The National Perspective Plan (NPP) for the Sagarmala Project has been released on April 14, 2016 taking into consideration the views and comments as submitted by various stakeholders including State Governments and public sector undertakings. The NPP is based on optimization of multi – modal transport options, minimizing time and logistical costs for several industries, lowering costs for bulk industries and import export competitiveness for several industries in the country. The NPP states that India is located on a strategically important location and is well connected to several international trade and commerce routes. The Ministry of Shipping (MoS) of the Government of India has stated that the implementation of the NPP shall lead to economic growth in the country by improving logistical and industrial infrastructure. The NPP identified specific opportunities for transport of specific commodities including thermal coal, fertilisers, food grain, cement and steel by shipping and inland waterways transportation. The NPP identifies critical areas such as development and modernisation of ports, port connectivity, port – led industrialization and skill development of coastal communities.
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