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
