SAGARMALA PROJECT, NATIONAL WATERWAYS AND COASTAL SHIPPING

An independent impact evaluation by the National Productivity Council covered Sagarmala projects across port modernization, connectivity, coastal community development and inland waterways, noting no projects sanctioned under the port‑led industrialisation pillar. In FY 2025‑26, cargo movement on National Waterways reached 218 million mt. The government approved a 35 % incentive scheme (Jalvahak) for cargo owners and scheduled services on NW‑1, NW‑2 and NW‑16 under the Indo‑Bangladesh Protocol. Major ports reduced average turnaround time to 48.84 hours (2025‑26) from 52.87 hours (2021‑22). The Union Budget 2026‑27 announced a Coastal Cargo Promotion Scheme aiming to raise the combined modal share of coastal shipping and inland waterways from 6 % to 12 % by 2047, and earmarked development of National Waterway‑5 in Odisha. Extensions of the tonnage‑tax scheme and new regulations for private investment in inland‑waterway terminals were also highlighted.