The progress of projects proposed under the Sagarmala 2.0 programme in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands was reviewed during a high-level meeting that examined the role of maritime infrastructure in strengthening the islands’ contribution to the national development vision.
The review focused on projects being undertaken by the Andaman and Nicobar Administration under the Sagarmala 2.0 initiative, a central programme aimed at modernising ports, strengthening coastal infrastructure and enhancing maritime logistics across India. The meeting assessed the current status of multiple projects in the shipping and port sectors, which have been identified as the principal drivers for the islands’ economic growth and connectivity.
During the presentation, officials from the administration outlined various initiatives currently being pursued under the programme, highlighting their potential to improve maritime connectivity and support broader economic activity in the archipelago. The projects are expected to play a significant role in enhancing the strategic and economic importance of the islands by strengthening port infrastructure and facilitating smoother movement of goods and passengers.
Shipping and port development has been identified as a key pillar in the islands’ contribution toward the broader objective of achieving a developed India, often referred to in policy frameworks as the Viksit Bharat vision. Given the geographical isolation of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands from mainland India, maritime infrastructure remains central to the region’s economic development, supply chains and connectivity.
Officials also indicated that the scope of development under the Sagarmala 2.0 framework has been expanded to include projects in the fishing and tourism sectors. These sectors are considered closely linked to maritime infrastructure and are expected to benefit significantly from improvements in ports, jetties, coastal facilities and logistics networks.
The inclusion of fishing-related initiatives reflects the administration’s focus on strengthening the livelihoods of coastal communities and improving the infrastructure available to fishermen in the islands. Enhanced facilities are expected to support better fish landing, storage and transportation systems, which could help increase the value of marine resources while ensuring smoother supply chains.
Tourism-related projects are also being aligned with the Sagarmala framework as part of the broader effort to develop the islands as a sustainable tourism destination. Maritime infrastructure such as passenger terminals, improved jetties and coastal transport networks are expected to support tourism growth by improving accessibility to various islands and tourist locations.
During the meeting, emphasis was placed on the need to ensure timely execution of the projects. The administration was directed to pursue the initiatives on a mission mode to facilitate early operationalisation and maximise the benefits of the programme. Accelerating project implementation is seen as essential to ensure that the islands are able to leverage the opportunities presented by the Sagarmala initiative.
Senior officials of the administration were present during the review, where the overall roadmap and project timelines were discussed. The meeting examined the potential of the proposed initiatives to strengthen maritime infrastructure, enhance economic activity and improve connectivity within the island chain.
The Sagarmala 2.0 programme represents an important component of India’s broader maritime strategy, aimed at transforming port-led development and strengthening coastal economies. For the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, where sea transport remains the primary link with the mainland, the programme is expected to play a critical role in improving infrastructure and supporting long-term regional growth.
Further progress on the projects will depend on coordination between various departments and timely execution of the planned initiatives, as the administration seeks to translate maritime infrastructure development into broader economic opportunities for the islands.
