New Sagarmala 2.0 likely in budget with ₹75,000 cr push

Global maritime hub programme being reworked into a 10-year project to develop port infra

- Subhash Narayan

Sagarmala 2.0 will complement the ₹70,000-crore maritime package the government had announced in September.

(AFP)

The Centre is reworking the Sagarmala 2.0 initiative into a 10-year, ₹75,000-crore programme aimed at developing India into a global maritime hub with world-class ports and shipbuilding infrastructure, two persons aware of the matter said.

The newedition will complement the government's₹70,000-crore maritime package announced in September for building infrastructure to attract investment in shipbuilding, repairs, and breaking. This initiative also promotes domestic ship ownership and enhances port infrastructure.

The new version of Sagarmala 2.0, which was announced in March, will prevent duplication and emphasize extending financial aid to state governments to develop inland waterways and coastal regions, the first of the two persons said.

The reworked iteration, under discussion at the inter-ministerial level, may be included as part of the 2026-27 budgetary proposals, the second person added.