ), port based SEZs / FTWZs, captive
ancillary industries; and promotion of coastal tourism. These three outcomes will in turn be
supported by enabling policies, robust institutional structure and appropriate financing and
funding mechanism to ensure inclusive growth.

Jetty at Kavaratti,
Lakshadweep, a heavily
populated island with
shipping as its lifeline.

GeoGraphy and you September - october 2015

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